The Idea Behind the iCBIG Directory 

Sectors that represent local capability, something needed to function well.

Instead of listing organizations by type alone, it groups businesses, institutions, and community groups into a systems that help the neighbourhood function, like food, mobility, learning, repair, culture, and care. 

This makes it easier for people to find partners, share resources, support local initiatives, and strengthen the resilience of the community together.

Local Capacity “Building Blocks”

Instead of a traditional directory (who sells what), this becomes:

A map of how the neighbourhood takes care of itself.

Sector Structure Directory

Food & Local Supply 

Grocers, restaurants, caterers, markets, food programs, urban agriculture

Identity message:
“How our neighbourhood feeds itself.”

Built Environment & Housing 

Construction, trades, architects, planners, real estate, retrofit groups

Identity message:
“How we shape the places we live and gather.”

Gathering Spaces & the Third Places 

Parks, cafés, gardens, libraries, community centres, faith spaces

Identity message:
“Where community life happens.”

Mobility & Transportation 

Transit, bike services, EV charging, car-sharing, accessibility transport

Identity message:
“How we move around together.”

Repair, Circular Economy & Waste 

Repair cafés, reuse programs, recyclers, maintenance services

Identity message:
“How we take care of what we already have.”

Health, Wellness & Care 

Doctors, dentists, pharmacies, yoga, counselling, seniors support, spiritual care, hair & personal services

Identity message:
“How we take care of each other,Include both clinical and social wellness.

Education, Learning & Skills 

Schools, training programs, research groups, mentorship networks

Identity message:
“How knowledge and leaning opertunaties through the neighbourhood.”

Arts, Culture & Local Identity 

Artists, musicians, galleries, museums, festivals, craftspeople

Identity message:
“How we express who we are.”

Local Business & Retail 

Shops, service providers, makers, neighbourhood entrepreneurs

Identity message:
“How we meet everyday needs locally.”

Professional & Technical Services 

Legal, accounting, consulting, architecture, engineering, insurance

Identity message:
“Local expertise supporting local action.”Often invisible but essential partners.

Finance & Community Investment 

Credit unions, planners, co-ops, social finance, grants support

Identity message:
“How local ideas get funded.”This category enables project activation.

Media, Communications & Storytelling 

Writers, designers, newsletters, radio, community media platforms

Identity message:
“How the neighbourhood talks to itself.”

Technology & Digital Infrastructure 

Apps, mapping tools, emergency tech, connectivity platforms

Identity message:
“The tools that help coordination happen.”Supports signal-sharing across the directory.

Institutions & Civic Partners 

City services, libraries, schools, churches, landlords, public agencies

Identity message:
“The structures that support community life.”Important bridge actors.

Community Groups 

Clubs, informal groups, Facebook groups, Neighbourhood initiatives

Identity message:
“The energy of the neighbourhood for a common good .

Jobs & Volunteer Networks

Youth, people who want to do but not lead, small defines actions exchange 

Identity message:
“Engaging the neighbourhood.”This is the activation layer of iCBIG

Why This Structure

Instead of sectors being static categories, they become:

Collaboration circles

People can say:
“I’m part of the Food system”
“I work in Gathering Spaces”
“I support Repair & Circular Economy”

To builds identity fast.

TAGS that's not listed yet are also important for finding what you need in the neighborhood and may be created by the people who are listing