Jump-Start Business Contest Wants to Give Your E.C. Biz a Leg Up

applications for annual competition due Dec. 31

V1 Staff

The Jump-Start Downtown awards ceremony held in early 2024. (Submitted photo)
The Jump-Start Downtown awards ceremony held in early 2024. (Submitted photo)

Do you have an entrepreneurial idea that needs a boost? Applications are being accepted through Dec. 31 for the latest cycle of Jump-Start Downtown, a business competition sponsored by Downtown Eau Claire Inc.

DECI describes Jump-Start as “a unique competition for local entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses to showcase their innovative ideas and bring their vision to life in the vibrant downtown Eau Claire community. The Jump Start Downtown competition is designed to provide a platform for individuals and businesses who are ready to take the next step in building and growing their ventures and make a lasting impact on the local economy.”

The competition is open to all businesses in the City of Eau Claire that opened their doors in 2024 or expect to open in 2025, and focuses on those with “innovative and sustainable business models.” Last year’s winners were Oh Claire Improv (first place), Phoenix Taproom & Kitchen (second place), and Eau Claire Outdoors (third place).

Prizes are $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second place, and $1,000 for third place. The deadline to apply is 5pm CST on Tuesday, Dec. 31, via the DECI website.

A panel of local professionals and businesspeople will receive applications and choose winners, which will be announced on March 6 at DECI’s annual awards event.

DECI is a nonprofit organization that describes itself as “inspired to serve the downtown community through support of small and local businesses and to improve the quality of life in Eau Claire’s downtown core.”

Chippewa Valley Start-Up is sponsored by:

Royal Credit Union
200 Riverfront Terrace
Eau Claire, WI

Chippewa Valley Start-Up is sponsored by:

Royal Credit Union
200 Riverfront Terrace
Eau Claire, WI