If you’re nearing the point of opening your new business in Eau Claire, you’ve probably already nailed down your product or service, picked out the perfect location, and started thinking about how to get the word out. But what about staffing? Finding the right team before you open your doors can make all the difference—not just for your launch day, but for your long-term success.
The good news is Eau Claire has plenty of ways to connect with potential employees, even before your first sale. No matter your industry, here are some local resources that can help.
1. Post Jobs with the Workforce Resource Center
Let’s start with a go-to option: the West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board. Through their Workforce Resource Center in Eau Claire, you can access a wide range of free hiring services designed specifically for local employers.
If you’re looking to fill a position fast, they’ll help you post your job openings where local job seekers will actually see them, including Job Center of Wisconsin, a statewide platform used by thousands. If you need help narrowing down the candidate pool, they offer résumé screening and matching services that can save you hours of time. And if you’re hiring for multiple positions at once, they can even help coordinate interviews or set up hiring events tailored to your business.
They’re also a great resource if you’re thinking longer term. The Workforce Resource Center offers on-the-job training grants that can offset the cost of training new hires, which is especially helpful if you’re hiring for positions that require more technical skills or certifications.
Best of all, you don’t have to navigate any of this alone. Their staff is incredibly approachable and will walk you through every step, even if you’ve never hired anyone before.
🔗 Start Here: West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board ›
2. Get Help from Local Staffing Agencies
If you’re short on time or just don’t want to spend your pre-opening weeks buried in applications and interview scheduling, staffing agencies can be a lifesaver. These local firms are in the business of matching employers with job-ready candidates, often within days. Whether you need a few reliable team members or you’re hiring for hard-to-fill roles, they can help take the pressure off.
In Eau Claire, agencies like Express Employment Professionals, SEEK Careers/Staffing, and Flex-Staff have deep connections in the local workforce and can fill a wide range of positions—everything from administrative support and customer service to warehouse, production, and skilled trades.
Here’s how it works: You share your job needs, timeline, and ideal candidate profile, and they’ll handle the rest—from recruiting and vetting applicants to scheduling interviews and managing onboarding paperwork. Some agencies even offer temp-to-hire options, so you can try out a new employee before committing long-term.
While there is a fee involved (typically based on a percentage of the employee’s wages), it can be a smart investment, especially if:
- You need to hire quickly
- You don’t have time to manage the hiring process yourself
- You’re unsure about your long-term staffing needs
- You want to reduce hiring risk early on
Staffing agencies are also a great resource if you’re hiring for seasonal work, fluctuating hours, or shifts outside the 9:00am–5:00pm norm. They know how to recruit for flexible roles and often maintain a pool of candidates who are ready to start immediately.
If your goal is to hit the ground running on opening day with a trained team in place and minimal stress, partnering with a staffing agency might be your best bet.
3. Tap Into the University Talent Pipeline
One of the big advantages of opening a business in Eau Claire is that you’re surrounded by colleges full of bright, motivated students and recent grads ready to work. If you’re hiring part-time help, looking for someone with specialized skills, or planning to bring on an intern, the region’s three higher-ed institutions—CVTC, UW–Eau Claire, and UW–Stout—offer direct access to up-and-coming talent.
Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC)
CVTC students are hands-on learners in programs like culinary, business management, IT, marketing, manufacturing, and healthcare. The school’s Career Services team makes it easy for local employers to post job openings or recruit interns, and at no cost. You can also reach out to instructors directly; many are happy to recommend students who are job-ready and eager to gain experience.
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (UWEC)
UW–Eau Claire students study everything from business and computer science to communication and kinesiology. Through the Handshake job platform, you can post part-time roles, internships, or permanent positions and connect with students actively seeking work. UWEC also hosts several career fairs each year and offers opportunities for local employers to present in classrooms or participate in employer panels.
University of Wisconsin–Stout
Located just a short drive away in Menomonie, UW–Stout is Wisconsin’s polytechnic university, which means many of its students are looking for practical, career-focused experience. If your business could use creative help (graphic design, marketing, app development, etc.) or technical support (engineering tech, packaging, supply chain), Stout students may be a great fit. You can list opportunities through their Career Services platform and even set up co-op or internship placements for more in-depth roles.
With thousands of students living in the area and many sticking around after graduation, this is a smart place to start building your team, especially if you’re thinking about growth. These schools aren’t just talent pipelines; they’re future community connections.
4. Use Local Job Boards & Social Media Groups
Sure, you can always post on Indeed, LinkedIn, or ZipRecruiter, and those platforms have their place. But if you’re trying to build buzz locally and connect with people who already live, work, and shop in the Eau Claire area, don’t overlook the power of community-based job boards and social media groups.
These more targeted platforms are especially useful for hiring part-time or entry-level employees in roles like customer service, retail, food service, or delivery—positions where availability, attitude, and local know-how often matter more than a formal résumé.
A few places to post:
- Chippewa Valley Help Wanted: This regional job board focuses specifically on employers and job seekers in the Chippewa Valley. It’s a solid option for reaching candidates who are already plugged into the local job market, whether they’re actively searching or just keeping an eye out for new opportunities. You can post openings, manage applications, and even get visibility through local media partnerships.
- Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce: If you’re a Chamber member, don’t forget to take advantage of their job board. It’s a great place to post openings for professional, administrative, or customer-facing roles. Chamber listings are often viewed by job seekers who are specifically interested in working for established, community-minded local businesses. Plus, it adds a little extra credibility to your listing when it’s shared through a trusted local network.
- Eau Claire Area Job Openings: This active Facebook group has thousands of members and sees new posts daily. It’s a popular spot for businesses and job seekers alike, especially those looking for flexible or hourly work.
- Diversity Jobs: This is a free local job board that’s easy to browse and geared toward area residents. You’ll find everything from nonprofit openings to restaurant gigs here, and the site regularly promotes listings through its social channels.
These platforms aren’t just about visibility; they’re about relevance. When you hire local, you’re bringing on people who already know the community and might even be familiar with your business if you’ve been active on social media or featured in local news.
Looking for a few extra eyes on your post? Try sharing your job listings in local community groups, neighborhood pages, or even Buy/Sell/Trade forums too. Just be sure to read and follow each group’s posting rules.
5. Connect with Local Colleges for Interns & Entry-Level Staff
If you’re looking to build a team that’s energetic, eager to learn, and ready to grow with your business, don’t overlook the local college crowd. Students at CVTC, UW–Eau Claire, and UW–Stout are always on the lookout for part-time jobs, internships, and early career opportunities, and your business could be exactly what they’re looking for.
Many students want more than just a paycheck. They want real-world experience they can put on a résumé. That’s where you come in.
Hire an Intern
All three schools offer internship coordination through their Career Services offices. You can post internship opportunities on their platforms and even get help creating a position description if you’re not quite sure what an internship should look like. Some programs even require students to complete internships to graduate, so they’re motivated and ready to dive in.
Internships aren’t just for big companies either. As a small business, you can offer hands-on experience and mentorship students often can’t get in larger corporate settings. And if the internship works out, you have a trained, enthusiastic future employee on your hands.
Look for Part-Time & Entry-Level Help
Plenty of students are looking for flexible part-time jobs that fit around their class schedules. Whether you need a social media assistant, barista, sales associate, or office help, there’s likely a student who’d be a great fit.
Attend a Career Fair
Most campuses host career fairs multiple times a year, and they’re not just for large employers. If you’re opening soon and want to get your name out there, having a table at a local career fair is a great way to meet potential applicants face-to-face and start building your talent pipeline before you even open your doors.
Whether you’re offering a short-term role or planting seeds for long-term growth, local students and recent grads are a smart place to start. They’re already invested in the community, and many of them want to stay in the Chippewa Valley after graduation. Why not give them a reason to stick around?
6. Reach Out to Local High Schools for Part-Time Help
If your business needs reliable part-time help, especially for evenings, weekends, or after-school hours, don’t overlook the potential in local high schools. Many students are ready and eager to gain real-world experience, earn a paycheck, and build job skills that go beyond the classroom.
In Eau Claire, the Eau Claire Area School District (ECASD) offers several ways for local employers to connect with student workers. Through programs like Youth Apprenticeship and School-to-Work, students can earn school credit while gaining hands-on experience at a local job site. These programs are especially active at Memorial and North High Schools, and they cover a wide range of industries from retail, food service, and customer support to IT, construction, and healthcare.
Need help figuring out where to start? The district’s career and technical education (CTE) team can connect you with students interested in your industry and help coordinate work schedules that fit both your business needs and school requirements. Plus, many juniors and seniors are already working part-time jobs, they’re just looking for the right fit.
Here’s how to get connected:
- Reach out to the work-based learning coordinator at either high school.
- Ask about current youth employment programs and how to list a part-time job or apprenticeship.
- Be clear about your scheduling needs, expectations, and opportunities for growth—students (and their parents) appreciate structure and transparency.
And if your business is just outside Eau Claire city limits, neighboring districts like Altoona also offer youth employment programs that link local employers with students looking to build their résumés early.
Hiring a high school student can be a great investment. Not only do you get help when you need it, but you also play a part in developing the local workforce. And that kind of impact can last well beyond your opening day.
🔗 Start Here: Eau Claire Area School District ›
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Hiring takes time. Even if you only need a small team to start, you’ll want to build in a few weeks for interviews, onboarding, and training. That way, when opening day arrives, your staff is confident, your customers are happy, and you’re not scrambling.
Still have questions? Eau Claire’s Economic Development Division is always happy to point you in the right direction. Whether you’re just getting started or scaling up, we’re here to help you build a strong foundation—team and all.
Source: Article Cover Illustration by Freepik
About The Author
Kendall Williams
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Kendall implements the City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division’s marketing strategies, coordinates business assistance, and supports data-driven planning and analysis.
