Exchange Skills, Not Dollar Bills
A community-powered marketplace for women entrepreneurs to grow by bartering services — not spending money.
What is Brown Ribbon Exchange?
Brown Ribbon Exchange (BRX) is a national network of women entrepreneurs—especially Black and Brown women—who grow their businesses through bartering, community, and collective value.
We're preparing to file as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit so that we can grow with intention and stay member-governed. No gatekeeping. No extractive platforms. Just shared skills, shared power.
Community-Driven
Built by and for women entrepreneurs seeking mutual support
Skill Exchange
Barter your expertise to access services you need
Member-Governed
Structured as a nonprofit to ensure shared ownership
🌍 Who Is BRX Nationwide For?
BRX Nationwide is for women entrepreneurs building businesses without traditional access to funding, connections, or support.
💼 Early-Stage Founders
You're just getting started or growing your business alongside a full-time job. You need real support, not fluff.
🧠 Service-Based Entrepreneurs
You offer marketing, design, coaching, operations, finance, or legal services and want to expand your reach.
🤝 Freelancers & Consultants
You seek consistent visibility, collaboration opportunities, and support without always spending cash.
🧰 Resourceful Builders
You believe in exchanging value and building sustainable businesses that lift others up.
Member Success Stories
K. White, Louisiana
"I provide professional financial services as a CPA. I'm exchanging Quickbooks services for business photography and marketing."
J. Hermann, Florida
"As an editor and proofreader, I help female founders create engaging content. I exchange editing services for operations management."
S. Mbelu, Louisiana
"I'm an operations consultant helping service-based businesses create more impact. I exchange strategic planning for marketing expertise."
Bring It to BRX
Your Skills
Whether you're a brand designer, copywriter, virtual assistant, coach, or creative—your expertise has value here.
Your Network
Invite friends and colleagues to join a platform built for access, collaboration, and equity in women's entrepreneurship.
Your Whole Self
Show up authentically in a community that celebrates women's diverse paths to business success.
You bring it. We'll exchange it. Join the beta. Start building now.
How We're Governed
BRX is built for long-term, shared ownership.
Members
Vote, contribute, and shape programming
Local Boards
Chapter-specific leadership circles
National Board
Overall governance and direction
We're member-first by design, not by trend.
Our Core Values
We don't just build community. We build with values.
Community First
No one builds alone
Radical Reciprocity
Give and get with equity
Contribution is Currency
Participation adds value
Access Over Accolades
You don't need permission to grow
Sisterhood in Strategy
Support and accountability
Transparency & Trust
No smoke and mirrors—just care and clarity
Membership – What You Get
Full access begins Summer 2025. Join now to help shape it.
Private App Access
Post and barter services in our secure platform
Brown Ribbons
Our barter currency issued monthly
Member Directory
Connect with women entrepreneurs nationwide
Events & Training
Virtual learning and community gatherings
Dues will begin once we finalize our nonprofit status. For now, membership is free during the founding phase.
Why Barter? Unlock Business Growth Through Collaboration
Work-Life Balance
Outsource tasks to focus on your strengths and save valuable time.
Cost Savings
Access essential services without impacting your cash flow.
Trusted Services
Find vetted professionals through a reliable review system.
Community Support
Join a vibrant network fostering mentorship and growth.
The Brown Ribbon Story
We know the challenges women entrepreneurs face, like bias and funding gaps. To overcome this, we began by trading our own services personally.
As the network grew, Brown Ribbon Exchange was created—a platform for trading expertise. Each skill is a gift shared to support others.
Brown Ribbon binds members together, empowering growth and collaboration.
Join the Founding Circle
We’re not charging dues just yet—but we’re inviting you to name your price and help crowdfund the launch of BRX NOLA. Your one-time contribution opens the door to early access and helps us build this community—together.Early Access
Be first on the BRX platform
Virtual Events
Exclusive invitations
Member Spotlight
Showcase your business
Priority Status
First in line when dues begin
FAQs: Brown Ribbon Exchange (Nationwide)
What is BRX?
What is BRX?
A member-first network of women entrepreneurs who grow their businesses by bartering services instead of spending money. BRX is transitioning to a 501(c)(6) nonprofit to stay focused on community, ownership, and shared success.
How do Brown Ribbons work?
How do Brown Ribbons work?
Brown Ribbons are BRX's internal barter currency. Each ribbon equals roughly $1 in service value. Earn them by offering your expertise, then spend them on the services you need.
What services can I list?
What services can I list?
Any virtual service that helps other women entrepreneurs grow their businesses - branding, design, bookkeeping, coaching, marketing strategy, and more.
How do I join?
How do I join?
Apply for beta access and become a Founding Member ($19/month) with 500 Ribbons, Elite status, and exclusive perks. Limited spots available!
Is bartering taxable?
Is bartering taxable?
Yes, the IRS considers barter transactions as taxable income. If you provide a service and receive something of value in return (even via Brown Ribbons), you're expected to report the fair market value.
What's the difference between the Nationwide Chapter and Local Chapters?
What's the difference between the Nationwide Chapter and Local Chapters?
The Nationwide Chapter is our virtual community—designed for members who don't live near a local chapter (yet). You'll access the BRX app, join virtual events, barter services online, and connect with members across the U.S. Local Chapters (starting with BRX-NOLA in New Orleans) offer all of the above plus in-person events, local barter opportunities, and leadership roles in your city. No matter which option you choose, you're part of the same member-first network—and you can always help bring a chapter to your city when you're ready.
BRX vs. BRX NOLA
BRX (Nationwide)
- For members across the U.S.
- Virtual service exchange only
- Access to the web-based BRX platform (app)
- Members post gigs and barter using Brown Ribbons (tokens)
- AI business assistant coming soon
- National member directory
- Online community forum (Heartbeat)
BRX NOLA (Local Chapter)
- In-person service exchanges
- Submit requests via Google Form
- Monthly meetups in New Orleans
- Local member directory
- Membership to BRX Nationwide
We're launching both our national digital platform and our first local chapter in New Orleans! Choose the experience that works best for your business needs.