Disclaimer: The articles published here on the City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division website are meant to be a helpful starting point as you explore doing business in our community. They’re not the final word on rules, requirements, or what’s best for your unique situation. We always recommend checking in with legal, financial, or other professionals for advice tailored to your business.
When you’re launching a new business, one of the best investments you can make isn’t just in your space, your website, or your equipment—it’s in your relationships.
The right connections can open doors to new clients, mentors, and collaborators who help your business grow faster and stronger. Luckily, Eau Claire has no shortage of ways to meet people who are just as driven and community-minded as you are.
From local meetups and leadership programs to regional conferences, here are some of the best networking opportunities to explore as a new business owner.
1. Chamber of Commerce Networking Events
If you’re new to Eau Claire’s business scene, the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce is one of the best places to start making connections. The Chamber has been at the center of local business life for decades, helping entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders come together to exchange ideas and strengthen the region’s economy.
The Chamber hosts a steady rotation of networking events throughout the year, each designed to spark meaningful conversations in a relaxed, welcoming environment:
- Business After Hours – Monthly evening mixers held at different member businesses around town. These casual gatherings are perfect for grabbing hors d’oeuvres, touring a new location, and chatting with other business owners in a low-pressure setting.
- Morning Momentum – A newer breakfast-networking experience where business professionals gather early. These events are free to attend and require no formal registration, making them easy to fit into your schedule and ideal for meeting people before the day kicks into full gear.
- Eggs & Issues Breakfasts – Morning events that bring local leaders together to discuss current issues and opportunities affecting Eau Claire’s economy. You’ll often hear directly from City officials, educators, and industry experts while connecting with peers over breakfast.
- Annual & Signature Events – From the Chamber’s Annual Meeting to its Business Community Awards Banquet and Chamber Golf Outing, these larger gatherings are excellent chances to meet people outside your usual circles.
No matter which event you attend, you’ll find a mix of professionals, from long-time local business owners to new startups looking to make their mark. Conversations here tend to be friendly, genuine, and surprisingly productive.
🔗 Start Here: Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce ›
2. BNI Greater Eau Claire Chapter Meetups
If you’re the kind of business owner who likes structure and measurable results, Business Network International (BNI) Greater Eau Claire offers one of the most effective networking systems around. BNI is a global organization built on the philosophy of “Givers Gain®”—the idea that by helping others grow their businesses, you’ll grow yours in return.
The Eau Claire chapter typically meets weekly and follows a proven, referral-driven format. Each meeting includes introductions, member presentations, and time dedicated to sharing referrals, success stories, and business challenges. It’s not your typical unstructured mixer because members commit to consistent participation and relationship-building that translates into real leads and long-term partnerships.
One of the most unique features of BNI is its one-member-per-profession policy, meaning once your industry seat is filled, no one else in that category can join. This creates an environment focused on collaboration instead of competition. Whether you’re a realtor, accountant, contractor, or marketer, you’ll be surrounded by professionals who are genuinely invested in your success.
BNI also provides resources beyond the local chapter, including online tools, regional training sessions, and access to an international network of members—giving you opportunities to expand your reach far beyond Eau Claire.
🔗 Start Here: BNI Eau Claire Chapter ›
3. Peer Groups & Networking Tracks at Western Wisconsin Women’s Business Center
For entrepreneurs who want to grow their business with the support of a like-minded community, the Western Wisconsin Women’s Business Center (WWBC) is a fantastic resource. Operated by Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council, the center’s mission is to empower small business owners—particularly women entrepreneurs—through education, mentorship, and connection.
The WWBC offers peer groups, networking tracks, and educational events that go beyond surface-level introductions. Their programs are designed to help entrepreneurs build relationships that are both personal and professional. In small, focused peer groups, participants meet regularly to set goals, share progress, and exchange honest feedback—creating a built-in accountability network that many business owners find invaluable.
Beyond peer cohorts, the WWBC hosts networking lunches, workshops, and training sessions on everything from marketing and financial management to leadership development. These events attract a mix of new and seasoned business owners, consultants, and professionals, making it easy to connect with others who can offer advice, collaboration, or referrals.
Even if you’re not a woman-owned business, the center’s events are open to anyone seeking a supportive, inclusive environment that values collaboration over competition.
🔗 Start Here: Western Wisconsin Women’s Business Center ›
4. Community Leadership through Rotary Club
If you’re looking to grow your professional network while making a tangible difference in the community, the Rotary Club of Eau Claire offers one of the most rewarding opportunities in town. Founded on the principles of service, leadership, and fellowship, Rotary brings together local business owners, civic leaders, and professionals from all walks of life who share a common goal: improving Eau Claire and the wider world through service.
The club usually meets weekly, offering members a consistent space to connect, exchange ideas, and stay informed about local issues. Meetings also feature guest speakers—ranging from nonprofit directors to City officials and regional business leaders—who share insights on community challenges and opportunities. These gatherings create an easy, natural way to meet influential people across sectors, many of whom are deeply involved in the region’s economic and civic development.
Beyond the meetings themselves, Rotary’s service projects and community initiatives are where relationships truly take root. Whether you’re volunteering at a local fundraiser, organizing a youth mentorship program, or contributing to an international project, you’ll find yourself collaborating side by side with people who value teamwork and integrity. These shared experiences often lead to strong, long-term professional and personal connections.
Rotary also offers a broader professional network that extends far beyond Eau Claire—with regional events, state conventions, and international exchanges connecting members from across the globe. For entrepreneurs and small business owners, it’s a meaningful way to build credibility, visibility, and goodwill in the community.
🔗 Start Here: Rotary Club of Eau Claire ›
5. Casual Networking Events with Connect Work
For anyone who’s ever felt awkward walking into a traditional networking event, Connect: Networking Without the Pitch is meant to be a breath of fresh air. Co-hosted by leadership behind Learn Better and Musky Tank, this recurring event was created to make professional networking feel more human—less about business cards and elevator speeches, and more about genuine conversation.
Each gathering takes place at a relaxed local venue, often spots like The Brewing Projekt or other Eau Claire favorites where the focus is on connecting people rather than promoting products. You’ll find a diverse crowd of entrepreneurs, small business owners, creatives, and community leaders, all there for the same reason: to build relationships, share experiences, and support one another’s growth.
There’s no formal agenda, no sales pressure, and no microphone introductions. Instead, you might chat with someone who just launched a new venture, meet a seasoned founder with hard-won lessons to share, or discover a collaborator for your next project. This casual environment encourages authentic interaction and often leads to partnerships that feel organic rather than transactional.
Beyond the event itself, Connect helps strengthen Eau Claire’s business ecosystem by creating bridges between established professionals and emerging talent. It’s an excellent first step for new entrepreneurs who want to plug into the local community but prefer something friendlier and less structured than a typical networking group.
🔗 Start Here: Connect Work: Networking Without the Pitch ›
6. Social Connections & Volunteering through Young Professionals of the Chippewa Valley
If you’re in the early stages of your career, the Young Professionals of the Chippewa Valley (YPCV) is a must-join organization for building your network and leadership skills. Operated by the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Chippewa Falls Chamber of Commerce, YPCV creates opportunities for emerging professionals to connect, learn, and make a meaningful impact in the region.
The group hosts a steady lineup of social events, volunteer projects, and professional-development workshops throughout the year. You might attend an after-hours mixer at a local brewery, volunteer alongside other members at a community event, or participate in a lunch-and-learn with local business leaders. Each event is designed to help members build both confidence and community ties, while sparking easy conversations with peers.
Membership offers more than just networking too—it’s about growth. Through their programs, members can develop essential skills in communication, management, and civic engagement while getting exposure to Eau Claire’s broader business ecosystem. Many of Eau Claire’s current business and civic leaders got their start right here, using YPCV as a springboard to deepen their community involvement and leadership presence.
Whether you’re new to Eau Claire, returning after college, or simply looking to expand your circle, YPCV provides a welcoming environment where professional relationships often turn into lasting friendships.
🔗 Start Here: Young Professionals of the Chippewa Valley ›
7. Local Conferences & Industry Events
If you’re looking to expand your network beyond Eau Claire’s day-to-day business circles, attending local and regional conferences can be a game changer. These events attract a diverse mix of entrepreneurs, professionals, and creatives—all eager to learn, share ideas, and connect. The best part is you don’t have to travel far to find them. Eau Claire hosts several major conferences that blend professional development with meaningful networking opportunities.
One standout is the Women’s Business Conference, organized each fall by the Western Wisconsin Women’s Business Center. Typically held at the Pablo Center at the Confluence, this full-day event draws hundreds of business owners and professionals from across the region. With breakout sessions on marketing, finance, and leadership—plus a large exhibitor hall and networking breaks—it’s a vibrant, high-energy environment that makes it easy to meet people and spark new collaborations.
Another new must-attend event is the Roadmap Marketing Conference, a gathering for marketers, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals from across Wisconsin and the Midwest, put on by the leadership behind Four Peas Consulting, Double Forte, and Daredevil Business Consulting. Hosted right here in Eau Claire, Roadmap offers an inspiring lineup of speakers, interactive workshops, and plenty of chances to connect over coffee or during evening socials. Whether you’re looking to refine your marketing strategy or simply meet other innovators, the event delivers fresh ideas and valuable relationships in one setting.
Beyond these, Eau Claire’s conference calendar often includes specialized industry events—like Startup 48 for entrepreneurs, HATCH and BEAR pitch competitions, and regional trade shows hosted at the new Eau Claire Event District. Each provides a different atmosphere, but the goal is the same: helping local professionals connect, collaborate, and grow together.
8. Local Leadership Programs
Once you’ve built your initial business network, the next step is deepening those relationships, and few experiences do that better than Eau Claire’s local leadership development programs. These immersive experiences bring together professionals from across industries who want to grow their skills, strengthen their community ties, and make a lasting impact.
The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Eau Claire program is one of the most respected opportunities in the region. Over the course of about nine months, participants take part in behind-the-scenes tours, panel discussions, and interactive sessions on topics like economic development, education, health care, government, and the arts. Each class represents a diverse cross-section of Eau Claire’s business and civic community, from entrepreneurs and nonprofit directors to educators and City officials. The program is as much about building relationships as it is about developing leadership capacity; many graduates credit it for connecting them with collaborators, mentors, and lifelong friends.
Meanwhile, Leader-She, a new program hosted by Learn Better, offers a more focused experience for women who want to strengthen their leadership presence and connect with other purpose-driven professionals. Through workshops, coaching, and small-group discussions, participants explore topics like confidence, communication, and collaboration—all within an empowering, supportive environment. The program is meant to foster a genuine sense of community too, helping participants expand both their professional and personal networks while gaining fresh perspectives on leadership.
Both programs go beyond classroom learning. They create space for honest dialogue, shared growth, and long-term connection—essential ingredients for any entrepreneur or professional looking to stay inspired and involved.
Find Your Place in Eau Claire’s Business Community
No matter your industry or experience level, there’s a place for you to connect in Eau Claire. From casual coffee meetups to structured leadership cohorts, each of these opportunities offers something a little different, but they all have one thing in common: people who want to see each other succeed.
So, take that next step. Sign up for an event, attend a conference, or apply for a program. The relationships you build today could shape the future of your business tomorrow.
Source: Article Cover Illustration by Freepik
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.
