Entrepreneurs Get A Jump-Start

Claire Jeffries |

Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. has announced the winners of the fourth annual Jump-Start Downtown Business Competition. The first place prize of $5000 went to Lorraine Dixon, who opened the store Cadeaux, LLC. Cadeaux, French for "gifts," sells customized gift baskets including themes like baby products, sports, and international wines. Dixon plans to use the money to hire a new staff member. A $1000 scholarship to the UW-Eau Claire Small Business Development Center's Entrepreneurial Training Program went to Renata Sarauer, who plans to open a clothing store for the college-age crowd called Espresso Boutique. The panel of judges also awarded the runner-up, Jessica Behrendt, an honorable mention award and one free year of DECI membership. Behrendt plans to open Isabelle & Co., which would sell designer clothing and gifts.