This is what 'shop local' looks like in practice
Businesses supporting businesses, on purpose.
Why Pay Cash? Trade On!
Why Barter?
Every town runs on invisible trade—favors, referrals, relationships, people taking care of each other. Barter just makes that visible and trackable, so it can work for your business without draining your cash. You earn Trade Dollars by serving member businesses, then use them on real needs you already pay for—while keeping cash for what only cash can do. Use it your way: self-serve, or pull in a broker when you want a shortcut.
What Can You Trade For?
Don’t try to imagine it—look. See what you can buy before you join: real offers from local member businesses for marketing, repairs, dining, travel, services, perks, and more. You’re not stuck trading one-to-one—you can earn with one member and spend with another, like a real marketplace.
When you spend with locally owned businesses, more of that money recirculates in your community—creating jobs, tax base, and local resilience.
Trade Network takes that Local First idea and makes it practical: Trade Dollars can only be spent with member businesses here in Michigan, so the value stays inside local relationships and local commerce. And because barter is an old human behavior—not a trendy app—you don’t have to “believe” in it first. You can simply take a look inside and see what you could buy.
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But that's not all. When you trade with TN, you're connecting with a network of like-minded entrepreneurs who understand the value of shopping local. As you build relationships with other members, you'll discover new opportunities and partnerships that can help your business thrive.
Where your Dollars Stay
Of every dollar spent at a locally owned business stays in the community.
Only stays in the community when you purchase from a non-locally owned business.
As little as stays in the community when you purchase online from a non-local business.
​Our members see it every day: trading locally leads to real, lasting business growth on both sides of the transaction. If you’re ready to keep more value in your community — and turn everyday expenses into meaningful connections — Trade Network is ready to work for you.
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Trade Network is an awesome barter exchange. If you want to get to untapped customers - Build Your Business - while decreasing expenses and have access to so many services you already use then this is the place for you. I'm enjoying working with their team and meeting the other trade partners.
It Starts with One Small Step
Getting started with barter is easier than you think—no cash needed, no commitments. Your first trade is just three clicks away.