Five Chippewa Valley entrepreneurs have been announced as finalists for a $5,000 grand prize in the annual Idea Challenge competition.

These budding business owners will make their final pitches and receive awards on Dec. 14 as part of the Idea Challenge, which was founded in 2007 by the Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corp. According to the EDC, the contest “accepts ideas from local entrepreneurs in any stage of development for any new product, service, or process.”

The 2023 finalists, in no particular order, are:

• EloRose Diagnostic Ultrasound Direct-Pay Clinic, Jillian Rogers – “A Sound Alternative for Affordable Ultrasound Imaging.”

• Eau Claire Outdoors: Outdoor Rental Program, Kate Felton– “Helping the Chippewa Valley discover new adventures by making outdoor gear cheaper and more accessible through a rental program which will provide high-quality gear for kayaking, canoeing, camping, backpacking, skiing, snowshoeing, and more!”

• Fitness & Strength Aquatics, Jackson Anderson – “Delivers private swim lessons, to all ages, looking to learn or improve their skills, utilizing an endless pool with potential to offer hydrotherapy as well.”

• Planette Kids, Jill Heinke Moen – “Downtown Eau Claire retails space that celebrates the whimsy and delight of the early years with ethically sourced, socially responsible, and/or eco-friendly children’s clothing and wares.”

• Tiny Homes Saunas, Graham Barnes – “Mobile sauna builder that utilizes materials from deconstructed buildings to create one-of-a-kind saunas for sale in the Midwest.”

“Part of the Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation’s mission is to cultivate innovative thinkers and entrepreneurship,” the organization said in a media release. “With use of The Idea Challenge, the Eau Claire Area EDC will help elevate five business ideas and help them launch or advance into the local marketplace. Started by the Eau Claire Area EDC in 2007, The Idea Challenge has been supporting local entrepreneurs and innovative thinkers within our community. In 2011, Northwestern Bank became the financial sponsor, giving The Idea Challenge the opportunity to offer cash awards and cover some startup business expenses for the winning idea.”

The final pitch and awards event will begin at 10am Thursday, Dec. 14, at The Coven (formerly CoLab) on the second floor of Barstow Commons, 131 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire. The public is invited to attend and to learn more about the up-and-coming businesses.

Previous Idea Challenge winners include Chip Magnet Salsa, Gorilla Dumpster Bags, Earthbound Environmental, and many more.

Learn more about the Idea Challenge at eauclaire-wi.com.