EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division has launched a Business Startup Toolkit, a centralized online resource designed to make it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow a business in Eau Claire.
The new hub, published on the division’s website, brings together step-by-step guidance, links to existing local resources, answers to frequently asked questions, and direct connections to business assistance partners and programs, all in one streamlined location. Rather than duplicating services, the hub coordinates existing resources and clearly explains how entrepreneurs can access them in a way that is easy to follow, whether they are launching a small home-based business, a downtown storefront, or an industrial operation.
“Starting a business can be very overwhelming, especially when information as basic as what steps to take first is scattered across so many different organizations,” says Kendall Williams with the Economic Development Division. “This hub was built to provide new entrepreneurs with Eau Claire-specific answers wherever they are in the startup process—from the spark of a new business idea all the way through hiring and potential expansion.”
A One-Stop Resource for Entrepreneurs
The Startup Toolkit is organized into three sections—Planning, Setting Up, and Launching—to guide new business owners through each step of the process. Within each section there are links to recommended local resources, as well as articles that are filterable by topic and written around the most common questions prospective business owners ask, including:
- Choosing a business structure and registering a business
- Navigating local licensing, permits, and zoning considerations
- Accessing financing, including City loan programs
- Tackling business planning, hiring, and marketing
- Connecting with local partners such as lenders and advisors
Built to Support All Stages of Business Formation
The hub serves first-time entrepreneurs as well as experienced business owners who are new to Eau Claire, while also complementing in-person support offered through the City and its regional partners, creating a clearer entry point into the local business assistance ecosystem.
“Our division’s goal is to make Eau Claire a place where entrepreneurs can move from idea to opening day with clarity and confidence,” continues Williams. “This new hub is our first step in making entrepreneurship more accessible, and we plan to continue building on it as new resources become available and more questions arise from the region’s growing entrepreneurial community.”
The Startup Toolkit is now live at: eauclairedevelopment.com/resources/start-a-business
For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
Kendall Williams
Economic Development Division
City of Eau Claire
(715) 839-4914
kendall.williams@eauclairewi.gov
About the City of Eau Claire
The City of Eau Claire, located in west-central Wisconsin, is committed to fostering a thriving economic environment that supports businesses of all sizes, promotes job growth, and enhances the quality of life for its residents.
About The Author
Kendall Williams
City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division
Kendall’s role is to champion local businesses at every stage of their journey. Whether it’s helping new entrepreneurs find the right location, supporting existing businesses as they grow, managing the City’s loan programs, or providing data to guide smart decisions, she’s all about making Eau Claire a place where businesses can thrive.
