After months (or maybe even years) of dreaming, planning, and paperwork, your business is finally ready to open its doors. First off—congratulations! That’s no small feat. Now it’s time to share your big moment with the community.
A grand opening can be a powerful way to make a splash, draw in your first customers, and start building buzz. But like anything in business, the more thought you put into it ahead of time, the better the results. Here are a few steps to help you plan a grand opening that’s exciting, memorable, and uniquely Eau Claire.
1. Pick a Date & Give Yourself Some Breathing Room
It’s tempting to schedule your grand opening the second your occupancy permit is in hand. You’ve waited this long, so why not throw open the doors and start welcoming customers right away? But here’s the thing: Giving yourself a little extra lead time can make a huge difference in how smoothly everything goes.
Choose a date that gives you room to breathe. You’ll likely need time to finish setting up your space, finalize signage, stock shelves, test equipment, and train your team. Maybe you still need to set up your point-of-sale system, prep for media coverage, or coordinate with a local printer for your flyers. Trying to do all that in the final 48 hours before a big event will be unnecessarily stressful. Planning your opening a few weeks out from your final approvals gives you the space to handle surprises without panic.
Many Eau Claire businesses opt to do a soft opening first—a quieter, invite-only preview where you can test your systems and get honest feedback from friends, family, and trusted supporters. It’s not just a chance to fine-tune your operations; it’s a confidence booster too. You’ll go into your grand opening day with less guesswork and more momentum.
And don’t forget to check what else is happening in town. Eau Claire’s community calendar can fill up fast with festivals, parades, and other events, so make sure your date doesn’t get overshadowed. If you’re strategic, you might even piggyback off another event to boost foot traffic.
The goal here is to start strong, not scramble, so give yourself the grace of a little extra time; you’ll thank yourself later.
2. Partner with the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce
If you’re looking to make your grand opening feel official, partnering with the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce is a smart move. They offer ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new and growing businesses, and it’s more than just a fun photo op with a giant pair of scissors (although, yes, that’s part of it too).
When you schedule a ribbon cutting through the Chamber, you’ll get support promoting the event to their network, which includes hundreds of local businesses, civic leaders, and media contacts. Your opening will be featured on their website, shared in their email newsletter, and posted on social media—getting your name in front of a much wider audience than you might reach on your own.
Plus, Chamber staff will be there the day of the event to welcome guests, say a few words, and help everything go smoothly. Depending on availability, your local elected officials may also attend to show their support.
It’s a great way to introduce yourself to the business community and start building relationships with people who genuinely want to see you succeed. Whether you’re opening a café downtown, launching a new salon, or expanding your home-based business into a storefront, a ribbon cutting adds a sense of excitement and credibility to your big day. And yes, you’ll walk away with some fantastic photos you can share on your website, in a press release, or on your own social media.
🔗 Start Here: Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce ›
3. Invite the Community
A grand opening is a celebration, but it’s also your chance to make a great first impression. So, who do you want in the room when the doors open?
Start by making a guest list. Think about the people who’ve supported you along the way—friends and family, of course, but also former coworkers, loyal customers (especially if you’ve built a following through pop-ups, markets, or social media), and other small business owners you’ve connected with. Don’t forget to invite your landlord, building neighbors, and contractors or vendors who helped bring your space to life.
You might also reach out to local media outlets, City officials, or your City Council representative. These folks often like to spotlight new businesses and community success stories, and having them attend can give your grand opening a boost in visibility and credibility.
Once you know who you want to invite, start spreading the word early and often. Post about your event on social media in the weeks leading up to it; build anticipation with behind-the-scenes photos or sneak peeks of your space. Create a Facebook event so people can RSVP and share it with friends. You can also hang flyers in nearby businesses, coffee shops, or community bulletin boards (just ask for permission first!).
And don’t underestimate the power of Eau Claire’s community calendars. Submit your event to sites like Volume One and Visit Eau Claire to reach a broader audience. These platforms are go-to sources for locals looking for something to do, and your event might be exactly what they’re looking for.
Bottom Line: The more people who know about your grand opening, the better your chances of turning it into a packed house and a memorable launch.
4. Plan a Reason to Stop By
Let’s be honest. A ribbon-cutting and a slice of cake are nice, but if you really want people to show up and stick around, you’ve got to give them more reasons to come through your doors. The best grand openings offer an experience—something fun, memorable, or valuable that makes your event stand out from the usual.
Think about your business and what fits your vibe. Maybe it’s free samples or product demos that let visitors try before they buy—who can resist that? If you sell coffee, craft beer, baked goods, or handmade goods, offering a little taste or sneak peek is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Or how about a special, limited-time discount just for grand opening attendees? It creates a sense of urgency and can help turn browsers into buyers on the spot.
Live entertainment is another great option, especially here in Eau Claire’s vibrant arts scene. A local band or artist performing can add energy and make your event feel like a true celebration.
If you’re a family-friendly business or want to attract families, consider adding kids’ activities, face painting, or small giveaways. It’s a nice way to keep everyone happy and make your event welcoming for all ages.
And don’t forget raffles or prize drawings. Offering a chance to win something exciting can draw in curious visitors and get them talking about your business.
Another smart move is teaming up with your neighbors or nearby businesses. Maybe you can co-host the event or cross-promote to double your reach. Imagine a mini-block party vibe where multiple shops and restaurants get in on the fun; that’s a win-win for everyone involved and a great way to build a sense of community.
The more reasons you give people to stop by, the more successful your grand opening will be. So, get creative and make it an event folks won’t want to miss!
5. Capture the Moment
You’ve put in the hard work to get here. Now make sure you capture those special moments so you can celebrate them again and again. Designate someone to be your official photographer and videographer for the day. This could be a professional if your budget allows, or simply a friend, family member, or team member who has a good eye and a steady hand.
Having quality photos and videos is a game-changer. They’re perfect for sharing on your website, social media channels, and in future marketing materials. Plus, great visuals help tell your story and show off the excitement of your grand opening to people who couldn’t make it in person.
Make sure to capture key moments like the ribbon-cutting, your first customers walking in, any special performances or activities, and candid shots of happy guests mingling and enjoying themselves. The more variety you have, the better.
Once you have your content, be sure to tag local organizations like the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, downtown associations, or community partners involved in your event. And don’t forget to use popular Eau Claire hashtags—like #EauClaireWI, #ShopEauClaire, or #DowntownEauClaire—to boost your posts’ reach and connect with the local community online.
Capturing and sharing your grand opening moments not only helps you promote your business but also builds a sense of pride and momentum as you continue growing. So don’t skip this step; our future self will thank you!
6. Say Thanks & Keep the Momentum Going
Once the confetti has settled and the last guest has left, it’s time to take a moment to say thank you. Gratitude goes a long way—not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it helps build strong relationships with your community from day one.
Reach out to everyone who showed up, whether that’s with a simple social media shoutout, a heartfelt email, or even handwritten thank-you notes if you want to get extra personal. Share a few favorite moments from the event—photos, videos, or quotes from happy customers—and let people know how much you appreciated their support.
If you have a newsletter or blog, this is a great place to feature a recap with highlights and behind-the-scenes stories. It keeps the excitement alive and reminds people who couldn’t make it that your business is open and ready to serve.
Remember, your grand opening isn’t just a one-day event; it’s the launchpad for your ongoing relationship with the community. Keep that momentum going by engaging regularly with your audience through social media, hosting future events, or offering special promotions.
Stay visible, stay connected, and keep showing why your business is a valuable part of Eau Claire’s local scene. That way, you’re not just opening doors; you’re opening opportunities for lasting success.
Get Started
Planning a grand opening is a big step, and with a little preparation, it can be an exciting celebration that sets the tone for your business’s future. Remember, this is your chance to introduce your brand to the community, create lasting connections, and start building momentum. Take your time, get creative, and enjoy every moment of this special milestone in Eau Claire’s welcoming business community. Here’s to a successful launch and many great days ahead!
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.
