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Lock In With The Eau Claire Business Startup Toolkit

new resource from the Eau Claire Economic Development Division pulls city-specific resources together for aspiring entrepreneurs

There’s no time like the present, especially for local entrepreneurs-to-be in need of a how-to and resource rundown. The City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division (ECEDD) recently launched its Business Startup Toolkit, a comprehensive review of how to do the damn thing. The online hub is organized into three sections – “Planning,” “Setting Up,” “Launching” – and offers step-by-step guidance ...

Let's Get The P(ART)y Started

Wine & Design's Eau Claire location fosters creativity and community

“We believe art is for everyone because creativity knows no age, skill level, or background.” These values are the driving forces behind downtown Eau Claire’s new arts-focused business: Wine & Design. Starting on January 24, this North Carolina-based business will offer...

BEYOND THE MIDWAY: How The Northern Wis. State Fair Boosts The Valley's Economy

recent data proves the NWSF is an economic engine making a real regional impact

Tens of thousands of people put the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds (NWSF) on their summertime bucket lists every year, drawn to the Chippewa Falls destination by more than the mouthwatering scents of sweet kettle corn and promise of thrilling carnival rides. The arts and entrepreneurial fabrics of the wider Chippewa Valley are showcased at the NWSF year-round, as are the expansive agricultural experiences ...

Icon Realty Pushes Back on Transaction-First Real Estate

Katherine Lillie's brokerage launch signals a shift towards human first real estate built on trust and intention

A new era is dawning for Icon Realty in the Chippewa Valley. Katherine Lillie, the driving force committed to doing real estate intentionally, is celebrating the official launch of Icon Realty as a brokerage...

Five Locally Focused Business Boosters

the right people and programs to help your start-up succeed in the Valley

Are you thinking about taking the leap into entrepreneurship? Have you already started your own business but could you still use a hand, a sympathetic ear, or some inspiration? The Chippewa Valley offers a rich environment to create and expand your own business ...

Water Street is Home to 50+ Businesses – and Women Lead Many of Them

historic Water Street District filled with female-fronted restaurants, retailers, salons, and more

Eau Claire is a hub for small business owners and entrepreneurs – the fact that it’s fertile ground for both is ingrained in the history of the Chippewa Valley – and the historic downtown area remains such today. Take Water Street for example: There have been dozens ...

START UP: DECI Is Driven By Entrepreneurs

downtown nonprofit’s leaders know the ups and downs of business

If you’ve shopped, dined, celebrated, been entertained, or even just strolled in downtown Eau Claire during the past 23 years, you’ve probably heard of Downtown Eau Claire Inc. – also known as DECI. Yet unless you’ve been a member of DECI ...

START UP: Overcoming Fear of Failure

Chippewa Economic Development Corp. encourages local entrepreneurs

What keeps many would-be entrepreneurs from succeeding – or even trying to succeed – is fear of failure, says Charlie Walker, president and CEO of the Chippewa Economic Development Corp. And helping ...

START UP: Treat Yourself to the Best – Luxe Realty

Realtor Courtney Kneifl branches out to give home buyers and sellers a new option: someone who meets you where you are

On the cusp of the new year, a familiar face in the Chippewa Valley is stepping into a new space – their own business. As of Dec. 10, local realtor Courtney Kneifl is also a small business owner, launching Luxe Realty ...

START UP: This New Year, Make Your Entrepreneurial Dream a Reality

secure funds for your dream business with Security Financial Bank

The start of the new year is the perfect time to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Whether you’re launching a startup or expanding an existing business, securing the right funding is the critical first step. Luckily, Security Financial Bank ...