Get Involved
- Register to be a Member
As the largest business improvement association in British Columbia, the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA) is proud to represent a 90–block downtown area comprising over 8,000 businesses.
Recognized as the voice of downtown business, the DVBIA champions for a vibrant, healthy and diverse downtown. Our vision is that by 2012 Vancouver will be recognized as having North America’s #1 business-friendly downtown core and be a premier destination for Lower Mainland residents for business, shopping and entertainment.
Membership with the DVBIA is an investment in the downtown community.
Our Association leads in providing member-driven programs and services in the areas of advocacy, protection and enhancement of property, public safety, cleanliness, beautification and marketing downtown Vancouver.
Membership Benefits:
- Members are well informed about issues that impact downtown businesses.
- Join one of our committees and help make a difference downtown.
- Enjoy extensive networking opportunities, such as luncheons with high profile Vancouver personalities and Downtown Libations, a member-exclusive networking social mixer.
- Provide feedback on important issues affecting downtown by taking part in our surveys.
- Receive our quarterly Downtown Matters newsletters and monthly e-newsletters.
- Increase your business profile with a free listing on our Online Business Directory.
- Visit our web site at: www.downtownvancouver.net with details of DVBIA news and events.
- Take advantage of DVBIA promotions and marketing.
- Free seminars and training sessions.
- Nominate voting members to serve on the Board of Directors.
- Vote at the Annual General Meeting.
Who's Eligible?
Those who are eligible to become members of the DVBIA own commercial/industrial property or own a business within the 90–block DVBIA area and have applied for voting member status and met the requirements of Article 4 of the Association’s By-laws. The following application must be completed and returned in order to qualify as a member in good standing of the DVBIA. Membership must be renewed annually.
Registering as a member will ensure that we have your contact information so that we can get publications and materials directly to you. There is no cost to register as members have already contributed through the BIA levy. Membership in the DVBIA entitles you to nominate voting members for consideration to serve on the Board of Directors and to vote at the Annual General Meeting.
To apply for DVBIA membership, fill out the form.
- Join a Committee
The DVBIA’s five-year strategic plan (2007-2012) contains specific milestones and goals focused in the areas of Advocacy, Safety & Security, Access & Mobility, Place Making, Marketing Downtown, DVBIA Image & Awareness and DVBIA Well-being.
Much of the DVBIA's mandate is realized through committees comprised of members who volunteer their time and expertise. The DVBIA's committees are aligned with each area of focus in its strategic plan, plus a few others.
They include:
- Advocacy
- Safety & Security
- Access & Mobility
- Place Making & Marketing
- Membership
- Mandate Renewal & Expansion
- Granville Street Re-design & Construction
- Appreciation Awards
- 2010 Winter Games
- Nominating Committee
The DVBIA is a member-driven organization so we encourage your involvement.
- Sponsor an Event
The DVBIA has a reputation for hosting high-quality, professional events that benefit our members. These include quarterly luncheons, quarterly Libations social networking events, our Annual General Meeting and our Downtown Ambassadors’ anniversary celebration.
DVBIA events offer professional development or networking opportunities for our members. They also generate revenue that enables us to run other programs. So, we rely on the partnership of sponsoring organizations to help us. We look for a strategic fit with our partners, both from the DVBIA’s and the sponsoring organization’s perspective.
Sponsorships range from $2,500-$5,000
Recognition opportunities vary by event, but can include speaking opportunities from the podium, signage, an online presence and a corporate table, at luncheons, for example.
For more information about upcoming sponsorship opportunities, contact Charles Gauthier, Executive Director, at 604-685-7811 or charles@downtownvancouver.net.
- Attend an Event
The DVBIA hosts high-quality, professional events that benefit our members. These include quarterly luncheons with prominent, relevant speakers and quarterly Libations social networking events.