Jump-Start Downtown Business Competition

Jump-Start Downtown is a business competition for entrepreneurs over 18 years old interested in opening a business or relocating a business in Downtown Eau Claire (view downtown boundaries) during the timeframe of September 2021-2023. Any type of business is eligible, from high-tech offices to gift shops.

Join us for the 2022 Awards Lunch! 

Thursday, October 27
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Forage (403 S. Barstow)
Cost: $20

We'll announce the winners of the 2022 Jump-Start Downtown Competition! Meet some of the applicants and learn more about these up and coming entrepreneurs and businesses joining the mix in Downtown Eau Claire.

Applicants

Applications are closed for 2022.

What to Include

In order to be considered, applicants must also submit a business plan that includes:

  • Executive Summary
  • Business Description
  • Competition/Market Analysis
  • Marketing Plan
  • Management Plan
  • Financial Plan
  • Viability Analysis

See the form below for information on how applications will be scored. 

Deadline

Applications for the 2022 cycle are due on September 30, 2022. It's never too late to get started. Please consider working on your business plan and finances with free local entrepreneurial resources such as:

Awards

  • Grand Prize: $5,000 in start-up capital (sponsored by Royal Credit Union), 6-month DECI membership, and a 3-month flex membership with CoLab ($330 value)
  • Honorable Mention: $2,500 in start-up capital, 6-month DECI membership, and a 3-month flex membership with CoLab ($330 value)
  • Innovative Idea Prize: $1,000 in start-up capital and 6-month DECI membership