Better Way Alliance
Where good business grows.
Why Do Good Jobs Matter?
Better Way Alliance member businesses…
- Recirculate 2-4x more revenue locally than large chains
- Sustain 1,600 high-quality jobs
- Add >5% to monthly profit compared to peers – thanks to their employment practices
- Attract new workers with 50% less effort than non-decent-work companies
Our business philosophy is simple – create good jobs, build strong businesses, unlock a stronger Canadian economy that can better weather global chaos.
Discover our Canadian Business Members
We’re growing our membership from coast to coast to coast. Find your local BWA business members in our directory.
From charming cafes to grocery, manufacturing and professional services – find your local Better Way Alliance business members and support businesses creating good local jobs – and re-investing back into their communities.
Every time you buy from a BWA business, you’re supporting good jobs & business owners who believe that we’re better when we work together.
Why Join yet Another Business Group?
Well, we’re not just another business group – and you’re not just another business owner. Our network is recognized for providing high-quality jobs, being socially responsible, and running profitable businesses. We believe that good jobs build strong businesses and a better Canadian economy.
Align your brand with ours and enjoy the prestige & camaraderie of being part of Canada’s only ethical employer network. We highlight our members in storytelling, media, and our directory – and provide social proof that your business model simply works.
Connect with other business owners making bold choices, innovating, and investing in their future by creating good local jobs.
Is Your Business Being Affected by Commercial Rent Increases?
You’re not alone. Our latest report highlights that, between 2019-2024, retail rents in Toronto spiked from $19 to almost $50 per square foot. Along with that, severe insurance hikes and rising utilities are creating a Fixed Cost Crunch.
As more commercial properties consolidate into fewer hands, the fundamental needs of commercial tenants continue to be ignored. Our report calls for 3 simple solutions:
1) Municipal Governments encouraging developers to build right-sized retail. 400-1200 square foot spaces that represent the space needs of small and micro-businesses.
2) Provincial Governments to adopt elements of our Commercial Renter Bill of Rights to protect retail tenants in a system that offers them zero protections in the first place.
3) The Canadian Government to improve access to capital so business owners can purchase their storefront and remove their business from volatile rent markets.
We create innovative policy concepts to help governments identify systemic changes that help businesses create quality jobs.
We create business-friendly tools that help businesses invest in workforce development that supercharges inclusive economic growth.
We’re applied researchers with educational and industry partners who test the best ways to boost Canada’s SME productivity and local community wealth.
We provide a platform & community for business owners to connect and build stable business foundations through Good Jobs and community engagement.
You’re in Good Company
Tap into a network of innovative employers sharing great employment practices and real-world resources, and contribute to better government regulations that really help small businesses across Canada.
- 96 employers across Canada, from BC to Newfoundland
- Almost 40 professional services businesses, including consulting, creative writing, IT and aesthetics
- 16 retailers
- 15 foodservice & breweries
- 13 manufacturers
- Plus plenty of others, including food banks, non-profits, and tourism operators
Check out our full directory for the businesses in your industry that are paving the way in employment standards.
THE LOCAL ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE
Good Jobs businesses create better workplaces AND stronger local economies. BWA members prove that workforce investment drives competitive advantages while keeping wealth circulating in Canadian communities.
Why Good Jobs win:
- 2-4x more local revenue circulation than large chains
- Higher retention and productivity reduce costs and improve performance
- Better customer experiences from engaged, stable employees
- Economic resilience through self-reinforcing local prosperity
Good Jobs businesses create a positive cycle: better wages lead to more skilled employees and stronger local purchasing power. This builds resilient businesses and prosperous communities that compete for the long term – not just businesses that survive, but businesses that thrive.
From Our Blog
BWA 2025 Holiday Market
Happy Holidays from Better Way Alliance businesses! We know shoppers want to make their spending count this season - not just bringing joy to their loved ones, but also Buying Canadian, Supporting Local, and helping Canadians be strong and free. That’s why we’ve put...
The Costco Effect: Why Good Jobs Are Smart Economics
How ethical employment practices can lead to sustainable growth and community well-being.When Costco opened a warehouse in rural Meiwa, Japan in 2023, a nearby noodle shop called Yamada-udon faced a crisis. Costco was offering starting wages of 1,500 yen per hour- 60%...
Better Way Alliance’s analysis of the federal Budget 2025
November 7, 2025 This week, the Carney government tabled its new budget - the first in this Prime Minister's term in office, and an important one given the challenges of tariffs, trade, economic slowdown and war. The Budget was framed as an offensive, take-charge...