The Essex Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an association of business people who have joined together to improve business for the more than 200 businesses and services in its jurisdiction.

Operating through a board of 8 individuals who own or work in downtown businesses, the BIA's primary function is twofold: one is to improve the physical environment of the area, and the other is assist with economic redevelopment of the local business community through area-wide promotion and advertising.