We need your feedback!
London Downtown Business
Association Annual Survey
We are pleased to announce the launching of LDBA Members’ Annual Survey. We want to hear from as many of our members as possible because your feedback is important to us!
Why this survey is important to you:
Your feedback helps us understand what programs and services are important to you and your business. This input will help guide London Downtown Business Association’s 2023 work plan and budget.
Understand what is working and not working for our members based on the 2021/2022 programs London Downtown Business Association has delivered to continuously improve them.
What is the most effective and efficient way to share communications with our 1400+ members on new programs, opportunities and updates to help grow your business and bottomline. Please note that the individual answers and responses that members provide, whether that be provided electronically will not be shared publicly and will remain CONFIDENTIAL and used only to tabulate the collection of results. Any results shared publicly will be done so in aggregate.
This survey should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. If you have any questions about the survey or would like to talk to a team member, please reach out to Hailey at members@downtownlondon.ca.
We thank everyone for taking the time to complete this survey and appreciate your feedback!
Survey: Annual General Meeting 2022
The 2021 Annual General Meeting seemed to be a big success based off of our attendance and feedback we received. The team at LDBA would like your thoughts for the 2022 Annual General Meeting that will take place this Fall. Please take the time to fill out this short one question survey to let us know if you’d prefer this meeting to be in person or virtual.
Shop Local 2 Win
It’s back! We’re delighted to announce a new marketing promotion to help encourage people to support businesses in the city of London. ShopLondon2Win begins July 18, 2022.
How does it work?
For 6 weeks, there will be a weekly $1,000 draw from all the photos of shopping receipts uploaded to the contest website. $500 is kept by the winner and $500 is shared with the business that issued the winning receipt. That means you get multiple chances to win $500 every week!
Every Receipt of $20 or more = One Entry.
This encourages people to:
– Shop more
– Spend more and
– Try new businesses in our area
ShopLocal2Win has proven to generate up to $100,000 of additional spending at local businesses and we’re excited to see what it will do for London.
Your business is already included in this fun and easy contest!
Our team has been distributing marketing materials this past week to all businesses within the district. Have we missed you? Please reach out to marketing@downtownlondon.ca or stop by our office located at 123 King Street to pick up materials like posters, information sheets, tent cards and buck slips!
Propel: Moving Business Forward
The London Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with The Achievement Centre, has launched Propel:Moving Business Forward, a series of free workshops and
coaching for small and medium sized businesses to promote economic recovery. The programming, which will allow up to 50 businesses to participate, will help businesses that were negatively impacted by the pandemic. It is designed to support businesses in the hardest hit sectors and help them move forward and thrive.
The deadline to apply is July 31st, 2022.
Property Damage Grant 2022
The LDBA is offering businesses a one time grant to help members with costs incurred to maintain business facade safety and security features. Costs associated with front facade repairs since January 1, 2022 will be eligible to apply to receive up to a maximum grant of $1,250. This grant will be available until December 1, 2022 or until supplies last.
For questions regarding eligibility and application process, please reach out to Hailey at members@downtownlondon.ca or Vicki at vicki@downtownlondon.ca for further information.
2022 Patio Improvement Grant 2.0
It’s back! The 2022 Patio Improvement Grant 2.0 has been approved through the London Community Recovery Network and Council for the second year in a row. This grant assists property owners and businesses in BIAs with enhancing and improving outdoor patios. It can also provide improved patio experience through supporting the integration of live performances.
Learn more about how it works, eligibility, the application process and more by following the link below.
Provincial and Federal Tax Credit Programs
The Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit supports business investment, economic growth and job creation in designated regions across the province that lagged in employment growth between 2009 and 2019. It is a 10% refundable Corporate Income Tax credit for corporations that invest more than $50,000 to construct, renovate or acquire eligible commercial and industrial buildings in these regions. The Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit will:
- Help address regional disparities by bringing greater opportunities and prosperity to businesses, workers and families in these communities
- Help attract investments, boost growth and create jobs by supporting businesses, including those that are recovering from COVID‑19, to expand and grow
To learn more information about this program, check out the resources below.
2022 Construction Dollars
Londoners can receive Core Area Construction Dollars from the Downtown London Business Association and Old East Village BIA, as well as participating businesses, through contests, giveaways, events and promotions.
Construction Dollars are coupons in $5, $10 and $20-dollar amounts that can be redeemed at participating businesses in the core area. Businesses are reimbursed 100 percent of the value of each Construction Dollar through the Core Area Action Plan. Valid Construction Dollars are marked with the year “2022” and can be spent between now and November 30, 2022.
How can businesses and customers get Construction Dollars? Construction Dollars cannot be purchased and are distributed by the Downtown London Business Association, Old East Village BIA and their merchants. Londoners are encouraged to follow the Old East Village BIA and Downtown London Business Association on social media for opportunities to win construction dollars.
If you are interested in receiving 2022 Construction Dollars for your own promotions and contests, please reach out to members@downtownlondon.ca.
Recording: Core Area Summer Forum
On June 22 from 6 to 7 p.m, the City of London held the Core Area Summer Forum, where City staff provided updates related to the Core Area Action Plan and new strategies and programs coming to Old East Village and Downtown. You will also hear about actions to reduce Core Area vacancies, incentives and funding programs available to business owners, updates related to the Ambassador program and summer events and activations.
To learn more about Core Area Updates and Engagement Opportunities,
head to: www.getinvolved.london.ca/corearea.
Core Area Safety Audit Grant Program
The City of London has released the new Core Area Safety Audit Grant. This program is focused on assisting property owners and tenants with making safety improvements to their building — including exterior lighting, exterior security cameras, and storefront gates to close front entrance alcoves and recessed entryways when the ground floor business is closed, or the building is vacant.
The Core Area Safety Audit Grant Program helps cover a portion of the cost for making safety improvements to property. The one-time grant will cover 50% of the cost of the improvements — up to a maximum of $10,000.
Reach out to CIPincentives@london.ca to learn more about accessing this financial opportunity
Downtown Dollar Gift Cards
Downtown Dollars encourage local spending and are a great gift for the “tough to shop for” people in your life. Sign up here to receive Downtown Dollar Gift Cards as a method of payment from customers. Reach out to members@downtownlondon.ca for gift card set up and assistance!
Financial Assistance
Click here for information grants and loans available to small businesses.