Starting a business can feel like trying to build a plane while it’s already in the air. You’re juggling everything from figuring out if your idea is even going to work to trying to understand business licensing and finding the right location.
The good news is, if you’re launching in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, you don’t have to guess your way forward. There’s a treasure trove of local resources and data designed to help entrepreneurs like you make smarter decisions from day one.
No matter if you’re still shaping your idea or a few weeks away from opening your doors, here’s where to look.
1. Tap into the City’s Economic Development Team (Yep, That’s Us!)
Let’s start close to home. The City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division is your go-to crew for getting your business off the ground. If you’re not sure where to begin, we’re a great first stop. And if you’ve already started making moves, we can help you take the next step with confidence.
Here’s what we do for entrepreneurs:
- Connect you with partners who can walk you through the startup process
From figuring out what forms to fill out depending on your industry, to making sure you’re zoning-compliant, to helping you connect the dots between your business plan and a viable launch, we’ll know exactly who can help. - Introduce you to financial assistance or incentive programs
Thinking about applying for a grant or a low-interest City loan? Or maybe you’re wondering if your location qualifies for a tax credit or a redevelopment incentive? We’ll help you explore what’s available and guide you through the paperwork so you don’t miss a thing. - Help you find the perfect site or space
Downtown, west side, Clairemont Avenue, North Barstow, or somewhere in between—different parts of Eau Claire offer different advantages. We can connect you with 30+ local property experts to help you search for available commercial properties, navigate local development areas, and find a space that fits your needs and your budget.
We know Eau Claire inside and out, including what’s changing, what’s in demand, what’s already here, and what might be missing (Hint: That could be your niche). Whether you need advice, direction, or just someone to bounce an idea off and aren’t sure where to go, we’re just a phone call or email away.
🔗 Chat With Us: eauclairedevelopment.com/contact
2. Check Out the UWEC Small Business Development Center
The UW—Eau Claire Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is one of those hidden gems that every entrepreneur should know about. They don’t just offer help; they offer experienced, practical, free assistance that can take you from the “thinking about it” phase to running a full-fledged business.
Here’s what they bring to the table:
- One-on-one business advising
Need someone to talk through your business model? Wondering if your pricing strategy makes sense? Not sure if you’re ready to take out a loan? Their expert advisors will meet with you virtually or in person to give you clear, grounded feedback tailored to your business idea and goals. - Help with business plans and financial projections
If the words “cash flow forecast” make you want to run the other way, don’t worry, the SBDC has easy-to-use templates and coaches who will walk you through how to use them. And if you’re applying for funding, they’ll help make sure your plan is polished and lender-ready. - Training workshops on everything from marketing to legal basics
Whether it’s figuring out how to set up an LLC, learning the ins and outs of digital marketing, or understanding how to manage inventory, the SBDC offers workshops throughout the year that can fill in the gaps in your knowledge and save you a ton of time Googling. - Support at every stage—not just the beginning
Even if you’ve been in business for a while, they’re there for you. Thinking about expanding? Hiring your first employee? Launching a new product? They can help you plan strategically and avoid common pitfalls.
If you don’t set up a time to meet, their business planning templates and cash flow tools are really helpful, especially if you’re gearing up to apply for a loan or pitch to investors. They make it easy to turn your ideas into numbers, and those numbers into a plan you can actually act on.
They won’t sugarcoat things, but they will help you find solutions. And if you don’t know what to ask, they’ll help you figure that out too.
🔗 Schedule a Consultation: wisconsinsbdc.org
3. Connect with the Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation
If you’re building a business in the city or county, the Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation (EDC) should definitely be on your radar. They work closely with entrepreneurs, startups, and companies looking to grow or relocate to the area, and they have a strong track record of helping businesses get off the ground and gain traction.
The EDC is all about turning big ideas into real opportunities. Here’s how they can help:
- Business planning and startup assistance
They can help you refine your business idea, build out your plan, and make sure you’re heading in a direction that’s both sustainable and scalable. From help thinking through your revenue model to figuring out how to legally structure your company, they’ve got you covered. - Site selection support
Looking for the right location? The EDC works with communities throughout Eau Claire County and knows which areas are zoned for what, where development is happening, and what types of businesses are needed in different parts of the region. They can help you compare options and find a space that fits your vision and your budget. - Entrepreneurial programs like the Idea Challenge
The Idea Challenge is one of their signature programs. It gives local innovators a chance to pitch their business ideas for funding and support. Even if you don’t win the top prize, it’s an excellent opportunity to get feedback, meet mentors, and build visibility for your concept. - Connections to funding, mentoring, and investor networks
Sometimes, it’s all about who you know, and the EDC knows just about everyone in the local startup and economic development world. They can introduce you to lenders, equity investors, grant programs, and experienced mentors who are genuinely invested in helping new businesses succeed.
What makes them especially valuable is their ability to see the big picture. They know where the regional economy is headed, which sectors are growing, and what resources are available across multiple agencies. That means they can help you think strategically about timing, growth, and long-term impact.
In short, the EDC is one of those behind-the-scenes partners you’ll be glad to have in your corner, especially in the early stages when everything feels like a moving target.
🔗 Get In Touch: eauclaire-wi.com
4. Get Involved with the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce
If you want to get plugged into Eau Claire’s business scene, the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce is the place to be. It’s most well-known as a networking support organization, but it’s so much more—a hub for entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders who are all working to make Eau Claire a great place to live and do business.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, here’s what Chamber membership can do for you:
- Networking events and ribbon cuttings
Want to meet other business owners, potential customers, or partners? The Chamber hosts regular events where you can do just that. From morning coffees to after-hours mixers to big annual gatherings, these events are a great way to start building real relationships. And if you’re launching a new business, they’ll help you celebrate with a ribbon cutting and promote it to their entire membership base. - Business advocacy and policy updates
The Chamber has your back when it comes to local and state policy. They advocate for business-friendly initiatives and keep you in the loop on issues that could impact your operations, whether it’s changes in taxes, workforce development efforts, or infrastructure improvements. - Training sessions on HR, marketing, leadership, and more
Running a business means constantly learning, and the Chamber offers a steady lineup of workshops, speaker events, and leadership programs to help you sharpen your skills. Whether you’re trying to figure out hiring best practices or want to improve your digital marketing game, there’s something for every experience level. - A listing in the online business directory
It might seem small, but it matters, especially when you’re just getting started. The Chamber’s business directory gets a lot of local traffic, and having your name listed adds credibility and visibility. - Community support and connection
Maybe the biggest benefit? You get to surround yourself with people who get it. Running a business can be isolating. The Chamber community includes folks who’ve been through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and are happy to share their advice, encouragement, and maybe even a few helpful contacts.
You don’t have to wait until your grand opening to invest. Many entrepreneurs get involved during the planning phase so they can start making connections early.
🔗 Consider Membership: eauclairechamber.org/invest-with-us
5. Explore Grants & Training at Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council
If you’re launching your business on a tight budget or come from a background that’s been historically underserved in the business world, Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council (EOC) might be your secret weapon. They’ve been helping entrepreneurs overcome barriers and build thriving businesses for years, and they offer some of the most practical, personalized support in the region.
Their Women’s Business Center is especially focused on empowering women, veterans, BIPOC entrepreneurs, and individuals with low to moderate income, but anyone looking for hands-on help and a welcoming support system will find value here.
Here’s what they bring to the table:
- One-on-one technical assistance
Whether you’re figuring out how to register your business, set up QuickBooks, price your services, or create an online presence, the Business Center staff will meet with you individually to walk you through the details. Their advisors are approachable, encouraging, and genuinely want to see you succeed. - Access to grants and microloans
If you don’t have much startup capital (or any), they can help you explore grant opportunities and apply for microloans tailored to small, early-stage businesses. These are especially helpful if you’ve been turned down by a bank or don’t want to take on too much debt upfront. - Classes on bookkeeping, taxes, and ecommerce
Running a business means wearing a lot of hats, and Western Dairyland EOC offers classes to help you wear those hats with confidence. Learn how to track your income and expenses, understand your tax responsibilities, set up an online store, and more. Many of these workshops are affordable or free and designed with beginners in mind. - A 10-week “Start a Business” course
This flagship course walks you step-by-step through everything from market research and pricing to branding and business finances. By the end, you’ll not only have a solid business plan, but you’ll also have a clear sense of what it will take to turn your idea into a functioning, revenue-generating venture.
Western Dairyland EOC is especially supportive of home-based, service, and microbusinesses too—the kinds of businesses that don’t always get attention from big banks or investors but have a huge impact in their communities. Think cleaning services, daycares, beauty professionals, food startups, local artisans, online shops, and more.
What’s really refreshing about their approach is that they meet you where you’re at, whether that’s just having an idea scribbled in a notebook or trying to turn your side hustle into your full-time income.
🔗 Explore Their Programs: westerndairyland.org
6. Get Personalized Coaching from SCORE
Sometimes what you really need is someone who’s been there from start to finish, someone who can look at your idea, ask smart questions, and offer honest, practical advice without trying to sell you anything. That’s exactly what SCORE provides.
SCORE is a national nonprofit supported by the Small Business Administration (SBA), but don’t let the national part fool you—they’ve got real people right here in Western Wisconsin who volunteer their time to help local entrepreneurs like you. And it’s all free and confidential.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Clarify your business idea
Not sure if your concept is ready for prime time? A SCORE mentor can help you define your target market, understand your value proposition, and shape your idea into something actionable. They’ll ask the kinds of questions you haven’t thought of yet, and that’s a good thing. - Create realistic financial goals
Whether you’re working on startup costs, revenue projections, or figuring out your break-even point, they’ll help you run the numbers. If you’re new to financial planning, don’t worry, they’re patient and will walk you through it step by step. - Tackle challenges like pricing, staffing, or marketing
Not sure how much to charge for your services? Wondering how to find your first employees or whether you’re even ready to hire? Trying to figure out where to spend your marketing budget? SCORE mentors can help with all of that, drawing on years of experience running and growing businesses. - Get a second opinion on your plan
Already have a business plan or strategy? Great! A mentor can review it and offer suggestions to strengthen your approach before you take it to a lender, investor, or potential partner. It’s like having a sounding board that’s 100% on your side.
And you’ve got options: meet in person, chat virtually, or attend one of their live webinars or on-demand workshops. Whether you prefer face-to-face conversations or self-paced learning, SCORE gives you access to tools and advice that grow with you.
Plus, you’re not limited to one mentor. If you need help with marketing and finance, for example, you can meet with different specialists. It’s like building your own personal business advisory team… without the cost.
🔗 Find a Mentor: score.org/centralwisconsin/local-mentors
7. Use National Tools with a Local Touch from the U.S. Small Business Administration
You’ve probably heard of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). They’re the federal agency that’s all about helping entrepreneurs launch, grow, and recover. While they’re a national organization, a lot of their resources are available right here in Eau Claire thanks to their partnerships with groups like the SBDC, SCORE, and local lenders.
And the best part is you don’t have to be applying for a loan or going through a crisis to benefit from what they offer. Much of it is available online anytime, and it’s all free.
Here’s what the SBA brings to the table:
- Federal loan and microloan programs
The SBA doesn’t lend money directly, but it works with banks and credit unions to back loans for small businesses, making it easier for you to qualify. From startup capital and equipment financing to funds to expand, SBA-backed loans are often more flexible and affordable than traditional options. They even have microloans for small-scale startups that don’t need or want a large amount of debt right out of the gate. - Step-by-step guidance for business and marketing plans
Their website is packed with templates, worksheets, and guides to help you write a business plan that actually makes sense and gets results. They walk you through what to include, how to organize it, and how to tailor it for investors or lenders. The same goes for marketing plans: if you’ve never written one, their resources can help you figure out who your customers are and how to reach them. - Free online learning modules
Not sure how to choose the right legal structure for your business? Curious about how to manage your finances or file your taxes? The SBA’s Learning Center has dozens of on-demand courses, all designed specifically for small business owners. You can watch them at your own pace, and many include worksheets and quizzes to help reinforce what you learn. - Disaster loan info (when applicable)
If your business is ever affected by a natural disaster, public health emergency, or other crisis, the SBA is one of the first places to turn. They provide low-interest loans to help businesses rebuild and recover, whether you’ve lost revenue, equipment, or even your physical location. (Hopefully you’ll never need this part, but it’s good to know it’s there.)
And again, you don’t need to fill out any forms or commit to anything to start using their tools. Their website is a goldmine of information for entrepreneurs at every stage, and it’s designed to be approachable, not overwhelming.
🔗 Explore Their Offerings: sba.gov
8. Use Market & Community Data to Back Up Your Idea
You don’t have to guess what Eau Claire residents want or hope you’re opening in the right spot. There’s plenty of local data available to help you build your business on solid ground. Whether you’re still refining your concept or prepping a pitch to the bank, real numbers can make a massive difference.
The data our community compiles can help you answer key questions like:
- Who lives here and what do they need?
- Where’s the competition and the gaps?
- What’s the employment landscape like?
- Which parts of the city are growing?
- How much are people earning and spending?
Here are some local resources to help you get a handle on Eau Claire’s market:
- City of Eau Claire Economic Development Reports
In addition to community profiles, our division regularly compiles and shares data about commercial activity, downtown development, housing trends, and neighborhood-specific growth. If you want to know what’s happening in different parts of the city or where new investment is going, these reports can give you an inside look. And if you’re not sure which report to start with, just ask us. We’re happy to help you find the right fit.
- U.S. Census QuickFacts
This user-friendly tool lets you zoom in on Eau Claire County to find data on demographics, income, education levels, and more. If you’re trying to define your target market or tailor your offerings, QuickFacts can help you sharpen your focus.
- West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board
Curious about local hiring trends, in-demand skills, or what jobs are growing fastest? This is the go-to source for regional labor market information. Especially helpful if you’re planning to hire or want to understand workforce dynamics.
And remember, you don’t have to be a data expert to use this information. If you’re unsure how to interpret it or how it applies to your business idea, reach out to our team. We can help you connect the dots so you feel confident in your next steps.
🔗 Dive Into Our Data: eauclairedevelopment.com
9. Location, Location, Location: Use Real Estate Tools Early
Where you open your business can make or break your success just as much as what you offer. You want to be where your customers already are (or will be soon), where foot traffic makes sense for your business model, and where the rent or mortgage won’t eat up all your profit. Luckily, Eau Claire has a wide range of commercial spaces, from downtown storefronts to flex space, office parks, and redevelopment zones that come with added perks.
So how do you find the right spot? Start with these tools and tips:
- City of Eau Claire’s Sites & Buildings Database
This searchable tool lets you browse available commercial properties in the city, including square footage, price, photos, zoning info, and more. You can filter by location, building type, and use, so whether you’re dreaming of a downtown storefront, a production warehouse, or something in between, you can see what’s out there.
- Talk to a Commercial Real Estate Agent
Local realtors who specialize in commercial spaces are a valuable resource, especially when you’re not sure what you’re looking for yet. They can help you compare locations, negotiate lease terms, and flag things like traffic counts, parking access, and proximity to complementary businesses (all things your customers will care about). Many also know about properties that aren’t publicly listed yet.
- Consider City Redevelopment Areas
The City of Eau Claire has designated redevelopment zones—such as the Cannery District, North Barstow District, and portions of the West Riverside and downtown core—where we’ve invested in infrastructure and where businesses may be eligible for grants, tax credits, or other financial assistance. Choosing a location in one of these areas can open the door to additional support and visibility. Plus, you’d be part of a broader revitalization effort.
- Let Us Help You Strategize
Not sure where your target customers live or shop? Wondering how a site’s zoning affects what you can do with the space? Curious if you qualify for a location-based incentive? That’s where our team comes in. We’ll help you think through not just where to set up shop but why. And if you’re trying to compare a few options, we can help you weigh the pros and cons from a long-term growth perspective.
Bottom line: Don’t leave location up to chance or wait until the last minute. The earlier you start exploring, the more likely you are to find a space that sets you up for success and potentially saves you money too.
🔗 Request Property Search Assistance: eauclairedevelopment.com/properties/assistance-request
10. Don’t Skip Zoning, Licensing, & Permits
This part probably doesn’t top your list of exciting things about starting a business, but zoning, licensing, and permitting are steps you absolutely don’t want to overlook. Taking the time to do this early on can save you a ton of time, money, and stress later.
Before you sign a lease, break out the paint, or start setting up shop, make sure you check in with the City of Eau Claire’s zoning and inspections staff. They’re friendly and knowledgeable, and their job is to help you avoid costly missteps, not to slow you down.
Here’s what they can help you navigate:
- Zoning rules
Not all business types are allowed in all areas. What works great for a coffee shop might not be okay for a welding operation or vice versa. The zoning team can help you figure out whether your business idea fits the location you’re considering, and if it doesn’t, whether there’s a workaround (like applying for a conditional use permit). - Occupancy permits
Before you open your doors, you’ll need to be cleared for occupancy. That means making sure your space meets safety and accessibility standards. It’s not just a rubber stamp; it’s about protecting you, your customers, and your employees. - Building code compliance
If you’re doing any renovations—no matter how minor—they need to meet local and state building codes. From plumbing and electrical to exits and signage, the inspections staff will walk you through what’s required and when permits are needed. - Sign permits and design guidelines
Yes, even your signs need a thumbs-up. The City can help you make sure your signage meets size, placement, and lighting rules. This step also helps you avoid the headache of having to redo or remove something later. - Historic district or redevelopment guidelines
If your building is located in a redevelopment area or historic district, there may be extra design or renovation standards in place. The City’s team can help you understand these early in your planning so there are no surprises.
It’s intimidating, yes, but you don’t need to figure this all out alone. The City website lists these requirements, and you can always reach out to talk things through with a real person. Getting clear on what’s required from the start means fewer hiccups, faster approvals, and a smoother launch. It’s not just red tape; it’s smart business.
🔗 Learn More: eauclairewi.gov/government/our-divisions/inspections
Final Thoughts: Build Your Business with a Community Behind You
Starting a business is hard, but Eau Claire is full of people and organizations ready to support you, whether you need help choosing a location, building a business plan, securing funding, or just getting the word out.
So, reach out, make connections, and take advantage of what’s already here to help you succeed. We’re excited to see what you build.
Source: Article Cover Illustration by Freepik
About The Author
Kendall Williams
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Kendall implements the City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division’s marketing strategies, coordinates business assistance, and supports data-driven planning and analysis.
