In this Issue:

Last Call for Downtown Strategic Plan Engagement Form
Downtown London is starting the process of reviewing and updating its Strategic Plan for 2027-2031. This plan will help to guide the next Board of Directors in its leadership of the organization following the upcoming municipal election and Board approval.

As part of this process, we are taking a high-level approach to understand which elements of the current plan should be maintained and which may need to evolve. Your participation in this feedback form is an integral component of our engagement process.

📌 Monday, May 11 will be the last day to complete the form!
Complete the feedback form here

Q1 2026 updates
Read the full Q1 2026 letter here
Learn more about Q1 insights and analytics here

Advocacy for Downtown Businesses
Downtown London advocates for the conditions businesses need to succeed.

We work to ensure the experiences, challenges, and priorities of downtown businesses and property owners are brought forward clearly and constructively to decision-makers. Our advocacy is rooted in one core principle: putting our members first while helping to create a downtown environment where businesses can grow, invest, and thrive.
Take a look at our new Advocacy Page here

MAKE THE MOST OF THIS CONTEST!
Here are some ideas and digital resources to help you promote Shop Downton London 2 Win over the next 5 weeks.
⭐️ GET SOCIAL!
Add a mention of the contest to your social posts or stories once a week.

Restaurant example:
How does winning $500 sound for dessert?

Until June 14 every receipt of $15 or more can be entered into the Shop Downtown London 2 Win contest for a chance to win $500! 🤑   For full contest rules visit ShopDTL2WinON.com

Retail example:  
What would you buy if you won $2000?!

Until June 14 every receipt of $15 or more can be entered into the Shop Downtown London 2 Win contest for a chance to win $500! 🤑   For full contest rules visit ShopDTL2WinON.com
⭐️ SPREAD THE WORD
Add this graphic to your website or include it in any newsletter you may be sending to clients.

Suggested Subject Line:
There are $1000 good reasons to come see us before June 14!

(Feel free to use the graphics below, other sizes available upon request.)
⭐️ OTHER PROMO IDEAS
1. Promote your gift cards
This is another way for your customers to collect more receipts of $15 or more before the contest ends.

2. Upsell
Suggest something else when a customer is close to, but not quite at the required $15 minimum spend so that their receipt qualifies as an entry.

📌 If they decline you can pivot to a reminder that they can still enter by writing an online review about your business instead (see below).

3. Create a “LoveLocal2Win Special” or “Value Package”
If clients don’t normally spend $15 at your establishment.

For example, offer a 1/2 lb. of coffee at a slightly discounted rate for customers who are buying something else.
⭐️ ONE ONLINE REVIEW = ONE ENTRY
Don’t forget that people can also enter this contest with online reviews about your business.

So don’t be shy about asking for reviews – especially since they can be as short as 6 words!

This also allows people to participate if you don’t issue receipts. 😉

Good luck and have fun!

Judith Smith (Judith@DowntownLondon.ca)
Manager, Public Realm & Activations, The Downtown London BIA

A Small Business Workshop to Win During Major Events
From the Calgary Stampede, TIFF, and SailGP Halifax to Toronto and Vancouver set to be host cities for the big tournament, Canada is set to welcome the world for major cultural and sporting events. For small businesses, this presents an incredible opportunity to turn global attention into local foot traffic and new revenue.

This free virtual workshop, presented by Digital Main Street and Google Canada, is designed to empower small businesses to capitalize during major event moments. Learn how to optimize your Google Business Profile, share real-time updates to attract new customers, and ensure your business is discoverable when it matters most.

📌 Wednesday, May 13 • 1 PM EDT • FREE
Learn more and reserve a spot here