About us

Canada's community business network

Good jobs and good business are the same strategy.

Ask anyone running a small business on a main street how it is going. They love the work. They love their staff. But the system that worked for decades doesn't anymore. Business owners are taking on jobs, closing down, or being forced out by spiking rent and other costs.

We're the folks rebuilding Canada's small business promise, through the experience of our members, applied research, tools for businesses, and advocacy.

Better Way Alliance members at a networking event A Better Business Day policy display on commercial rent relief Better Way Alliance members at Better Business Day

We are

  • An applied researcher, testing what actually helps real businesses navigate toward success.
  • A policy advocate at every level of government.
  • A network of owners who share what works at their businesses to help others succeed.

We work through the whole lifecycle of a business. A right start, fair markets, stable costs, and good jobs + healthy people. Four pillars, one argument: local business is the health of our nation.

Stage one

Right start

Better access to capital and business planning.

Stage two

Fair markets

A fair shot at staying open, and a real path to owning your space.

Stage three

Stable costs

Predictable rent, insurance, and utility costs, so a landlord's letter cannot shutter your business.

Stage four

Good jobs and healthy people

A fair wage, a sick day, and public pharmacare, so working for yourself does not mean going without.

Read our policy and economic philosophy

Who is Behind the Better Way Alliance

We started in 2017 when 40 business owners banded together in support of a $15 minimum wage in Ontario. Their fundamental belief: better pay for workers means more money circulating in local economies.

Since then our work has widened this economic development lens to support paid sick days, fair scheduling, and other retention + productivity improving business practices. We also create tools owners can use in their businesses, including our hallmark commercial rent project. Other business groups ask for tax cuts. We create systemic fixes that make running a good business possible.

Now, we're led by active business owners with decades of experience on main street and in advocacy.

Illustrated portrait of Aaron Binder
Aaron Binder
Director
Illustrated portrait of Chris Krawczyk
Chris Krawczyk
Grassroots Coordinator
Illustrated portrait of Julia Pennella
Julia Pennella
Communications Advisor
Illustrated portrait of Dipesh Shah
Dipesh Shah
Membership Growth Lead
Meet the team

Hundreds of businesses, non-profits, and partners across Canada, from BC to Newfoundland.

Browse the directory

We work alongside community organizations, boards of trade, and business associations.

Partners and allies

Canada's community business network

Good jobs and good business are the same strategy.

Membership is free. Get the tools, the fellowship, and a network of business owners keen to solve social and economic problems.

Join the network