Money Well Spent

With BerkShares, we can support local businesses while encouraging recirculation in the area. 

Paying in BerkShares can also spare small sellers from high credit card fees. Its one choice we can all make thats good for people, businesses and community. 

Learn more about how it works and where to spend BerkShares. 

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About BerkShares

Our local currency for the Berkshire Region, BerkShares are used at participating businesses in the area, like cash, to keep money in local circulation. Fully backed by US Dollars on reserve with our community banks, BerkShares paper notes are exchangeable for US Dollars at nine branch offices of three area banks, and are accepted at over 350 locally-owned participating businesses. BerkShares are free to acquire, accept, and spend, and can be redeemed to U.S. Dollars for a 1.5% exchange fee.

BerkShares, inc. is the place-based, democratically structured non-profit organization that issues BerkShares. Since 2006, it has worked in collaboration with participating community banks, area businesses, and local non-profit organizations to strengthen the Berkshire regional economy through the local currency and related pursuits. 

BerkShares serve as a tool for community economic empowerment, and development toward regional self-reliance. Dubbed a “great economic experiment” by The New York Times, the currency distinguishes the local businesses that accept it, fostering stronger relationships between the responsible business community and citizens of the region. Choosing to use the currency is a conscious commitment to buy local, taking a personal interest in the health and well-being of our community and laying the foundation for a truly vibrant, thriving economy.

in The Community

The BerkShares Business of the Month series tells the stories of the businesses that accept the local currency of the Berkshire Region. Each month, a different business owner shares the history of their business, their path to entrepreneurship, their outlook on the local economy, and the reason they accept BerkShares at their business. The 350+ participating businesses distinguish themselves as locally owned and community-minded. BerkShares empower the businesses to keep money circulating in the region, thereby contributing to a greater local multiplier effect.

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