Entrepreneurship & Business 2014

Volume One’s guide to bootstrapping your own business Whether you’re contemplating starting your own business, have already recently done so, or have a decent base of operations and now want to expand, Volume One is fully behind you.

The Chippewa Valley is an area rife with opportunities and resources for entrepreneurs, and this annual guide has gone and gathered them up for you. Everything from success stories, tips, and trends to how-to’s, expert advice, and FAQs. Think outside the box and zig when others zag because, you never know, your small idea combined with this guide’s resources could one day be the next Menards, Presto, Silver Spring, or Erbert & Gerbert’s.

BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY

Editors:

Trevor Kupfer & Tyler Griggs ///

Writers:

Jeanie Butzler & Trevor Kupfer ///

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Design:

Brian Moen

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Making the LEAP C

reating an entrepreneurial climate is a bit like skydiving. For success, first and foremost, you need people brave (or is that crazy?) enough to take the risk and jump out of an airplane. These people are the entrepreneurs. You also need instructors and safety gear – the advisers, agencies, and financiers who help ensure those skydivers float majestically and don’t fall flat.

So does our region have what it takes to get a squadron of skydiving entrepreneurs aloft, drifting downward bearing jobs and economic vitality? Local experts say that, while the Chippewa Valley may not be Silicon Valley, the right resources exist here to help new, innovative businesses succeed.

Brian Doudna, executive director of the Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corp., lauds the amount of technical assistance available to would-be entrepreneurs. “Most area service providers are embracing the lean start-up model,” Doudna says. “This provides the entrepreneur a quicker sense of their opportunity’s viability, and generates less risk to starting a firm.”

Doudna adds that there is improved coordinator among the multitude of agencies that provide support for entrepreneurs. These entities include (among others) the Economic Development Corp., Western Dairyland Business Center, SCORE, and the UW-Eau Claire Small Business Development Center.

The latter agency offers business counseling for entrepreneurs and expanding businesses throughout

DOES THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY OFFER THE RIGHT CLIMATE FOR ENTREPRENEURS?

west-central Wisconsin. But there are limits to what advice and counseling can do, says Luke Kempen, a business counselor and the center’s interim director.

“I think success is more dependent on the specific concept and the person,” Kempen says. “Being an entrepreneur, people glamorize it sometimes.” Would-be entrepreneurs often talk about the security of being their own bosses and the desirability of working fewer

“I think success is more dependent on the specific concept and the person.”

– Luke Kempen, UW-Eau Claire Small Busines Development Center hours, not realizing the uncertainty that come with stepping out of the proverbial airplane. “As a business owner, you’re constantly making decisions,” Kempen says, “and if you struggle with that … being an entrepreneur is probably not a fit for you.”

Kempen knows all about these challenges from his own life: A certified public accountant by trade, he started his own organic lawn-care company in 2002 and sold it five years later. This experience gave him a taste of the importance of marketing (in his business, he says, the marketing was more intensive than the yard

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work) as well as geography. In retrospect, Kempen says, starting the business in the Twin Cities instead of Eau Claire would have given access to many more customers interested in what was then a niche service.

Geographic considerations are important for entrepreneurs, but they cut both ways: Markets like Minneapolis, Milwaukee, or Madison have far more potential customers, but they also have far more potential competitors.

So what other entrepreneurial assets could the Chippewa Valley gain from? For one, improved matchmaking between beginning businesspeople and equity investors and business mentors would help, says Doudna, of the Economic Development Corp. The region also has a lower-than-expected number of information technology start-ups. That may be changing, however: Doudna notes that UW System seed grants at UW-Eau Claire and UW-Stout are intended to spur on-campus innovation.

Likewise, two seed grants from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. aimed at the region are designed to fund prototype development, Doudna added.

Overall, Doudna is bullish on entrepreneurial growth in the region. Our educational institutions provide talent and technical expertise, he says, and financial resources are available for those willing to step out into the blue sky. “Wisconsin and the Eau Claire area have programs to fill the majority of the financial barriers,” he says. “This is one area of true competitive strength.”

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Picture of SUCCESS EAU CLAIRE PHOTOGRAPHER MOLLY MARIE has found a successful niche of the photography business, specializing in women’s portraitures – glamour shots and boudier – which can help women believe in their beauty. Her business has continued to grow since it began in 2007 and now has two photographers, two makeup artists, and an office manager to its name, as well as an independent studio and office at 1602 Hogeboom Ave. Molly Marie also runs a blog helping other photographers develop their boudier businesses around the country. We asked Molly Marie about starting her business and for some pointers she might have for other entrepreneurs. Find more info on Molly Marie Photography at MollyMariePhoto.com or on Facebook.

Was there a single moment that made you decide it was time to start your own business, or did you know for a long time?

I would say it was a series of events. My focus has always been art and photography based. Although I can’t pinpoint a certain moment I do think the fact that both of my parents own businesses (my mom a music school and my dad a plastics company) made my dream seem more obtainable.

My love of portrait photography was always there and I just had to think of how I could turn what I loved into a career.

What did it feel like to be in a studio space and office that was yours for the first time?

I made a lot of baby steps while growing my business. I started with an in-home office, I moved to a shared studio space in Banbury Place, and then I moved the to space I’m currently in. I remember the day I had that feeling of accomplishment once I was moved into my current space. It was

education; it’s so important to never stop learning and growing. There are so many great online courses for anything you’re looking to learn.

Did you have any concerns going into it that you realized wouldn’t be problems at all?

There were a number of people that actually scared me away from wanting to hire employees for the longest time. They made it seem like it was something only corporations could do, when that’s far from the truth. I’m so happy that I made the leap to bring on employees within my business, we make a great team and in turn are able to photograph and help more women believe in their beauty.

Anything else you’d like to share to perspective entrepreneurs?

If you’re serious about wanting to start a business I would suggest starting out with free online education. Google is your friend. As soon as you’ve

I made the leap to bring on employees within my business, we make a great team and in turn are able to photograph and help more women believe in their beauty. summer and the sun was shining through the big south facing windows in my space. Everything was moved in, and in it’s place and I just sat in the middle of the studio in amazement that I had finally created the “vision” I had worked so many long days for. It was overwhelming in the best way possible.

What did you rely on for advice and help getting started? Local programs or organizations? Friends and family? The Internet?

I would say mostly the Internet, business friends (many of which I met through Eau Claire based networking groups, including the Women’s Business Conference), my amazing accountant (Pam from Biesterveld and Co) and of course my always encouraging family. I always allow for so much of my business budget to be spent on

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created funds within your business and have some to spare seek out other entrepreneurs who do what you do well and pay them to mentor you. I’ve mentored with many photographers in and out of the state and it has always been money well spent.

If you’re serious about learning and wanting to learn from the best then do not email them “wanting to pick their brain” and “get coffee.” If you’re wanting to learn from the best then they’re established and in turn really busy, making their time valuable. It will be worth the investment (but of course do your research and get reviews from others who have mentored with them), and you’ll be glad you did. Education and continuing education is key.

I’d also like to add to dream big! Anything is possible when you have the passion for it and a well thought out plan of action.

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JUMP START YOUR HEART, er, BUSINESS

A

n object in motion tends to stay in motion. That motion could be a ball rolling, a student working on a paper, or an entrepreneur looking to start a business.

The only problem with this is getting that first major momentum that keeps you going. While students are on their own with their papers, local entrepreneurs will get their chance to move forward with their dreams.

The Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. (DECI) is proud to announce their 10th annual Jump Start Downtown Business Competition is under way! This is a business plan competition for entrepreneurs looking to open a business in downtown Eau Claire, whether it’s a gift shop, hi-tech office services, or new local eatery. All types of businesses are welcome to compete as long as you are not already located downtown.

In the past nine years, DECI has given more than $55,000 in prizes and helped 27 participants open up downtown, many of whom are still going strong. How

awesome is that?

The competition deadline is June 13. Submissions must include a business plan that’s 30 pages or less, a signed application, and the business owner’s resume. You must be 18 years or older to participate.

(I’ve always wanted to say that.) The winner must also be open by May 2015.

The Grand Prize winner will receive $5,000 start-up capital and a brand development session with last year’s winner Clever Owl, a marketing and design firm.

One honorable mention will receive a Media package from DECI and a brand development session with Clever Owl, and the winner of the Innovative Idea Prize will receive a $1000 scholarship for the Entrepreneurial Training Program through the UWEC – Continuing Education Small Business Development Center. The winners will be notified by July 31, 2014.

The application and guidelines are available at www.DowntownEauClaire.org. If you’re looking to submit business plans, or have any questions, contact

Elaine Coughlin at downtown@ eauclairewi.gov or call (715) 839-4914.

If you’re looking to get your own business up and going, I doubt there’s a better chance than this.

You can’t go forward if you never start moving.

–Allison Puestow

FIND YOUR INSPIRATION at the 11th Women’s Business Conference

A

re you a woman interested in creating a new business or taking an existing business to the next level?

The 11th Annual Women’s Business Conference is meant to inspire entrepreneurial women like you in the Chippewa Valley. The 11th annual event will be 7:30am to 4:30pm Thursday, April 10, at The Plaza Hotel and Suites in Eau Claire.

Karman Briggs, director of jobs and business development at Western Dairyland Community Action Agency, said the conference is the biggest event produced by Western Dairyland’s Women’s Business Center. “We exist to help women in starting and improving small businesses,” Briggs said of the

center.

The conference will include 20 breakout sessions throughout the day.

Sessions are designed for people who are at any stage of business and cover topics ranging from creating a business plan to financing, leadership, recordkeeping, and goal-setting. Sarah Stokes, owner of Queen of the Castle magazine, will offer a welcome address at 8:15am, while a keynote address will be delivered by Dagmar Beckel-Machyckova, who formerly worked in economic development for the city of Eau Claire and the state of Wisconsin and is now owner and general manager of Golden Calf Co. “I think anybody who want to start

a small business has obstacles to overcome,” Briggs said. “It’s no easy task.

I think within the Midwest we have a really strong work ethic.” She said historically, the Midwest has not had as strong of an entrepreneurship background as other regions, but the tide is changing as information and assistance is made more available to people who are pursing starting their own business or company.

“Women as a population have been historically underserved, so by having an event in a business center that is specifically meant to meet the needs of women, we are reaching out to a population of people who maybe have not had access to information, to resources

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and to financing as their male counterparts have,” Briggs said.

Today, women are starting businesses at a faster rate than men, but they still lag behind as a percentage of business owners, she said. The types of businesses women start are typically smaller in size and reach than businesses founded by men.

Interested in the conference?

Registration is $59 per person, and information and a registration form can be found at www.womensbusinessconference.com.

“There really isn’t anything quite like it in the state,” Briggs said. “It’s grown every year, it’s pretty exciting.”

–Emily Albrent

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Entrepreneurial LISTINGS “When I first started working in this industry, I was very confused about the various resources available for entrepreneurs at various stages of development,” said Karmen Briggs, the Business Center manager for Western Dairyland Community Action Agency. “Now, I kind of look at it like a map of overlapping and intersecting circles of funding resources, business planning resources, governing/regulatory bodies, and specific or technical product development resources. There are also state-wide networks and resource websites. It can be kind of a tricky map to navigate.” A big reason Volume One put together this guide for you is because of this. There’s a ton of great resources in our area, ready to help you (often for free!), but it’s hard to know where to start. Well now you do.

BUSINESS PLANNING

Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. 203 S. Farwell St. Eau Claire • 839-4914 • downtowneauclaire.org DECI is available to help businesses navigate the vast variety of resources available when they are first getting started.

Momentum West 2322 Alpine Road Suite 7, Eau Claire

• 874-4673 • info@momentumwest.org • momentumwest.org Momentum West is a regional economic development organization serving Barron, Clark, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pierce, Pepin, Polk, Rusk, and St. Croix counties featuring startup, R&D, and Technology Transfer resources and much more.

Stout Technology Transfer Institute 278 Jarvis Hall,

UW-Stout, Menomonie • 232-5024 • discoverycenter@ uwstout.edu • uwstout.edu/discoverycenter/stti/index. cfm Services include feasibility assessment, product en-

gineering and design, prototype development, product evaluation, and patent advice.

The Eau Claire Area Development Corporation 101 N. Farwell Street Suite 101, Eau Claire • 834-0070 • ec.info@eauclaire-wi.com • eauclaire-wi.com The Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation advances economic prosperity through business and job growth by assisting in the creation, enhancement, and expansion of local businesses.

UWEC Small Business Development Center 210 Water St. Eau Claire • 836-5811 • ce@uwec.edu • uwec.edu/ CE/cbs/index.htm Assists in deciding the feasibility of new business ideas and will assist with business plan writing.

Western Dairyland Business Center 418 Wisconsin

St., Eau Claire • 836-7511 • info@successfulbusiness. org • successfulbusiness.org Works with entrepreneurs

through one-on-one case management. Focused on the development of a business plan as well as assisting with creating financial projections and marketing plans. They can also help with website development and establishing a business organization structure.

Western Wisconsin SCORE 500 S. Barstow St. Fed-

eral Building Rm B11 (Lower Level), Eau Claire • 8341573 • score@score-eauclaire.org • score-eauclaire.org SCORE is sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration and is comprised of retired entrepreneurs that offer advice to current entrepreneurs. They offer counseling services regarding management, bookkeeping, accounting, construction, design, administration, economics, budgeting, and more at no cost.

Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Network 432 N. Lake St.,

Suite 425, Madison • (608) 263-0398 • wenportal.org WEN provides access to a statewide network of resources and expertise, identifies high-potential entrepreneurs

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and helps move their businesses forward, and facilitates collaboration between entrepreneurs and outside organizations.

Wisconsin Innovation Service Center 1200 Hyland

Hall UW-Whitewater, Whitewater • (262) 472-1365 • innovate@uww.edu • uww.edu/wisc/ Wisconsin Innovation Service Center specializes in new product and invention assessments and market expansion opportunities for innovative manufacturers, technology businesses, and independent inventors.

expanding

Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. 203 S Farwell St. Eau

Claire • 839-4914 • downtowneauclaire.org Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. will help expand local businesses when they would like to add on to their building, buy new equipment, move from renting to owning, and more.

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Momentum West 2322 Alpine Road Suite 7, Eau Claire

• 874-4673 • info@momentumwest.org • momentumwest.org Momentum West is a regional economic development organization serving Barron, Clark, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pierce, Pepin, Polk, Rusk, and St. Croix counties featuring startup, R&D, and Technology Transfer resources and much more.

The Eau Claire Area Development Corporation 101

• 836-3053 • nwita@uwec.edu • nwitaglobal.org The NWITA provides the support, resources, and networking platform for area businesses as they compete in a global economy. In an effort to foster a strong link between business and education, NWITA assists and mentors area businesses in their international endeavors through consulting, speaker events, newsletters, and online resources.

N. Farwell Street Suite 101, Eau Claire • 834-0070 • ec.info@eauclaire-wi.com • eauclaire-wi.com The Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation advances economic prosperity through business and job growth by assisting in the creation, enhancement, and expansion of local businesses.

Small Business Taxes: The Virtual Workshop irsvid-

UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center 278 Jarvis

UW-Stout, Menomonie • 232-5024 • discoverycenter@ uwstout.edu • uwstout.edu/discoverycenter/stti/ As a unit within UW-Stout’s Discovery Center, the institute draws on the university’s technical resources, including the expertise of its faculty, staff, and students, and its well-equipped and diversified laboratories.

Hall, Tech Wing, 410 10th Ave. E, Menomonie • (866) 880-2262 • moc@uwstout.edu • uwstout.edu/moc/ UW-Stout’s MOC engages manufacturers in executing strategies for greater profitability and long-term growth.

Through its strong partner networks, the MOC brings together resources and knowledge that help manufacturers become more efficient and effective.

UWEC Small Business Development Center 210 Water St., Eau Claire • 836-5811 • ce@uwec.edu • uwec. edu/CE/cbs/aboutsbdc.htm Assists with the expansion of new businesses by directing them to financing opportunities as well as advising on hiring new employees.

expertise & education

HP&A Solutions 3300 Birch St., Suite 4B, Eau Claire • 715-514-9778 • hpasolutions.com Providing human resource services, payroll processing, and accounting services to organizations in northern Wisconsin. They also monthly seminars on a variety of business management topics.

Innovation Foundation of Western Wisconsin P.O.

Box 123, Eau Claire, WI 54702 • 715-544-7457 • info@ ifww.org • ifww.org The Innovation Foundation works with innovators, entrepreneurs, and businesses to help develop business and product ideas into success stories.

By assessing gaps and bringing critical human capital to the project, the Foundation seeks to increase the number of vibrant business ventures tied to innovative products.

Northern Wisconsin International Trade Association

eos.gov/SmallBusinessTaxpayer/virtualworkshop Visit online for free instructional, interactive lessons designed to help new small business owners learn their tax rights and responsibilities.

Stout Technology Transfer Institute 278 Jarvis Hall,

The IRS Video Portal - Small Business Video and Audio Presentations irsvideos.gov The IRS Video por-

tal contains video and audio presentations on topics of interest to small businesses, individuals and tax professionals. You will find video clips of tax topics, archived versions of live panel discussions and webinars, as well as audio archives of tax practitioner phone forums.

UWEC Small Business Development Center 210 Water St. Eau Claire • 836-5811 • ce@uwec.edu • uwec. edu/CE/cbs/aboutsbdc.htm Provide confidential business counseling that can help entrepreneurs solve specific business problems as well as capitalize on available business opportunities. The Center also offers helpful business classes.

Western Dairyland Business Center 418 Wisconsin St., Eau Claire • 836-7511 • info@successfulbusiness.org • successfulbusiness.org The Western Dairyland Business Center targets historically underserved populations such as women, low-income, minorities, veterans, and disabled individuals in our local counties offering group training, networking events, and an annual Women’s Business Conference Western Wisconsin SCORE 500 South Barstow St.,

Federal Building Room B11 (Lower Level), Eau Claire • 834-1573 • score@score-eauclaire.org • score-eau-

claire.org Offers seminars regarding important information for entrepreneurs. Past seminar topics include information on how to start your own business, dealing with specialized markets, federal taxes, managing payroll, and much more.

Wisconsin Business Wizard • ww2.wisconsin.gov/

state/wizard/app/LoadIntro Using a series of five question-and-answer pages, the Wizard provides customized information to help you start and operate a Wisconsinbased business. Free.

Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Network 432 N. Lake St.,

Suite 425, Madison • wenportal.org Expertise, coaching, and guidance with respect to technology assessment and commercialization, business planning, raising capital, and securing state and federal grants. This includes Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, as well as other state and federal funding programs.

Wisconsin Procurement Institute 10437 Innovation

Dr., Suite 320, Milwaukee • (414) 270-3600 • info@ wispro.org • wispro.org NPO assisting Wisconsin businesses in creating, developing and growing their federal, state and local government sales by providing technical and professional expertise and experience to Wisconsin’s business community, specialized for disadvantaged, minority, woman, disabled and veteran owned firms as well as those located in designated HUBzone and distressed areas.

FINANCING Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation 770 Scheidler Rd. Suite #3, Chippewa Falls • 723-

7150 • chippewa-wi.com The Chippewa County EDC provides entrepreneurs with access to certified economic development staff to assist with initiatives and incentives, including a revolving loan fund.

Chippewa Valley Angel Network 2322 Alpine Rd. Suite

7, Eau Claire • 878-9791 • cvangels@execpc.com • wisconsinangelnetwork.com Angel Investors provide equity capital to local entrepreneurs in order to bridge the gap between initial seed funding and institutional financing.

Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. 203 S. Farwell St. Eau Claire • 839-4914 • downtowneauclaire.org DECI of-

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fers grants, loan programs, and credit programs to help businesses that are creating new job opportunities, expanding their operations, or bringing new technology to Eau Claire. They also organize the Jump-Start Downtown Business Competition that awards up to $5,000 in start-up capital for a new business to locate downtown.

Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation

101 N. Farwell Street, Suite 101, Eau Claire • 834-0070 • ec.info@eauclaire-wi.com • eauclaire-wi.com The Eau Claire EDC works with both existing companies and start-ups. In addition to other financial resources, such as a variety of grant programs, they host the Idea Challenge, which is an ongoing contest for individuals or businesses with an idea for a new product or service with the chance to win a grand prize of $5,000.

Economic Development Division 203 S. Farwell St., P.O.Box 5148, Eau Claire • 839-4914 • mike.schatz@ eauclairewi.gov • eauclairedevelopment.com Offers grants, loan programs, and credit programs to help businesses that are creating new job opportunities, expanding their, or bringing new technology to the City of Eau Claire.

Innovation Foundation of Western Wisconsin P.O. Box 123, Eau Claire, WI 54702 • 715-544-7457 • info@ ifww.org • ifww.org The Innovation Foundation works with innovators, entrepreneurs, and businesses to help develop business and product ideas into success stories.

By assessing gaps and bringing critical human capital to the project, the Foundation seeks to increase the number of vibrant business ventures tied to innovative products.

UWEC Small Business Development Center 210 Water St. Eau Claire • 836-5811 • ce@uwec.edu • uwec.edu/ CE/cbs/aboutsbdc.htm The Small Business Development Center can assist with the preparation of financing documents at no cost.

West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission • 836-2918 • wcwrpc@wcwrpc.org • wcwrpc.org

The WCWRPC has established the Regional Business Fund, which offers low-interest loans to businesses that expand within the region, diversify the economy, add new technology, revitalize buildings in the region’s downtowns, and create quality jobs and capital investment in the region.

Western Dairyland Business Center 418 Wisconsin St., Eau Claire • 836-7511 • info@successfulbusiness.org •

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successfulbusiness.org The Western Dairyland Business Centers assist with financial projections during the process of creating a business plan.

Western Wisconsin SCORE 500 South Barstow St.

Federal Building, Room B11, Eau Claire • 834-1573 • score@score-eauclaire.org • score-eauclaire.org SCORE offers financial advice and information regarding loans, as well as helping entrepreneurs secure guaranteed loans from banks and many other services.

Wisconsin Business Development 3610 Oakwood

Mall Dr. Suite 201, Eau Claire • 834-9474 • wbd.org WBD facilitates financial assistance for your business by working with your local lender and federal loan opportunities.

Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Network 432 N. Lake St.,

Suite 425, Madison • wenportal.org Offers grants to help with business plan development and proposals for federal research and development grants.

Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority 201 W. Washington Ave. Ste. 700, Madison

• (608) 266-7884 • info@wheda.com • wheda.com WHEDA uses funds from Wisconsin’s State Small Business Credit Initiative to support programs that leverage private lending to help finance creditworthy small businesses.

incubators Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation 770 Scheidler Rd. Suite #3, Chippewa Falls • 723-

7150 • chippewa-wi.com The Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation offers business loans, scholarships, and incubators.

Chippewa Valley Innovation Center 3132 Louis Ave., Eau Claire • 836-2842 • chippewavalleyinnovationcenter.org The Chippewa Valley Innovation Center encourages new and emerging entrepreneurial business by allowing them to utilize community resources and by providing them a temporary start-up facility as well as managerial, technical, and financial assistance.

CVTC Applied Technology Center 2322 Alpine Road,

Eau Claire • 833-6237 • dolson@cvtc.edu • cvtc.edu/ atc/Pages/default.aspx The CVTC Applied Technology Center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is designed to accommodate the development of business start-ups

for microfabrication and other advanced manufacturing technologies.

Stout Technology Transfer Institute 278 Jarvis Hall,

UW-Stout, Menomonie • 232-5024 • discoverycenter@ uwstout.edu • uwstout.edu/discoverycenter/stti/ The UW-Stout Technology and Business Incubator provides a sheltered environment for emerging enterprises. The incubator fosters technical businesses through close relationships with faculty, students, industry, and the UWStout community to better enable Wisconsin to compete in the global economy and sustain employment within the region.

LOCATING Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation 770 Scheidler Rd. Suite #3, Chippewa Falls • 723-

7150 • chippewa-wi.com The Chippewa County EDC offers an easy-to-use web-based tool designed to help entrepreneurs find locations to rent or buy in the Chippewa Valley.

Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. • 839-4914 • downtowneau-

claire.org DECI lists available properties to rent or own on their website, as well as information regarding industrial parks.

Economic Development Division 203 S. Farwell St., P.O.Box 5148, Eau Claire • 839-4914 • mike.schatz@ eauclairewi.gov • eauclairedevelopment.com Lists available properties to rent or own on their website, as well as information regarding industrial parks.

MARKETING/BRANDING

Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. 203 S. Farwell St. Eau

Claire • 839-4914 • downtowneauclaire.org Have resources available to help local businesses with marketing and branding strategies and techniques.

Economic Development Division 203 S. Farwell St., P.O.Box 5148, Eau Claire • 839-4914 • mike.schatz@ eauclairewi.gov • eauclairedevelopment.com The Economic Development Division has resources available to assist local businesses in developing better marketing and branding strategies and techniques.

Innovation Foundation of Western Wisconsin P.O. Box 123, Eau Claire, WI 54702 • 715-544-7457 • info@

ifww.org • ifww.org The Innovation Foundation works with innovators, entrepreneurs, and businesses to help develop business and product ideas into success stories.

By assessing gaps and bringing critical human capital to the project, the Foundation seeks to increase the number of vibrant business ventures tied to innovative products.

UWEC Small Business Development Center 210 Water St. Eau Claire • 836-5811 • ce@uwec.edu • uwec.edu/ CE/cbs/aboutsbdc.htm Assists entrepreneurs with marketing and branding techniques and strategies at no cost.

Wisconsin Innovation Service Center 1200 Hyland

Hall UW-Whitewater, Whitewater • (262) 472-1365 • innovate@uww.edu • uww.edu/wisc/ Wisconsin Innovation Service Center specializes in new product and invention assessments and market expansion opportunities for innovative manufacturers, technology businesses, and independent inventors.

PERMITS/REGULATIONS

Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. • 839-4914 • downtowneauclaire.org Assists with finding and filling out the right paperwork for local and state permits and regulations.

Economic Development Division 203 S. Farwell St., P.O.Box 5148, Eau Claire • 839-4914 • mike.schatz@ eauclairewi.gov • eauclairedevelopment.com The Economic Development Division will help local businesses with finding and filling out the right paperwork for local and state permits and regulations.

UWEC Small Business Development Center 210 Water St. Eau Claire • 836-5811 • ce@uwec.edu • uwec.edu/ CE/cbs/aboutsbdc.htm Assists with locating and properly filling out the right paperwork that is required for local and state permits and regulations at no cost.

Western Wisconsin SCORE 500 South Barstow St. Federal Building, Room B11, Eau Claire • 834-1573 • score@score-eauclaire.org • score-eauclaire.org SCORE can help entrepreneurs obtain and fill out the proper forms for local and state permits and regulations.

Wisconsin Business Wizard ww2.wisconsin.gov/state/ wizard/app/LoadIntro The Business Wizard covers licensing, permitting and regulatory requirements for the State of Wisconsin plus certain federal and local regulations.

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