What are the benefits?

The benefits of a community currency fall into three broad categories, social, economic and environmental:

Social

By increasing local trade, a community currency builds stronger relationships within the community.  It gets neighbours interacting more and new connections are made where they wouldn't have otherwise.  Local currencies also are a good fit with local charities and community groups, boosting the work they already do for the community.

Poverty reduction is also a key benefit as un/under-employed can often find they have something to offer in their community.  Many who are not well served by the current economic system find benefit from a local currency system. 

Economic

Local participating small and medium-size businesses benefit by exposure to a new captive market, since the currency can only be spent within the community.  They can also offer customer loyalty programs using the currency or use it as a reward to employees.

Local currency systems are useful for matching unmet needs with untapped capacity.  Businesses are able to be listed in our online directory and do business with other businesses using the local currency.  In the end, more (taxable) revenue is generated, and the currency stays in the community.

Environmental

Local currencies promote local consumption of local goods and services, thus reducing the carbon footprint of our economy.  Sustainable, eco-friendly practices are encouraged by member-businesses and we plan to highlight the leaders in this area.  Waste reduction, energy conservation, transportation costs all factor as environmental benefits to a thriving local economy.