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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

BrightStar Wisconsin Announces Venue and Presenters for Chippewa Valley Hatch Regional Finale

Bright Star Wisconsin Foundation, Inc., a non-profit angel investment group that helps entrepreneurs grow their early stage ideas into businesses, announced that

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Startup Wisconsin Expands to the Chippewa Valley with Startup Eau Claire Week!

In just a few weeks, the Eau Claire community will join forces with Startup Wisconsin Week, the largest entrepreneurship event in the

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Local Partnership, Three Foodies LLC, Wins 2017 Idea Challenge Grand Prize!

The Three Foodies LLC was awarded the 2017 Idea Challenge Grand prize of $5,000 towards business expenses for their Eau Claire food

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