ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION
The Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association (DSBIA) has been in existence since 2006 when local Squamish businesses came together as a collective voice for downtown. Surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Sea to Sky, the DSBIA’s catchment area is located between Pemberton Avenue, north and Westminster Street to the south, bookend between Loggers Lane and Second Ave to the east and west.
OUR OVERALL GOAL
The DSBIA’s long term goal is to diversify the downtown economy by attracting new businesses and people to the downtown core. In short, we want to help bring more awareness and foot-traffic to our downtown businesses. The DSBIA collectively promotes and supports downtown businesses through communications, marketing campaigns and hosting events that bring people together and into our merchant’s businesses. If you are a new downtown business, please contact us for more information on what the DSBIA can do for you. Download the 2022 – 2026 Strategic Plan [PDF]
LOBBYING
The DSBIA maintains a positive working relationship with the Mayor, Council and staff of the District of Squamish, the Squamish Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Squamish and the Squamish Arts Council supporting downtown businesses’ interests. We are advocates for you! Downtown Businesses Members are encouraged to share their ideas and/or concerns with the DSBIA through the Executive Director and Board Directors.
WHERE OUR FUNDING COMES FROM
The annual operating budget is provided by the District of Squamish through a levy applied to the annual taxation of downtown property owners and we apply for annual grants to support various projects. With our limited annual budget, the DSBIA actively leverages sponsorship opportunities, grants and additional community funding from public and private partners. All funds raised go directly towards downtown programming, marketing and events to promote and provide awareness for our Downtown businesses.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Headed by an elected President and Board of Directors, the day to day operations of the DSBIA is run by the Executive Director who receives support and direction from the Board. The board is made up of Downtown Squamish business people and owners. We are always looking for new members to join. Email us to find out how you can become involved.
