A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a geographically defined urban area which contains primarily non-residential properties. In New Brunswick, BIA boundaries usually encompass the area which has traditionally been considered the “downtown” of a community. The BIA concept provides a framework for organized business communities to cooperatively design and manage; promotional campaigns, beautification and upgrading programs and various other revitalization initiatives.
The BIA concept is a self-help approach to revitalizing business districts. It requires a substantial investment of time and financial resources on the part of the business people involved. Past experience has demonstrated that when the members are seriously committed to the BIA approach, it will almost certainly be successful.