Best Small Business Resources in the Eau Claire Area

Description

The Business Center operates out of several Wisconsin locations and provides a broad assortment of services to entrepreneurs at any stage of the small business journey. One-on-one counseling is available on topics like writing a business plan, forming legal entities, and marketing. Classes and workshops cover multiple areas of expertise, including a monthly class for people trying to formalize a business idea. Most classes are offered for a nominal fee.

Description

This innovation center is a small business incubator that offers light industrial space, technical support, and funding. Facility leases are typically below market rate and offer access to financial and managerial assistance through several third-party organizations. Office space includes conference rooms and private offices. CVIC also offers business plan assistance for its occupants.

Restrictions

Startups must be in a light industrial, value-added, or service industry. Applicants must also have a business plan within 90 days of occupancy.

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.

Description

Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available

Restrictions

The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.

Description

WorkSpace is a coworking space housed in the same building as Volume One. They offer 24/7 access to a collaborative area, private meeting rooms, and a full kitchen. Membership plans are flexible and offer a unique “nights” plan that gives cheaper access during 5pm-midnight for entrepreneurs working around a job. Volume One hosts frequent social and professional events throughout the year, most of which are open to WorkSpace members.