MINOCQUA, WI — The Minocqua Marketplace, a pro-democracy e-commerce platform designed to help consumers boycott major corporations that financially support MAGA-aligned politics, announced today that it has raised more than $100,000 in just two weeks through a national Kickstarter campaign.
The fundraising surge comes amid heightened political activism across the Midwest and nationwide, as large-scale protests, mutual aid efforts, and volunteer rapid-response networks have mobilized in response to federal immigration enforcement actions and broader concerns about democratic backsliding in the United States.
As protest activity has grown, so has demand for resistance-themed merchandise—t-shirts, hoodies, pins, and other items that signal solidarity and help fund organizing efforts. While many companies sell political merchandise purely for profit, Minocqua Marketplace operates on a different model.
The platform is made up of more than 90 independent businesses, all of which have pledged to never donate to MAGA extremism or authoritarian political movements. Together, these businesses offer thousands of products, making the site one of the largest curated marketplaces for left-leaning consumers in the country.
The project was founded by Kirk Bangstad, owner of Minocqua Brewing Company, with the long-term goal of building what he calls an “Amazon for Progressives” – a one-stop alternative for everyday goods that allows consumers to avoid corporations aligned with MAGA politics.
“Our message is simple: ‘Save Democracy with Your Wallet,’” said Bangstad. “Boycotts and strikes are historically proven, non-violent tools for protecting democracy when institutions are under strain. We’re focused on building the infrastructure that makes large-scale boycotting possible.”
In addition to operating the marketplace, Bangstad and his organization have played a visible role in progressive political organizing in Wisconsin and beyond. Efforts tied to Minocqua Brewing Company have included:
- Raising more than $2 million for a Super PAC that funded litigation, political advertising, and advocacy related to democratic accountability and election integrity.
- Supporting a network of activists, journalists, and comedians who publish daily political commentary through the Minocqua Brewing Company Times.
- Recently raising funds to provide supplies and aid to immigrant families affected by enforcement actions in the Twin Cities.
While the organization has sustained itself primarily through merchandise sales, the Kickstarter campaign is intended to fund the next phase of growth: expanding logistics, staffing, and inventory so the platform can offer affordable, everyday consumer staples—not just protest merchandise.
Bangstad has also drawn national media attention for provocative political humor and marketing stunts that have sparked backlash from conservative outlets, coverage he says has only increased visibility for the project.
“My goal is to stop authoritarianism in this country,” Bangstad said. “To do that, we need resources. If humor, controversy, and merchandise sales help fund a serious boycott infrastructure, then it’s all worth it.”
The Kickstarter campaign is ongoing and open to supporters nationwide. For more about the Minocqua Marketplace’s Kickstarter campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rockethub/minocqua
About the Minocqua Brewing Company
The Minocqua Brewing Company has become a strong progressive voice in Northern Wisconsin, drawing thousands of tourists from across the country to our historic taproom in downtown Minocqua. They have also opened a “home away from home” location on the west side of Madison. More information is available at: MinocquaBrewingCompany.com.
Media Contact:
Kirk Bangstad – kirk@minocquabrewingcompany.com
