Michigan bowling alley owner says Barstool Fund and Dave Portnoy ‘saved my business’
Updated Jan 24, 2021;
FENTON, MI - Brian Aubuchon was preparing to close the business he’d invested nearly 10 years into when he received a call from Barstool’s Dave Portnoy.
Portnoy, founder of digital media company Barstool Sports, told Aubuchon Wednesday, Jan. 20, his Fenton bowling alley, Holly Lanes, would receive relief money from The Barstool Fund.
The business owner was driving on U.S. 23 when he got the call. He pulled over to process the news. His business was saved.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy launched the Barstool Fund Dec. 17 to help businesses struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He started by contributing $500,000 of his own money.
Barstool Fund helps entrepreneurs overcome hardship.
How to help businesses survive pandemic disruptions.
The pandemic has devastated small businesses. Despite Congress passing a stimulus package providing funds for jobless benefits, vaccine distribution, stimulus checks and aid to businesses, the support could be too little, too late for many businesses.
What Happened: Disappointed in the government’s response, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, an American internet celebrity, investor and entrepreneur, raised over $16 million for small businesses affected by the pandemic measures.
The founder took to Twitter on December 31: “ BREAKING: Pete and Burson Snyder co-founders of 30 Day Fund have pledged to donate 1 million dollars to #barstoolfund if we can hit 14 million by midnight. We are at 12.7 million right now. Portnoy tweeted that on Thursday, adding that the Snyders contribution would bring the fund s total donations to $15 million.