On June 2nd, we officially went under contract with our development team, and we’re thrilled to share that our MVP (Minimum Viable Product) will be ready for beta testing by November 1st. This is more than just a timeline milestone, it’s the first brick laid in the foundation of a movement we’ve been visioning, researching, and building for over two years.
Sustainable Trades isn’t just another marketplace. It’s a practical response to the pressures and disconnection caused by the current global economic system, a system that favors convenience over community, profit over people, and short-term gains over long-term sustainability. We believe there’s a better way, and it starts at home.
Our Mission: Reclaim Local
Sustainable Trades was created to breathe life back into local economies, to make it easier for people to buy from the farmers, makers, and healers in their own communities. Whether it’s a handcrafted bar of soap, a regenerative CSA box, or a wellness service rooted in tradition and care, we want these offerings to be visible, accessible, and valued.
Let’s be honest—most of us are pulled in a million directions. The pace of modern life doesn’t leave much room for browsing farmers markets every weekend or hunting down a local potter when we need a new mug. That’s where Sustainable Trades comes in. We’re designing a user-friendly platform that brings local goods and services to your fingertips—no matter your schedule.
Beta Launch in November
The MVP we’re building is lean, functional, and designed to serve our founding members with integrity. We’ll spend the rest of the summer and early fall refining it, testing with vendors, and making sure that when we invite you in, whether you’re a shopper or a seller, it feels like a place you can trust and grow with.
Why It Matters
When we support local economies, we’re not just “shopping small”, we’re keeping wealth circulating in our communities. We’re lowering emissions by shortening supply chains. We’re creating dignified work rooted in values. We’re restoring human-scale relationships in a system that’s become too big to care.
This isn’t just about buying and selling, it’s about healing.
And so, this November, we’ll open our digital doors for beta testing. And in January 2026, we’ll soft launch with a Founding Member Offer to our first 500 members, inviting them to help us shape the future of commerce rooted in connection, community, and care.
Stay tuned. The seeds we’ve planted are beginning to grow.
With gratitude and determination,
Melissa Booth
Founder, Sustainable Trades