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500 coins. 500 stories.

The Branch Challenge

500 numbered coins. Each one builds its own linear chain of local Humboldt businesses. Pass the coin to someone you believe in — and watch your roots grow deeper.

Find a Branch Challenge Invite Token near meView my Branch TrackerLeaderboard
Two sides. One local movement.

How it works

1

Receive the coin

A participating business hands you a Branch Challenge Invite Token — a numbered wooden coin — in person. Each coin has a unique serial code linking it to its seed org.

2

Activate your link

Register your business on Humboldt.fyi and enter your serial code during onboarding. You become the newest link in the chain.

3

Pass it on

Find a business you want to bring in and hand them the coin in person. They activate — and your link level rises automatically.

Link levels & perks

Your link level equals 1 + the number of businesses downstream from you. Every new activation in your chain raises your level and unlocks rewards.

1
Founder Status
Founder title and badge on your listing. Assigned on your own activation.
2
"Locals Know" Story Feature
An editorial story about your business, written and published by the Humboldt.fyi team.
3
Connector Cling
A branded window decal for your storefront.
4
Benefactor Box
A box of free tokens to hand out to community organizations and nonprofits. These are a gift — they don't enter the Branch Challenge chain or raise link levels.
5
Review Tap Stand
A branded countertop stand with an embedded NFC chip. Customers tap it to open your Humboldt.fyi business page and leave a review. NFC programming only — no QR/print step.
6
Social Spotlight Reel
An Instagram/Facebook feature reel produced by the Humboldt.fyi team.
7
Local's Choice Signal
An on-listing trust badge marking you as a Local's Choice. Unlocks at 7+ links.
8
Chain Guardian Status
Guardian badge on your listing. Recognition only.
9
Footprint Society
Induction into the Footprint Society ("Leave your footprint"): an engraved redwood plaque by Lost Coast Signs, a permanent top-tier badge, and a platform feature.
10
Founders Branch Coin
A keepsake coin engraved with your founder serial — a piece of Humboldt DNA to keep. Laser-etched redwood by Lost Coast Signs. The final perk — no further perks unlock above Link 10.

Badges and titles appear the moment your level rises. Anything we write, print, or make by hand takes a little longer — we’ll email you when it’s on the way.

Link level climbs past 10 for leaderboard ranking — no new perks unlock after the Founders Branch Coin.

Rules

One coin per business. Each registered business may hold and activate exactly one coin.

In-person only. The pass-on is a physical ceremony — both founders must be present. No mail, no proxy.

No purchasing perks. Perks are earned through verified coin handoffs only — no payment, no shortcut.

500 coins total. The Branch Challenge is finite by design. Once all 500 coins are active, new chains only form through seed org events.

Seed orgs. Coins are seeded by vetted community organizations. Each has a unique prefix on serial codes (e.g. HCC-001).

Ready to join?

Ask a participating Humboldt business for the coin — or register your business and wait for one to find you.

Find a Branch Challenge Invite Token near you →