Our individual actions bind to each other to create a force for change.
Vermont Sustainable Exchange operates an online business to business marketplace that allows Vermont businesses to measure, grow, and coordinate their trade with fellow Vermont businesses.
Businesses pool the credit they issue to each other into a common marketplace where local goods and services are bought and sold, loans are issued to willing entrepreneurs, and the cost of doing business is lowered by consolidating expenses and buying power.
Using local capital is good for business. The longer money stays in a community, the more it circulates, being spent more often and creating more business and more jobs. The closer customers are to a business, the more it can meet their needs and increase their loyalty. When more money is kept locally, supply chains can be made more local - creating a diverse and strong economy. It is in a business' immediate and enlightened self interest to use local capital.
Using local capital is good for people. Business owners with local ties are more apt to make community minded decisions and more likely to interact with their customers. As transportation costs rise, locally grown food and locally made products are relatively cheaper.
Using local capital is good for the environment. Every purchase of locally produced goods over imported goods means less fossil fuel usage and less greenhouse gas emissions.
Using local capital is good for the community. Local markets can never be 100% self-sufficient. It does not meet common sense for each locality to produce its own computers or automobiles. But with the advent of the global marketplace where dollars consistently seek out the highest rates of return, there are many projects that are in the community's best interest which are not funded because they are not profitable in the short term. In contrast, Vermont Sustainable Exchange will invest in projects that support local food production, renewable energy, durable clothing, education and school infrastructure, and caring for our neighbors - things that matter to our Vermont economy.
Should you join Vermont Sustainable Exchange?
If you agree with the statements below, then the answer is YES!
I believe.....
Joining VSE is an interactive process. The first step in this process is
to fill out an application. Click on the JOIN button below, or request an
application by contacting us.
We welcome all types and sizes of Vermont businesses and non-profit organizations.
Vermont Sustainable Exchange believes there is more to doing business than
the highest return on investment. We are creating a new local marketplace
that is good for businesses, the environment, and the community. Individuals
of all ages, income levels, and abilities can participate in this vision
by doing community service or buying local.
Sign up for our mailing list to join the discussion.
E-mail us at info@changethemarket.com and we'll keep you updated with our monthly e-news.
