Previous Jump Start winner Smiling Moose Deli.

When you’re wandering in downtown, what is your destination? Maybe you’re grocery shopping at Just Local Food, getting a massage at Body Focus or perhaps you’re more likely to be caught chowing down on a sandwich at the Smiling Moose Deli. More than just being located in the heart of our beloved Downtown Eau Claire, these places have something in common: Jump Start Downtown Eau Claire.  Over the past 7 years, Downtown Eau Claire Inc. has been hosting the Jump Start Downtown Eau Claire competition to do exactly what the name implies. The competition has awarded over $40,000 dollars in prizes and has helped open the doors of 17 different businesses. Mike Schatz, the Executive Director of Downtown Eau Claire, Inc, said in a press release that the businesses opened from the competition make a big impact, “It is very exciting to see the growing interest in our downtown and the many great business plans we receive each year.” 

Participants must be 18 years or older and be interested in relocation an existing business or starting a fresh one. Said participant than simply needs to submit a 30 page or less business plan, signed application and resume – then voila! You’re in the running. Each business will be evaluated by a panel of small-business experts on points including the marketing plan, timeline, and benefits for downtown (amongst other factors). The grand prize is up to $5,000 dollars for start up and $1000 in advertising through Charter Communications. A second award for the most “Innovative Idea” is a $1000 scholarship for UWEC’s Entrepreneurial Training Program.  So that bagel shop you’ve always wanted or the arcade you’ve always dreamed of could be yours – DECI is ready to make someone’s dream
come true.