Opening Up

Jump-Start Contest Seeks Eager Downtown Entrepreneurs

V1 Staff |

If you’ve got an entrepreneurial dream, it’s time to get it off the ground with the help of the 13th Annual Jump-Start Downtown Business Competition sponsored by Downtown Eau Claire Inc. This business plan competition is open to anyone 18 or older who wants to start a business in downtown Eau Claire or relocate one there. Over the past dozen years, more than $70,000 in prizes have been given to start-up businesses ranging from tech firms to gift shops to graphic designers. To enter, you must submit a business plan (30 pages or fewer), a résumé, and a signed application (available online) by Friday, Sept. 1. This year’s grand prize includes $5,000 in start-up capital, a brand development strategy session with JB Systems, as well as advertising with the Leader-Telegram and DECI. To learn more and to download an application, visit DowntownEauClaire.org/jumpstart.