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We are the Eau Claire Area
Economic Development Corporation

We advance the economic prosperity in Altoona, Augusta, Eau Claire, Fairchild & Fall Creek by providing a wide range of free services for entrepreneurs and businesses. Our activities center around strengthening our local businesses, supporting our local talent pool, recruiting new businesses to our community, and supporting local entrepreneurs. 

 

Economic Development Has No "One-Size-Fits-All Solution"

That's why our programs and initiatives focus on various aspects including Business Recruitment, Critical Talent, Business Retention and Expansion, and Entrepreneurial Services. Through these, the Eau Claire Area EDC generates significant economic impacts on our community. Roll over images below to reveal how we help businesses, entrepreneurs, and our community every day.

 

2 Companies Launched

We help entrepreneurs and startups in our community through several annual programs and events, such as the Idea Challenge

256 New Jobs Created

through projects that the Eau Claire Area EDC assisted with. 

$30.5+ Million in Funding

secured in private-sector project investment for our local businesses to build or expand operations, train or add workforce, or upgrade equipment!

Startup 48

Cited as "the most fun you can legally have in 48 hours" this intense event gives participants hands-on experience and knowledge on what it takes to create and run a viable startup by creating one over the course of a weekend. 

Supporting Entreprenuers

The Idea Challenge works with entrepreneurs to help them launch new products, services, or processes into our local marketplace. 

Connecting with our Future Workforce

Bringing together community partners for the Chippewa Valley Workforce Demand Survey and assists in connecting employers to their future workforce via Inspire Connections.

Recent News What's happening in the Eau Claire Area

The 2020 Idea Challenge has a Grand Prize Winner!

Have you ever found yourself exhausted by endlessly bending to pick up a tennis ball while playing a casual game or playing

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Finalists are announced in the 2020 The Idea Challenge

        Given the uncertainty that has come with 2020, it takes real courage to start a business at this

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Local Impact of the We’re All In grant

Over 1,100 Chippewa Valley small businesses applied and were granted federal relief funds to help with reopening and installing safety measures at

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