The COVID-19 pandemic has had severe repercussions for small businesses. During the early months of the pandemic, many small businesses shut down to protect customers and workers. As the country has gradually opened up, restrictions have been put in place to help slow the spread. Unfortunately, this has caused many businesses to lose customers. These businesses, through no fault of their own, are now on the verge of collapse.

On Dec. 17, 2020 the Barstool Fund was launched by Dave Portnoy. Portnoy is the founder of Barstool Sports and a social media personality. The fund’s goal is to help small businesses make it through the pandemic. Portnoy first decided to launch after New York banned indoor dining, which hurt many restaurants in the state. Portnoy put forward $500 of his own money to kickstart the fund. The fund now has raised over $35 million, including donations from celebrities Tom Brady, Guy Fieri and Elon Musk.

The fund has now supported 241 small businesses around the country. Portnoy has pledged to continue to help businesses even after their initial funding. The only requirement is businesses must have employees on payroll and must be open. 

While the pandemic has been very rough for businesses, this has offered many of them a gleam of hope. Even so, he does not believe this will be a permanent solution and the government must step in to assist.

“Is it the best plan? No,” Portnoy tweeted. “The best plan is the government issuing billions of dollars to these small business owners who are losing their livelihoods and have no way to save it through no fault of their own.”

Portnoy, who has been considered controversial at times, has received much praise for his efforts to save these small businesses.

“I respect what he has been doing,” senior Bodi Brannen said. “He has helped so many small businesses who are in trouble.”

If you would like to contribute to the fund go to www.barstoolsports.com/the-barstool-fund.