MIDDLETON, Wis. (WKOW) — Several small businesses gathered for a day of snacking, shopping and sipping local on Saturday.

Businesses also offered exclusive deals and a giveaway at each location. This special event aimed to showcase the unique offerings of the small businesses in the Middleton area, giving attendees the opportunity to enjoy local delights and support the community all in one day. The event also included exclusive deals and giveaways to entice visitors to each location and explore what these businesses have to offer.

Shelby Olsted is the owner of Miggy’s Bakes in Middleton. She started baking her senior year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and now owns a bakery that specializes in cookies, cakes, brownies, dessert bars and more. Olsted and other small business owners hosted an event to highlight small businesses and bring the community together. That includes Kenzie Beam, who owns a scrunchie shop. These small business owners understand the value of collaboration and community, and they are dedicated to showcasing the talent and creativity that can be found in their local area. As these entrepreneurs come together, they are not only fostering a network of businesses but also creating a tight-knit community that extends beyond just their professional endeavors.

“We have a group of small business best girlfriends, so we are super close knit. We all do a lot of events together and we’re actually like best friends outside of business too, which people don’t all know,” Olsted said. The bond between these small business owners goes beyond the transactions and business partnerships; they have formed deep personal connections that further strengthen their collaborative efforts and dedication to their community.

Olsted said many people don’t spend as much money after the holidays, so she and others wanted to host an event to encourage people to visit their businesses. Recognizing the post-holiday lull in consumer spending, Olsted and her fellow small business owners saw the need to create an event that would draw people to their establishments and reignite interest and support for their businesses. By coming together, these businesses aim to collectively elevate their visibility and accessibility to the community.

“We all kind of work together to help all of us grow together. So it’s more of like a team effort,” Olsted said. The spirit of collaboration and mutual support is the driving force behind the small business community in Middleton. By working together, these entrepreneurs are not only bolstering their individual businesses but are also creating a platform for joint growth and success.

This is the first event the businesses hosted together. This inaugural event served as a testament to the potential of collaboration among small businesses in the Middleton area. They have set the stage for future joint efforts that will continue to amplify the impact and reach of their business community.

“I think a benefit of shopping at a small business is that you know that it’s being made with a lot of love,” Beam said. Through their dedication and personalized attention to their craft, small business owners are able to infuse their creations with a level of care and passion that is unique to their establishments. Their commitment to quality and authenticity sets them apart from larger retailers and brings a special touch to each product or service.