WAUSAU (November 22, 2023) Today NFIB, or the National Federation of Independent Business, is reminding shoppers in Wisconsin that this Saturday, November 25th, is Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday started as a campaign to help small businesses gain exposure and inspire consumers to shop within their own communities during the holiday season. Last year, Small Business Saturday helped generate nearly $18 billion in consumer activity for independent businesses around the country.
Originally intended to boost the Main Street recovery following the Great Recession, small businesses again face significant economic headwinds. The pandemic brought closures, restrictions, new mandates, staffing headaches for mom-and-pop shops. Expectations from employees and customers are changing, and small business owners are adapting and figuring out new ways to stay in business.
“I support and appreciate the idea behind Small Business Saturday, but if the day after Black Friday was the only day people shopped small, most of us would be out of business,” said Brian Funtleyder, owner of Boundless Adventures in Wausau. “We need to change the way people think about shopping small. We need to shift the idea of shopping at small into supporting small. Supporting small ensures economic growth and prosperity within communities. It means that small business owners can keep hiring people from their community and supporting their local sports teams and booster clubs.”
“Small business owners have been forced to get creative and offer new ways to stay relevant in order to keep their doors open,” said Bill G. Smith, NFIB State Director in Wisconsin. “Times are changing and COVID has brought new demands from employees and customers. Small business owners are not only struggling to find qualified workers to fill open positions but face new expectations and demands from prospective employees who have the leverage to ask for flexible schedules and shorter shifts. You’ll find that gone are the one-day deals on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday – small businesses are making it easier for their customers to score a deal by extending their specials by days, even weeks at a time. This year we’re asking consumers to not just shop small but support local because every day should be Small Business Saturday.”
At Boundless Adventures in Kenosha, Small Business Saturday is every day until the end of November. At the family friendly park outside Milwaukee, Brian and Lorrie Funtleyder built a gigantic playground for kids of all ages. Their goal is to challenge boundaries as their customers swing, climb, balance, and traverse through a treetop adventure. From now until November 27th, you can save up to 45% off admission for 2024 visits. The Funtleyder’s are extending the offer ahead of and after Small Business Saturday because on Saturday, they’re celebrating one of their success stories.
Here’s Jonathan’s story, written by Lorrie.
“This summer, a parent reached out about bringing her nonverbal, autistic child to Boundless Adventures. Without hesitation I agreed as we have a long history of accommodating diverse needs. Little did I know this experience would lead to something truly remarkable.
At first, Johnathan was afraid of the zipline, but with Lorrie’s help he was able to overcome his fears.
Jonathan is 17 years-old, loves English, art and writes poetry and songs. He is also on the autism spectrum and doesn’t communicate with speech. Every interaction with kids on the spectrum is unique. Jonathan demonstrated exceptional dexterity and problem-solving skills, which was a promising start.
After completing the first element with me walking backwards, mom showed him a notebook with the words “yes” and “no.” We asked him if he wanted to continue, and I was so happy when he pointed to “yes!”
With help from mom, Jonathan was able to communicate with Lorrie. Jonathan left Boundless Adventures with a new confidence and belief in himself.
The zipline proved to be a significant challenge, and Jonathan expressed fear. However, his determination prevailed, and Jonathan showed immense courage while completing the course. After, he shared his music with me, marking a significant milestone in his journey.
That night, Jonathan’s mom reached out, explaining that the experience taught him ‘he can do what others can do’ and that he ‘always was made to believe that I could not but today showed that I can. I have to push past the fear to speak.’
Jonathan is BOUNDLESS, and even without vocalizing words, it made me feel like I could move mountains, as can Jonathan.”
You can read how Brian and Lorrie left a comfortable life on Wallstreet and turned their passion into a business. You’ll also find pictures of Boundless Adventures and another big way the Funtleyders are making a positive impact in their community.
