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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

Silver Spring Foods Announced as 2021 Paragon Economic Impact Award Recipient

Silver Spring Foods, the world’s largest grower and processor of horseradish, has been announced as the 2021 Paragon Award recipient to recognize

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The Idea Challenge Finalists Announced

It takes real courage to start a business during a global pandemic. So much uncertainty in the market and spending patterns of

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Eau Claire’s Startup 48 Winner Announced

Over the Loam wins Startup 48, Eau Claire’s own business jumpstart competition weekend.  A group of UWEC Entrepreneur students have been named

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