Got An Idea? Launch It Downtown With the Jump-Start Contest

Tom Giffey, photos by Andrea Paulseth |

JUMP START DOWNTOWN EC. If you've got an idea, rev it up with Downtown Eau Claire Inc.'s new Jump-Start Downtown Business Competition.
GET A JUMP ON IT – DOWNTOWN. If you've got an idea, rev it up with Downtown Eau Claire Inc.'s new Jump-Start Downtown Business Competition.

If you’ve got an entrepreneurial dream, it’s time to get it off the ground with the help of the 16th 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 begin a business in downtown Eau Claire or relocate one there by 2021. Over the years, Jump-Start has directed tens of thousands of dollars in prizes to start-up businesses ranging from tech firms to gift shops to graphic designers. Last year’s winners included The Well, Grace Skin Studio, and Eau Claire Rolling Tap. To enter, you must submit a business plan and a signed application (available online) by Sept. 7. This year’s grand prize includes $5,000 in start-up capital sponsored by Royal Credit Union, a brand development strategy session with JB Systems (a $680 value), $500 in advertising credit with both the Leader-Telegram and Volume One, and a three-month flex membership to CoLab (a $330 value). Other prizes are available for honorable mention and Innovative Idea Prize winners, and as many as six applicants will be eligible for the Small Business Development Center’s Entrepreneurial Training Program. To learn more and to download an application, visit DowntownEauClaire.org/jump-start.