Berkshire Mountain Bakery – January 2026
The first Business of the Month of 2026 is Berkshire Mountain Bakery!
January 27, 2026
Money Well Spent
BerkShares is the community-minded way to buy and shop local.
Money Well Spent
BerkShares is the community-minded way to buy and shop local.
in The Community
Hundreds of participating businesses distinguish themselves as locally owned and community-minded. BerkShares empower businesses to keep money circulating in the region, thereby contributing to a greater local multiplier effect.
The BerkShares Business of the Month series tells the stories of the organizations that accept our local currency. Each month, a different business operator shares their history, their outlook on local economic resilience, and why they participate with BerkShares.
Let's Keep Money Local!
With BerkShares, we can all support our local economy and keep money with our communities!
Paying in BerkShares also spares small sellers from high credit card processing fees. It’s one choice we can all make that’s good for people, businesses, and community.
Join your fellow Berkshire inhabitants in building a resilient, sustainable local economy.
Learn more about how it works and where to spend BerkShares.
Frequently Asked Questions
BerkShares are currency local to the Berkshire region. Yes— the Berkshires has its own currency!
The purpose of BerkShares is to strengthen the local economy by maximizing circulation of trade locally. The people who choose to use the currency make a conscious commitment to buy local first; after all, BerkShares can only be spent locally! They are taking personal responsibility for the health and well-being of their community by laying the foundation of a truly vibrant, thriving local economy.
BerkShares will not, and are not intended to, replace federal currency. Their use will help strengthen the regional economy, favoring locally owned enterprises, local manufacturing, and local jobs, and reducing the region’s dependence on an unpredictable global economy.
You can exchange cash for BerkShares at local banks that participate in the program— currently Lee Bank (all locations) and Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (Great Barrington location only). The exchange rate for BerkShares is 1:1; for example, $10 USD gets you 10 BerkShares.
You may trade BerkShares back to its value in U.S. Dollars at any time, minus a 1.5% fee.
At this time, BerkShares are solely a paper currency.
Any business or individual may accept and use BerkShares at any time by simply choosing to do so! Yes— it’s that simple!
However, we strongly recommend that you register with us for multiple reasons. First, we will add you to our Business Directory and provide you with a free online business profile, driving more traffic to your business. Second, you’ll receive materials that will make it easy to let your customers know you accept BerkShares, including stickers and other promotional materials. Third, we will be able to keep you updated on any important informational related to the program, and more importantly, you will be able to communicate with us any questions or concerns you have as they arise.
There are two layers to how BerkShares benefits the local economy. The first is at the consumer’s point-of-purchase. With BerkShares in their pocket, consumers are encouraged to spend money where BerkShares are accepted: at small local businesses, of course!
The second layer is what consumers never see, which is where their money goes after their purchase. Local businesses are far more likely than large chains to recirculate money locally, and BerkShares amplify this effect since businesses that receive BerkShares must spend them locally. Of course, businesses are also welcome to trade in their BerkShares for cash should they not be able to recirculate them, but many business owners express that it is simply easier— and more fun!— to recirculate their BerkShares than to bring them to the bank!
The magnified impact that BerkShares have on the local economy compared to regular dollars is referred to as a Multiplier Effect.
BerkShares are administered by BerkShares Local Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit run by staff and board members from various backgrounds connecting them with the local Berkshire economy. Meet the team here!
BerkShares are a safe and secure form of payment.
Every BerkShare note contains several security features protecting them from counterfeiting. Additionally, all BerkShares in circulation are securely backed by U.S. Dollars in deposit accounts at participating banks. These accounts are tightly controlled through agreements with the banks to ensure that BerkShares can seamlessly be traded back for cash at any time!
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