Founded in 1980, TABIA gives Toronto’s Business Improvement Areas a voice. From advocacy to collective bargaining TABIA actively advances the interests of its members.
TABIA works with all levels of government to actively advance the interests of Business Improvement Areas and create an environment in which their members can thrive. Be it parking issues, garbage, safety, taxes, or BIA legislation TABIA strives to look after the best interests of its members.
Each Toronto BIA is eligible for TABIA membership. All members in good standing may take advantage of the full range of benefits offered.
TABIA also offers exclusive membership discounts and various other benefits and privileges of real value.
The following are just some of the many advances made by TABIA:
TABIA has secured favourable rates for Directors & Officers Liability Insurance. Member BIA Boards can receive coverage under TABIA’s policy at a fraction of the going rate. Independently some BIAs have paid between $1,100 and $2,500 annually. Through this initiative, your board could be covered for between $250 and $1,000.
When the city legislated that BIAs would now be required to seek the services of a private firm to conduct their financial audits, TABIA proactively sought quotes on behalf of its members. The successfully coordinated RFP for audit services by TABIA means long term savings for BIAs. Savings to individual BIAs can range from a minimum of $1,000 to $2,500 based on the complexity of the BIAs operations.
TABIA offers member BIA staff access to Group Health Insurance with flexible benefit plans and customized comprehensive coverage.
With the partnership of the City of Toronto BIA office and HRDC, TABIA has collaborated in developing the first BIA operating Handbook which provides BIA Boards of Management with a quick reference resource on the day to day operations of a BIA.
As a member of TABIA, your BIA is automatically granted Ontario Business Improvement Area Association membership.
TABIA’s Citywide Program provides members the opportunity to promote themselves and their events in a variety of media at substantial savings. This is all made possible through careful negotiations and the generous assistance of our corporate sponsors.
All member BIAs are provided with a listing on the TABIA website. Each listing includes contact information and a direct link to the BIA’s website. TABIA’s website also offers an events calendar featuring all BIA events and festivals that take place throughout the year. As the TABIA site is linked to the City of Toronto site, members also receive the benefit of that link.
TABIA organizes several networking opportunities throughout the year for our membership to connect with one another. Examples include our Breakfast with the Mayor event, an informational venue for BIAs and their members to meet and learn with Toronto’s Mayor, and TABIA’s Annual Awards Night, a night of celebrating various BIAs and their achievements throughout the year.