Key Demographic Data Eau Claire Entrepreneurs Should Explore
Entrepreneurs should know this about Eau Claire demographics when developing a new business idea.
Starting a business in Eau Claire can feel overwhelming, but support is available along the way. This resource hub walks you through the process step by step, from choosing a business structure to finding a space and securing the right licenses. With guidance from the City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division and our regional partners, you’ll find the tools you need at every stage of your startup journey.
Every successful business starts with a solid plan. In Eau Claire, aspiring entrepreneurs have access to a wide range of local resources designed to help you lay the groundwork for your business. The steps below will guide you through early planning so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
At the beginning of each entrepreneurial journey is a spark—an idea you believe can solve a problem, fill a gap, or offer something new. Before diving into planning, take time to clearly define what your business will do, who it will serve, and what makes it different. This early clarity will guide every decision you make moving forward. Local resources are available to help you shape and strengthen your concept from the very beginning.
Resources
Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation
Provides one-on-one support for entrepreneurs developing business ideas and hosts the Idea Challenge, a pitch competition for early-stage concepts
Visit Website
UW-Eau Claire Small Business Development Center
Offers free business consulting and in-depth market research tools to help you assess your idea’s potential
Visit Website
Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council
Supports new entrepreneurs through business idea development, coaching, and training workshops, especially for underserved communities
Visit Website
SCORE, West Central Wisconsin
Connects you with experienced business mentors who can help you evaluate and shape your idea based on real-world insight
Visit Website
U.S. Small Business Administration, Wisconsin District
Provides startup guides, planning tools, and referrals to local partners who can help turn your idea into a business
Visit Website
Before you invest time and money into launching your business, it’s important to understand the market you’re entering. Who are your customers? What are they looking for? Who else is offering similar products or services? Conducting market research helps you answer those questions and decide whether your idea is truly viable. Eau Claire offers a range of resources to help you gather insights, test assumptions, and make informed decisions.
Resources
UW-Eau Claire Small Business Development Center
Offers free one-on-one consulting and access to premium market research databases. Get help analyzing your industry, customer demographics, competition, and spending trends
Visit Website
Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council
Provides personalized support for entrepreneurs, including help identifying target markets and understanding local demand, especially helpful for women, low-income, and rural entrepreneurs
Visit Website
SCORE, West Central Wisconsin
Matches you with volunteer business mentors who can help interpret market research, offer industry-specific insights, and guide you through customer discovery
Visit Website
U.S. Small Business Administration, Wisconsin District
Offers an online hub including guides on identifying your market, plus links to demographic and industry data
Visit Website
City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division
Helps you understand local economic conditions, provides referrals to research experts, and directs you to useful tools or datasets for your specific type of business
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Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Provides state-level industry snapshots, regional economic overviews, and access to reports and tools that can inform your market research
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Even the best business ideas benefit from real-world testing. Before moving forward, it’s worth checking how your concept resonates with potential customers. This might mean creating a simple prototype, collecting honest feedback, or pitching your idea in a local competition. Validating your idea early helps you refine your offering, avoid costly missteps, and build confidence in your direction. Eau Claire offers several opportunities to test, present, and improve your concept with community support.
Resources
1 Million Cups, Eau Claire
Offers entrepreneurs a weekly opportunity to present early-stage ideas, receive feedback, and build a local support network
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Startup 48
Hosts a weekend-long event where participants develop, test, and pitch startup ideas with the help of local mentors and peers
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The Idea Challenge
Offers funding and mentorship through the Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation to help entrepreneurs move early-stage business ideas forward
Visit Website
HATCH Business Pitch Competition
Provides feedback and funding for emerging entrepreneurs through a live pitch event hosted by the Chippewa Falls Area Economic Development Corporation
Visit Website
Jump-Start Downtown Business Grant Competition
Provides funding and publicity for startups in downtown Eau Claire
Visit Website
WiSys Quick Pitch
Helps student and faculty entrepreneurs present their startup ideas and win seed funding
Visit Website
UW-Eau Claire Small Business Development Center
Provides free one-on-one consulting and tools to help assess business feasibility, refine ideas, and prepare for launch
Visit Website
Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council
Offers individualized business coaching and training workshops to help entrepreneurs evaluate and improve their business ideas, especially for underserved populations
Visit Website
Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation
Provides one-on-one support for entrepreneurs developing business ideas and hosts the Idea Challenge, a pitch competition for early-stage concepts
Visit Website
Once you’ve confirmed there’s a market for your idea, it’s time to build a plan around it. A strong business plan outlines your products or services, operational strategy, target market, and financial projections. It helps clarify your vision, reduce risk, and demonstrate viability to potential lenders and partners. Fortunately, local and national organizations can guide you through the process with templates, tools, and expert advice.
Resources
UW-Eau Claire Small Business Development Center
Offers business plan consulting services for startups
Visit Website
SCORE, West Central Wisconsin
Offers guided business plan development and refinement for entrepreneurs
Visit Website
Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council
Offers one-on-one assistance with business plan development for entrepreneurs
Visit Website
U.S. Small Business Administration, Wisconsin District
Offers step-by-step guides to writing business plans for startups
Visit Website
Starting a business takes more than a great idea; it takes knowledge, guidance, and the right people in your corner. Whether you’re brand new to entrepreneurship or looking to sharpen specific skills, Eau Claire offers workshops, mentorship, and advising tailored to small business owners. Getting connected early can help you avoid common pitfalls, build momentum, and tap into the experience of others who’ve been where you are now.
Resources
SCORE, West Central Wisconsin
Connects entrepreneurs with experienced volunteer mentors who offer personalized, ongoing business guidance and real-world insight at no cost
Visit Website
UW-Eau Claire Small Business Development Center
Provides entrepreneurs with connections to local mentor networks and peer learning opportunities through its business advising services
Visit Website
Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce
Offers networking events, leadership programs, business advocacy, and opportunities to build long-term professional relationships with other entrepreneurs and business leaders
Visit Website
Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council
Helps with one-on-one mentorship, entrepreneurial peer support, and coaching programs, especially for low-income, rural, and women entrepreneurs
Visit Website
Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. (DECI)
Hosts networking and business support opportunities for entrepreneurs within the downtown district, along with mentoring through district programs and partnerships
Visit Website
As you prepare to launch, one of the most important legal decisions you’ll make is how to structure your business. Whether you form a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or corporation, your choice will affect your taxes, liability, and how you raise capital. The resources below can help you understand your options and choose the structure that best fits your goals.
Resources
UW-Eau Claire Small Business Development Center
Offers free one-on-one guidance to help you understand the pros and cons of different business structures and how they relate to your specific situation
Visit Website
Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council
Provides startup coaching and support with selecting the right legal structure, especially for entrepreneurs launching small or home-based businesses
Visit Website
SCORE, West Central Wisconsin
Can help you evaluate entity types based on risk, scale, and long-term goals, and point you toward appropriate legal and tax resources
Visit Website
U.S. Small Business Administration, Wisconsin District
Covers the basics of each entity type and how they impact taxes, liability, and ownership
Visit Website
U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Outlines the federal tax implications of each business structure, including EIN requirements and filing responsibilities
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Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
Offers information on filing requirements and legal structure types for LLCs, corporations, and partnerships in Wisconsin
Visit Website
Entrepreneurs should know this about Eau Claire demographics when developing a new business idea.
Entrepreneurs should follow these steps to complete a competitor assessment before opening a business.
Entrepreneurs can use this short guide to learn about the Eau Claire market when they’re thinking about opening a new business.
Once you’ve laid the groundwork, it’s time to make things official. This phase covers the essential steps to legally establish your business in Eau Claire, from registering your name to securing licenses and understanding local requirements. With the right guidance and resources, you’ll be ready to take the next big steps toward opening day.
With your business structure in place, the next step is registering your business with the State of Wisconsin. Most businesses will need to file formation documents like Articles of Organization or Incorporation. If your business name differs from your legal name, you may also need to file a Trade Name (DBA). You’re not required to use an attorney, but working with a trusted advisor can help ensure a smooth process.
Resources
Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR)
Oversees business taxes and licensing for the state of Wisconsin
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Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI)
Maintains business and organization filings for the state of Wisconsin
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UW-Eau Claire Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Provides free guidance on the registration process and can help you understand which documents to file based on your business structure
Visit Website
Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council
Assists early-stage entrepreneurs with the paperwork and decision-making involved in legally registering a business
Visit Website
After registering your business, you’ll probably need a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. An EIN is required for tax reporting and may also be needed to open a business bank account or apply for licenses and permits. The application is free and easy to complete online, and local partners can help if you need guidance.
Resources
U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Distributes Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) and oversees business taxes for the nation
Visit Website
UW-Eau Claire Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Offers free guidance on completing the EIN application and can help answer questions about how your business structure affects what information you’ll need to provide
Visit Website
SCORE, West Central Wisconsin
Provides a walkthrough of the EIN application process to help ensure your paperwork is accurate and complete
Visit Website
Separating your personal and business finances is an essential step to keeping your business organized and compliant. Opening a dedicated business bank account helps you manage cash flow, track expenses, and simplify tax time. It’s also often required to accept payments, apply for loans, and build business credit. This section will guide you through what you’ll need to open an account with local banks and credit unions in Eau Claire.
Resources
Local Banks & Credit Unions
Offer business accounts tailored for startups with personalized service and local decision-making
Find a Bank
UW-Eau Claire Small Business Development Center
Lends a hand with one-on-one advising on financial setup, including guidance on choosing the right bank accounts and managing cash flow
Visit Website
U.S. Small Business Administration, Wisconsin District
Provides national guidance on business banking basics, how to prepare documents, and what to expect when opening an account
Visit Website
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI)
Maintains resources on banking regulations, business financial basics, and links to state-chartered banks and credit unions
Visit Website
Once your business is legally established, it’s time to assess your financial needs. If your available funds don’t cover your full startup costs, you can explore funding options like loans, grants, and pitch competitions. Eau Claire offers a range of local and regional programs designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage. Be sure to build a solid financial plan to strengthen any funding applications.
Commercial Bank Loans
Offer a variety of small business financing options, including lines of credit, term loans, and SBA-backed loans
Find a Bank
City of Eau Claire Loan Programs
Provide low-interest loans for eligible businesses within Eau Claire city limits, including gap financing and job creation incentives
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Regional Business Fund Loan Programs
Offer flexible financing for businesses in West Central Wisconsin, including microloans, façade loans, and revolving loan funds
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WEDC Grant Programs
Offer grants, training, and business development support across a variety of industries and business stages in Wisconsin
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Red Letter Grant
Awards startup funding to women-owned businesses in Western Wisconsin. Application cycles are offered quarterly
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Downtown Enhancement Grant
Provides façade improvement grants to eligible downtown businesses to support exterior upgrades and visual impact
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North Barstow BID Beautification Grant
Supports exterior improvements for businesses located within the North Barstow Business Improvement District
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The Idea Challenge
Offers funding and mentorship through the Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation to help entrepreneurs move early-stage business ideas forward
Visit Website
HATCH Business Pitch Competition
Provides funding opportunities and feedback for emerging entrepreneurs through a live pitch event hosted by the Chippewa Falls Area Economic Development Corporation
Visit Website
Jump-Start Downtown Business Grant Competition
Provides funding and publicity for startups in downtown Eau Claire
Visit Website
WiSys Quick Pitch
Helps student and faculty entrepreneurs present their startup ideas and win seed funding
Visit Website
As you work through your financial planning, you’ll also want to consider where your business will operate. Eau Claire’s Economic Development Division, local real estate agents, and property managers can help you identify commercial spaces that fit your goals, whether you’re looking for foot traffic, flexible lease terms, or room to grow.
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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Before you open your doors, make sure you’ve secured all the licenses, permits, and insurance required to operate legally in Eau Claire. Depending on your business type, this may include health inspections, zoning approvals, signage permits, or professional licenses. The agencies below can help you identify what’s required and walk you through the application process.
Resources
City of Eau Claire Licensing Division
Handles city-level business licenses, including alcohol licenses, secondhand dealer licenses, and others required to operate within city limits
Visit Website
City of Eau Claire Planning Division
Provides guidance on zoning requirements, conditional use permits, and sign approvals. A good first stop if you’re unsure whether your business is allowed at a specific location
Visit Website
City of Eau Claire Inspections Division
Oversees building permits, occupancy inspections, signage permits, and code compliance to ensure your physical space meets city requirements
Visit Website
City of Eau Claire Fire Department
Conducts fire safety inspections for commercial spaces and enforces fire code compliance. Required for most businesses occupying a new or renovated space
Visit Website
Eau Claire City-County Health Department
Issues licenses and conducts inspections for food and beverage businesses, personal care services (like salons), and other health-regulated industries
Visit Website
Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS)
Handles state-level licensing for a wide range of regulated professions, including contractors, cosmetologists, engineers, and others
Visit Website
Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR)
Administers seller’s permits and collects state sales tax
Visit Website
Insurance Companies
Provides insurance coverage for businesses of all sizes
Find a Broker
Entrepreneurs can gain insight into which legal structure to choose for their new Eau Claire business.
Entrepreneurs may need to apply for these licenses and permits for their new Eau Claire business.
Entrepreneurs can get a better understanding of state registration requirements before opening a business in Eau Claire.
With your business set up, it’s time to bring it to life. This phase focuses on what comes next—finding customers, building your team, and making your presence known. Whether you’re planning a soft opening or a big launch event, the resources below will help you start strong and grow with confidence.
If your business plan includes building a team, now’s the time to get ready for hiring. That means understanding employment laws, setting up payroll systems, and registering with state and federal agencies. Eau Claire has local and regional partners who can help you recruit talent, write job descriptions, and create onboarding processes that set your employees up for success.
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
Visit Website
Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce
Offers networking events, business workshops, and resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses
Visit Website
UW-Eau Claire
Offers career counseling services, internship programs, and networking events for students and alumni
Visit Website
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Offers career counseling services, job placement assistance, and support for continuing education and lifelong learning
Visit Website
Staffing Agencies
Offer workforce staffing assistance for businesses
Find an Agency
Opening day is a major milestone and a great opportunity to create buzz around your business. Whether you’re planning a soft launch or a grand opening event, local organizations can help spread the word, connect you with community leaders, and make sure everything runs smoothly. A strong start can set the tone for long-term success.
Resources
Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce
Hosts ribbon-cutting ceremonies and provides expansive promotional support for new businesses
Visit Website
Local Media Outlets
Publishes press releases, news articles, and event notifications about new business openings
Downtown Eau Claire Inc. (DECI)
Helps downtown businesses plan and promote grand openings, including access to DECI’s marketing channels and local event calendars
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City of Eau Claire Licensing Division
Assists with temporary permits for events that may include food, outdoor signage, or live music
Visit Website
Marketing your business is about more than placing ads; it’s about connecting with the right audience. From building a website and growing your social media presence to joining local business groups and attending networking events, there are many ways to get noticed in Eau Claire. Regional partners can help you craft a strategy that fits your goals and budget.
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
Visit Website
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
Visit Website
Marketing Agencies
Offers marketing and promotion assistance to businesses
Find an Agency
Launching your business isn’t the finish line; it’s the beginning of ongoing responsibilities. From renewing licenses and permits to filing taxes and maintaining insurance, staying compliant helps protect your business and keep operations running smoothly. Eau Claire offers support to help you stay organized and up to date with local, state, and federal requirements.
Resources
City of Eau Claire Licensing Division
Handles city-level business licenses, including alcohol licenses, secondhand dealer licenses, and others required to operate within city limits
Visit Website
City of Eau Claire Planning Division
Provides guidance on zoning requirements, conditional use permits, and sign approvals. A good first stop if you’re unsure whether your business is allowed at a specific location
Visit Website
City of Eau Claire Inspections Division
Oversees building permits, occupancy inspections, signage permits, and code compliance to ensure your physical space meets city requirements
Visit Website
City of Eau Claire Fire Department
Conducts fire safety inspections for commercial spaces and enforces fire code compliance. Required for most businesses occupying a new or renovated space
Visit Website
Eau Claire City-County Health Department
Issues licenses and conducts inspections for food and beverage businesses, personal care services (like salons), and other health-regulated industries
Visit Website
Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS)
Handles state-level licensing for a wide range of regulated professions, including contractors, cosmetologists, engineers, and others
Visit Website
Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR)
Administers seller’s permits and collects state sales tax
Visit Website
Once your business is up and running, your customers become one of your most valuable resources. Listening to their feedback can help you fine-tune your offerings, improve service, and build lasting loyalty. Whether it’s through surveys, reviews, or informal conversations, creating a system for gathering and responding to feedback will help your business grow stronger over time.
Resources
Google Forms
A free, simple tool to create surveys and collect customer feedback with automatic data organization and real-time response tracking
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Typeform
Provides engaging, conversational online forms and surveys designed to improve response rates and deliver detailed customer insights
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SurveyMonkey
An easy-to-use online survey tool that helps businesses create customized questionnaires to collect customer opinions and measure satisfaction
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Qualtrics XM
An advanced feedback management platform offering tools for customer experience surveys, analytics, and actionable reporting
Visit Website
Google Business Profile
Allows businesses to collect and respond to customer reviews on Google Search and Maps, plus track customer engagement metrics
Visit Website
Yelp For Business Owners
Enables businesses to monitor, respond to, and analyze customer reviews on Yelp, helping improve reputation and customer relations
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Hootsuite Insights
A social listening tool that helps track customer sentiment and feedback across social media platforms, enabling timely responses and trend analysis
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Even after you open your doors, your business journey is just beginning. Whether you’re looking to expand, add new products or services, or open a second location, there are resources available to help you grow strategically. Keep track of your metrics, revisit your business plan often, and lean on local experts when you’re ready to take the next step.
Resources
UW-Eau Claire Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Provides free, one-on-one advising for growth-stage businesses, including help with expansion planning, financial forecasting, hiring strategy, and operational scaling
Visit Website
Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council
Supports small businesses in scaling operations, reaching new markets, and expanding their customer base, especially in rural and underserved communities
Visit Website
Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation
Offers support for growth-oriented businesses through strategic planning, site selection, financing options, and connections to regional economic development tools
Visit Website
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
Provides a wide range of state-level grants and tax credits for business expansion, export readiness, workforce training, and innovation initiatives
Visit Website
Entrepreneurs can use these resources to find employees before opening a new business in Eau Claire.
Entrepreneurs can read through these tips to help plan a grand opening for their new business in Eau Claire.
Entrepreneurs can learn the basics of managing finances for their new business after opening in Eau Claire.
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