Running a business in Eau Claire, Wisconsin comes with its own set of challenges—especially when conditions change or unexpected issues come up. If you’re navigating uncertainty and aren’t sure what your next step should be, this resource hub helps you identify the challenge you’re facing and explore practical paths forward. With guidance from the City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division (That’s us!) and our regional partners, you can quickly access local resources to help your business stabilize, adapt, and keep moving forward.
Choose the area that best matches what you’re experiencing right now.
Cash Flow
You’re struggling to cover expenses or make payroll on a regular basis.
Declining Sales
You’re seeing fewer customers or declining sales and aren’t sure why.
Rising Costs
Your business’s operating costs are rising faster than your income.
Debt Pressure
You’re falling behind on payments or hearing from creditors.
Financing Access
You need funding but haven’t been able to qualify for traditional financing.
Marketing Challenges
You’re spending on marketing, but it’s not bringing in enough business.
Staffing Gaps
You can’t hire enough staff to keep operations running smoothly.
Workplace Strain
You’re dealing with turnover, burnout, or people-related challenges.
Business Pivot
Your current business model isn’t working the way it did originally.
Location Impacts
Construction, rent changes, or access issues are hurting your business.
Compliance Issues
You’re behind on licensing or taxes or are unsure what regulations apply.
Next Steps
You’re unsure whether to continue, pause, sell, or close your business.
Business Pivot
Your current business model isn’t working the way it did originally.
Location Impacts
Construction, rent changes, or access issues are hurting your business.
Compliance Issues
You’re behind on licensing or taxes or are unsure what regulations apply.
Next Steps
You’re unsure whether to continue, pause, sell, or close your business.
Choose Your Challenge
No matter where your business is in its lifecycle, this toolkit meets you there. Start by choosing the challenge that best reflects what you’re experiencing—such as cash flow issues, staffing gaps, or declining sales. Each challenge breaks the situation into clear, manageable actions designed to help your business get over the hurdle and move forward with confidence.
Explore Action Steps
Within each challenge, you’ll find guidance organized into immediate, short-term, and long-term steps. These action steps are designed to help you address urgent issues, stabilize your business, and plan thoughtful next moves. Whether you’re dealing with cash flow, staffing, compliance, or operational changes, this format can help you move forward in a clear and manageable way.
Connect With Local Support
Every section also highlights local organizations and professionals who can help you work through the challenge you’re facing. These resources connect you to confidential guidance, technical assistance, and funding options available in Eau Claire so you can talk through your situation and get advice on next steps tailored to your business.
Get in touch with the City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division for connections to confidential business support from local partners.