Relocate a Business to Eau Claire WI

Relocate a Business

Eau Claire, Wisconsin is a top pick for businesses thinking about relocating thanks to its lively business community, proximity to major markets, and strong support system of entrepreneurial resources and schools. Plus, the city boasts an affordable cost of living and lots of recreation opportunities that make it appealing to employees who might consider transferring to the area.

Modern Business Infrastructure

Eau Claire has prioritized investing in modern infrastructure and technology, ensuring the city's businesses have the necessary tools and facilities they need to operate efficiently.

Strategic Location

Situated at the confluence of two rivers and with proximity to major highways and cities such as Minneapolis-St. Paul and Madison, Eau Claire's location is ideal for business logistics and networking.

Competitive Real Estate Prices

Eau Claire has four business parks and a myriad of commercial real estate properties that are typically significantly more affordable than those available in large metropolitan areas.

Skilled Workforce

Eau Claire residents are a well-educated and skilled workforce thanks to the city's many schools, higher education institutions, and workforce development programs.

Supportive Business Community

Eau Claire is home to many partners that offer support and guidance to businesses and host regular events that serve as great networking opportunities for those new to the area.

High Quality of Life

In addition to doing business here, Eau Claire is an attractive place for anyone looking to relocate to live thanks to the city's many parks, recreational activities, and annual cultural events.

Plan Your Move

Whether you’re looking to move your business from another region or within city limits, Eau Claire, Wisconsin offers many resources to entrepreneurs that can help with the relocation process. The following steps will help you get started.

Step #1: Conduct Market Research

If you’re considering relocating your business to or within Eau Claire, the first step is to conduct market research to understand the demand for your products or services in the area. You’ll also want to analyze demographic data, consumer behavior, competition, and economic trends to assess the viability of moving.

Resources

Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation
Offers business idea development and market research assistance for entrepreneurs
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UW-Eau Claire Small Business Development Center
Offers consulting and market research resources for businesses
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Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council
Offers counseling and education opportunities for businesses
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SCORE, West Central Wisconsin
Offers free mentoring by volunteer professionals for businesses
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U.S. Small Business Administration, Wisconsin District
Offers counseling and connections to local resources for businesses
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Step #2: Secure Financing

Once you know you want to relocate, you’ll need to assess your financial capacity for the costs of leasing or purchasing new property, renovations, equipment, and other operating expenses. If additional funding is required, you can explore options such as business loans, lines of credit, venture capital, or grants available through local partners. Then you’ll need to update your financial plan to apply.

Loans

Commercial Bank Loans
Offers multiple funding opportunities for businesses
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City of Eau Claire Loan Programs
Offers multiple low-interest funding opportunities for businesses in Eau Claire city limits
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Regional Business Fund Loan Programs
Offers multiple funding opportunities for businesses in West Central Wisconsin
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Grants

WEDC Grant Programs
Offers funding, resources, programs, and training for businesses in Wisconsin
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Red Letter Grant
Offers funding for women-owned businesses in Western Wisconsin
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Jump-Start Downtown Business Grant Competition
Offers funding for startups in downtown Eau Claire
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Downtown Enhancement Grant
Offers façade improvement funding for businesses in downtown Eau Claire
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Step #3: Select Your Location

During the financial planning process, you’ll also want to evaluate potential relocation sites. Our economic development division, along with area real estate agents and property management companies, can help you find suitable commercial real estate options that meet your needs and align with your growth strategy.

Resources

Commercial Realtors
Offers property search assistance to businesses
Find a Realtor

Property Search Tool
Offers the latest commercial property listings for rent and sale
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LoopNet Commercial Property Listings
Offers the latest commercial property listings for sale
View Listings

Coven Eau Claire
Offers an affordable co-working space for entrepreneurs
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Step #4: Coordinate Your Move

When you’ve selected your location and it’s move-in ready, you’ll need to plan the logistics of moving your business’s equipment, inventory, and supplies to the new space. You may need to hire professional movers or coordinate transportation arrangements, and you’ll also want to notify customers, suppliers, and vendors so they’re in the loop.

Resources

Moving Services
Offers equipment and property moving assistance for businesses
Find a Mover

Storage Units
Offers affordable equipment and property storage for businesses
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Step #5: Transfer or Hire Employees

While your building is being outfitted, you’ll need to assess your workforce needs for the new site and develop a recruitment strategy to attract and retain talent. This can be done by exploring workforce development programs, training resources, and partnerships with educational institutions to build a skilled workforce that supports your objectives.

Resources

Workforce Resource
Offers job training and placement services for individuals seeking employment in various industries
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Job Centers of Wisconsin
Offers job search assistance, career planning resources, and access to unemployment benefits and other support services
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Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Offers workforce resources and programs including apprenticeships, job training grants, and unemployment insurance
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Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce
Offers networking events, business workshops, and resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses
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UW-Eau Claire
Offers career counseling services, internship programs, and networking events for students and alumni
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Chippewa Valley Technical College
Offers career counseling services, job placement assistance, and support for continuing education and lifelong learning
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Staffing Agencies
Offer workforce staffing assistance for businesses
Find an Agency

Step #6: Promote Your New Location

The final step is to develop a marketing plan that will help raise awareness of your newly relocated business once you’re ready to open. You can utilize various traditional channels such as advertising, social media, and email marketing, and you can also reach out to the chamber of commerce to schedule a ribbon-cutting to help generate interest.

Resources

City of Eau Claire Recreation Division
Offers sponsorship and advertising opportunities for businesses
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Volume One Magazine
Offers print and digital marketing opportunities for businesses
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Leader-Telegram
Offers print and digital advertising opportunities for businesses
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WEAU Marketing
Offers broadcasting and other digital advertising solutions for businesses
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WQOW
Offers broadcasting and other digital advertising solutions for businesses
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Mid-West Family Broadcasting
Offers radio and digital marketing solutions for businesses
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Marketing Agencies
Offers marketing and promotion assistance to businesses
Find an Agency