Seattle Good Business Network Member

Together, the Seattle Good Business Network is about building a resilient, vibrant, and inclusive local economy.

Mission and Purpose

Seattle Good Business Network connects and inspires people to buy, produce, and invest locally, so that everyone has a meaningful stake in the local economy.

Jobs
Not all jobs are created equal. We want jobs that increase our individual and collective security, self-reliance, and well-being. This means creating jobs that are diverse across all levels of education, skill and sector; durable—that can’t be eliminated by decisions made thousands of miles away; and meaningful—that enhance our community’s vibrancy and resiliency.

We can create these jobs by increasing the number of residents who have an ownership stake in economy. This means supporting local entrepreneurs, increasing the number of employee-owned businesses and co-ops, and increasing opportunities to residents to invest in local enterprises.

Sustainability
Sustainability is well-being that can endure. To get there, businesses must reduce climate emissions, conserve resources, and eliminate toxic chemicals. Localizing our supply chains and building entrepreneurial capacity to produce basic needs like food and energy as close to home as possible is also essential. And fair and equitable distribution of opportunities and resources ensures shared and lasting prosperity.

Keeping Seattle Seattle
With its distinctive business districts in nearly every neighborhood, and a culture of local independence and stewardship, Seattle is a truly special place. Yet many neighborhoods in and around Seattle struggle with business closures and encroachment by chains. And as our economy has become rapidly dominated by global corporate icons, it has also become dangerously bifurcated. We envision vibrant independent business districts in every Seattle neighborhood; strong, locally owned enterprises competing in every sector; and a collective pride in our locally owned enterprises.

Ultimately, our success here can be a model for cities around the country and world. BALLE sums it up nicely: “We envision a global system of human-scale, interconnected local economies that function in harmony with local ecosystems to meet the basic needs of all people, support just and democratic societies, and foster joyful community life.”

Learn more about the mission here.