MOVING FORWARD. While the statewide Startup Week initiative will not hosting events this year, local organizers have come together to host the Chippewa Valley's own startup-focused event: Chippewa Valley Startup Day. (Background photo via The Lismore Hotel Facebook)

For about eight years, Startup Chippewa Valley Week was the largest annual entrepreneurship event in the region, coinciding with the statewide Startup Week Wisconsin initiative. For the first time in a decade, the latter is taking a pause – but locals can still get an entrepreneurial jumpstart come November.

The Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation (EDC) may not be hosting a full week’s worth of events, but it will pack five events and activities into one day as part of the first-time Chippewa Valley Startup Day on Nov. 5.

“Many entrepreneurs or business owners know the term ‘pivot’ and they incorporate the term into their business plan and model,” said Luke Hanson, executive director of the Eau Claire EDC, noting the upcoming event itself was born from a similar need to pivot.

Slated for 11am-5pm, registration is now open online. The inaugural event will be hosted in the lower ballroom of The Lismore Hotel (333 Better Way, Eau Claire) and is completely free to attend. 

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Most entrepreneurs are great at what they originally set out to do

but thinking they would also be an expert in accounting, patent law, foreign markets, online retail and so on is really tough to come by. That is where the EDC steps in, to make those connections and get the help the entrepreneur really needs in order to succeed.

LUKE HANSON

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EAU CLAIRE AREA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Throughout the day, attendees can visit a business resources expo, participate in pitch practices, have one-on-one “office hours” style meetings with area organizations, sit in for three keynote speakers and wrap up the day with a networking mixer.

While other events or competitions geared toward entrepreneurs – like the EDC’s own Idea Challenge – are also offered in the area, this upcoming event is unique given its multitude of resources and activities.

“There is not a one-size-fits-all, easy answer out there,” Hanson said of the ever-shifting business landscape. “There are going to be hurdles to overcome no matter the industry, consumer demand, or how good your business model may be.”

“Most entrepreneurs are great at what they originally set out to do,” he continued, “but thinking they would also be an expert in accounting, patent law, foreign markets, online retail and so on is really tough to come by.

“That is where the EDC steps in, to make those connections and get the help the entrepreneur really needs in order to succeed.”

Chippewa Valley Startup Day lineup

• Resource Expo
  • “Start the day by connecting with local professionals and organizations ready to help attendees navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. Resources will include business lenders, attorneys, consultants and more. A full list of resources will be available soon.”
• Pitch Practice
  • “Ready to perfect your elevator pitch? Attendees can register ahead of time to give their best elevator pitch in 2-3 minutes to a panel of local professionals who will provide real feedback. This is a great opportunity for participants to fine tune their business pitches!”
• Keynote Speakers
  • “First, attendees will hear from Elaine Coughlin, Startup Ecosystem Director at the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Next, Kelly Berry, founder of Second Stage Growth and ResourceAbility, LLC, will share helpful tips for small business owners. Lastly, attendees will get the pleasure of hearing from Dr. Tim Nelson, MD, PhD, CEO & co-founder of Heartworks, about his entrepreneurial journey. There is so much to learn from this amazing lineup of speakers!”
• Office Hours
  • “In the afternoon, organizations from the Resource Expo will be available for one-on-one meetings with attendees looking for additional guidance, resources and insights. This will be a great opportunity to ask questions, make necessary connections, and get more in-depth support.”
• Social Mixer
  • “We'll wrap up the day with a networking social at The Brewing Projekt, hosted by Musky Tank. This will give participants the opportunity to continue conversations, build connections and meet other like-minded individuals and professionals from the Chippewa Valley.”

As for the future of the Startup Week Wisconsin initiative, which began in Milwaukee before going statewide in 2017, Marketing Director Jacob Miller said this year’s pause is just that – a temporary break.

“For the first time in 10 years, we are pausing to step back, align our partners, and put all the necessary pieces in place for the new model to be truly successful,” Miller told Volume One. “We fully support Chippewa Valley Startup Day and have had great convos with some of the people running it.”

That said, October continues to be recognized throughout the state as “Wisconsin Tech Month.” A number of resources associated with Startup Week Wisconsin can still be accessed virtually or in participating locations outside the Chippewa Valley.

Keep up with organizers of Chippewa Valley Startup Day on social media and register for the Nov. 5 event online • If interested in participating in the pitch practice event, sign up online • Learn more about the Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation online