Start In Wisconsin Launches Website to Connect Businesses with Local Resources & Support

29 Jun 2020

Initiative to power connections and accelerate area entrepreneurs.

Eau Claire, WI., June 29, 2020 – Start In Wisconsin is a new initiative sponsored by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Aimed at accelerating area entrepreneurship, the initiative is a powerful tool in the region’s economic recovery. 

Start In Wisconsin and its regional affiliate, Start In Wisconsin – WCW (West Central Wisconsin) is a collaborative effort among Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), UW System, Momentum West and other regional partners to build a comprehensive, curated directory of regional and statewide startup and entrepreneurial resources. As of June, 2020, 72 providers have registered to offer support services to local entrepreneurs. These services range from business planning to tax, marketing and human resource support. 

Start In West Central Wisconsin will be the premier network for local businesses. For owners and startups, Start In West Central Wisconsin will power connections to start, scale and accelerate area entrepreneurs by quickly matching their needs with services and solutions.

For the established resource network, Start In West Central Wisconsin will be a platform to provide best fit referrals, build your network, and to showcase the story of entrepreneurship in our region.

“Start in Wisconsin is an online platform that makes it easy for entrepreneurs to access resources across government agencies, educational institutions and support organizations. Entrepreneurs often struggle to solve challenges on their own, without realizing that a rich support network exists in their own backyard. This platform closes the knowledge gap and establishes vital connections,” said Steve Jahn, Executive Director of Momentum West. 

“We have invited local businesses and partners to participate in Start in West Central Wisconsin and have been pleased by the response. Thus far, 72 have agreed to participate and to offer support to our region’s budding entrepreneurs. These businesses and organizations are also benefiting from increased brand awareness, publicity for their events and the ability to receive referrals. We are confident that this initiative will be beneficial for all involved,” said Joe Folsom, Executive Director of the Pierce County Economic Development Corporation. 

    Start In West Central Wisconsin is an excellent place to make connections, both by connecting with resources and by attending events – virtually or in-person. Published events include “Wisconsin’s food supply chain: What’s working, what isn’t and what opportunities are emerging to shape the future?”, “Crossing the coronavirus chasm,” and “Onboarding right from the start (even online!). Those interested attending can visit https://www.startinwi.com/west-central-wisconsin-region to view the calendar of events and to register. 

If you want more information or want to get more involved, email steve@momentumwest.org or info@startinwi.com. For help call 800-940-7232.

About Start In Wisconsin

Start In West Central Wisconsin is the premier network for local businesses. For owners and startups, Start In West Central Wisconsin will power connections to start, scale and accelerate area entrepreneurs. For the established resource network, Start In West Central Wisconsin will be a platform to provide best fit referrals, build your network, and to showcase the story of entrepreneurship in our region.

About Momentum West

Momentum West is a regional economic development organization serving Barron, Clark, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pierce, Pepin, Polk, Rusk, and St. Croix counties. Momentum West’s staff, volunteers and Board of Directors provides their time, expertise and assistance in establishing annual goals and activities. Momentum West uses partnerships and leverages resources to implement shared strategies for growing the regional economy of west central Wisconsin. The organization’s vision is to capitalize on West central Wisconsin’s economic growth and prosperity through collaborative partnerships, regional marketing strategies and its position as a leader in talent development, innovative industry and key economic development assets to further our position as a prominent region for business growth.

About Pierce County Economic Development Corporation 

The Pierce County Economic Development Corporation knows that business location and investment decisions are serious and multifaceted, and we view our job as providers of the best possible information to support those decisions.  The organization takes pride in its ability to discuss with you the long term strategic implications of potential investments.  They work closely with the UW – River Falls College of Business and Economics, other regional Wisconsin System campuses, and state Extension specialists to customize our research reports to your specific requirements.  Their regional manufacturing and business service directory provides a wealth of information about our regional firms’ capabilities and local networking opportunities.