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

Resources

Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation
Offers business idea development assistance and hosts an annual Idea Challenge for entrepreneurs
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UW-Eau Claire Small Business Development Center
Offers consulting and market research resources for startups
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Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council
Offers business counseling and education opportunities for entrepreneurs
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SCORE, West Central Wisconsin
Offers free business mentoring by volunteer professionals for entrepreneurs
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U.S. Small Business Administration, Wisconsin District
Offers small business counseling and connections to local resources for startups
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1 Million Cups, Eau Claire
Offers business idea presentation and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs
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Startup 48
Offers a weekend-long opportunity for entrepreneurs to develop and pitch business ideas
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Should you determine that your idea is a fit for our community, next you’ll need to draft a business plan that outlines the products or services you’ll offer, an operational plan, a market analysis, and a financial proposal. This will help you gain clarity on the business’s feasibility, mitigate risks, and attract potential investors with a compelling vision.

Resources

UW-Eau Claire Small Business Development Center
Offers business plan consulting services for startups
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SCORE, West Central Wisconsin
Offers guided business plan development and refinement for entrepreneurs
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Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council
Offers one-on-one assistance with business plan development for entrepreneurs
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U.S. Small Business Administration, Wisconsin District
Offers step-by-step guides to writing business plans for startups
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Once you have a business plan drafted and are ready to move forward with setting up your initial operation, the third step is legally registering your business. Depending on your business structure, this will likely involve obtaining a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS and applying for any additional licenses or permits required by the city or other regulatory agencies, such as health permits or zoning approvals. We recommend consulting a legal professional who is familiar with forming business entities in Eau Claire to get started.

Resources

Wisconsin Department of Revenue
Oversees business taxes and licensing for the state of Wisconsin
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U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Distributes Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) and oversees business taxes for the nation
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Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
Maintains business and organization filings for the state of Wisconsin
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City of Eau Claire Licensing Division
Facilitates business licensing and inspections for the city
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Eau Claire City-County Health Department
Assists with inspections and licensing for food and beverage-based businesses in the city
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Once your business is legally established, you’ll need to assess your financial capacity. If additional funding is required beyond what you have on hand, you can explore financing options such as business loans, lines of credit, venture capital, or grants available through local partners. Then you’ll need to develop a detailed financial plan that includes budgeting, revenue projections, and return on investment (ROI) analysis to apply.

Loans

Commercial Bank Loans
Offers multiple funding opportunities for businesses
Find a Bank

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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During the financial planning process, you’ll also want to evaluate potential locations for your business. 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.

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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While your building is being constructed or renovated, you’ll need to assess your workforce needs for your new operation 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

The final step is to develop a marketing plan that will help raise awareness of your business’s new location and offerings 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