Bitcoin and Financial Inclusion: A Vision for Decentralized Sovereignty
Bitcoin is not just a technology—it’s a transformative movement aimed at decentralizing power, enabling financial inclusion, and fostering individual sovereignty. Craig Cherlet, a technologist and entrepreneur with decades of experience in banking and technology, exemplifies this ethos. Through his company Bithelm and the Manitoba Bitcoin Meetup, he is working to make Bitcoin mining and adoption accessible to everyone, from hobbyists to small businesses.
A Technologist’s Journey to Bitcoin
Craig’s career began in the 1980s when he first started tinkering with computers and exploring the internet’s potential. Over the years, he worked in banking and consulting, witnessing firsthand the inefficiencies and centralization of legacy financial systems. His experience with outdated infrastructure and opaque decision-making processes in the banking sector eventually led him to Bitcoin.
“Bitcoin is about financial inclusion,” Craig explains. “It’s a money system for the people, by the people, operated by the people.”
This realization sparked Craig’s journey to embrace Bitcoin not just as a technology, but as a tool for systemic change.
Bithelm: Empowering Small-Scale Miners and Businesses
Bithelm, Craig’s company, is dedicated to making Bitcoin mining accessible for individuals and small businesses. The company provides consulting, equipment procurement, and setup services tailored to local needs. Key initiatives include:
Decentralized Mining Solutions: Helping individuals set up small-scale mining operations, such as using Bitcoin miners to heat homes or power small industrial processes.
Business Integration: Assisting businesses in accepting Bitcoin payments through tools like BTC Pay Server, enabling seamless point-of-sale and e-commerce integration.
Educational Outreach: Providing resources and workshops to demystify Bitcoin and its applications, particularly for those new to the space.
Bithelm operates on a Bitcoin-only model, emphasizing decentralization and long-term sustainability over quick profits.
Community Building: The Manitoba Bitcoin Meetup
Recognizing the need for local Bitcoin education and networking, Craig founded the Manitoba Bitcoin Meetup. This initiative brings together Bitcoin enthusiasts for discussions, workshops, and events focused on topics like self-custody, mining, and Lightning Network integration.
Craig shares, “When I moved back to Manitoba, I realized there wasn’t a Bitcoin-only community. So I decided to start one.”
The meetup has quickly grown, attracting diverse participants, from seasoned Bitcoiners to complete newcomers. Events like halving parties and intro-to-Bitcoin sessions foster a sense of camaraderie while advancing education and adoption in the region.
The Philosophy Behind Bitcoin
For Craig, Bitcoin represents more than a financial asset. It’s a means of empowering individuals and communities to take control of their resources. He points to examples like Gridless in Africa, where small-scale Bitcoin mining operations fund energy infrastructure for rural areas, as a model for sustainable development.
“Bitcoin is a financial infrastructure,” Craig emphasizes. “It’s about creating a savings vehicle and reducing corruption, not just about number go up.”
A Vision for the Future
Craig envisions a world where Bitcoin mining is integrated into local economies to drive sustainability and resilience. From heating grain dryers on farms to powering industrial operations with waste energy, the potential use cases for Bitcoin are vast.
His advice to newcomers is simple: “Take the time to study Bitcoin. Understand its fundamentals, and think long-term. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme—it’s a tool for systemic change.”
Join the Movement
To learn more about Craig’s work, visit Bithelm (https://bithelm.com) and connect with the Manitoba Bitcoin Meetup. Whether you’re a curious newcomer or an experienced Bitcoiner, Craig’s initiatives offer a welcoming space to explore the possibilities of Bitcoin and contribute to a decentralized future.