Business Resources

Every starting business needs a helping hand. That's why Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. (DECI) partners up with experts to provide business counseling and creates financial incentive programs for business owners.

Business Consulting Assistance

Financial Programs

Business Consulting Assistance ▲

SCORE

510 S. Barstow St. (Federal Building)
715-834-1573 (call ahead for appointment)

Small Business Development Center

210 Water St. (UWEC Continuing Ed Bldg)
715-836-5811

Western Dairyland Business Center

418 Wisconsin St.
715-836-7511

Wisconsin Entrepreneurs Network (WEN)

210 Water Street
(715) 836-3636

Financial Programs▲

Programs listed here are intended to give you an overview of programs available. Please note that all of our financial programs are listed in detail on the City of Eau Claire Economic Development website.
To apply for any of these financial programs please contact the City of Eau Claire Economic Development Director at 839-4914.

Clearwater Development Corporation Loan Pool

Offers low-interest loans for new construction, purchase or major renovation of an existing building in downtown Eau Claire. 

Downtown Eau Claire Loan Pool

The Downtown Loan Pool (totaling $5 million dollars) is used to improve property in historic downtown Eau Claire. Loans are available to downtown building owners up to a maximum of $250,000. *All City incentives are subject to the Prevailing Wage Ordinance (pdf).
Downtown Loan Pool Application (pdf)

Downtown Eau Claire Code Compliance Loan

The City shall provide a loan equal to 50% of the cost of the changes and improvements required to correct building or fire code deficiencies, not to exceed $10,000. A loan under this program must be matched by an equal investment in related improvements to the building by the property owner or lessee. *All City incentives are subject to the Prevailing Wage Ordinance (pdf).
Code Compliance Info and Application

Downtown Eau Claire Facade Loan

Property owners of buildings located within the downtown boundaries as defined by the HyettPalma Study can apply for a facade renovation loan of $2,000 or less at 0% interest rate of a three-years. For loans in excess of $2,000, the City will participate up to 50 % of a project or a maximum of $2,000. A local financial institution shall participate in the remaining 50%. The City will lend at an interest rate of 0% while the lending institution shall lend at its prevailing market rates. The maximum term under this option shall be five years. *All City incentives are subject to the Prevailing Wage Ordinance (pdf).
Downtown Facade Information and Application

Downtown Eau Claire Loft Matching Grant

Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. shall provide building owners/developers a reimbursement for up to 50% (or $2,000, whichever is less) of expenses incurred with the analysis and/or architectural design of a downtown loft apartment project. If a project is not implemented because it is deemed not economically feasible by the building owner/developer (after services by a licensed architect are rendered), 50% of expenses incurred will be reimbursed up to a maximum of $1,000. A copy of the completed work product of the licensed architect or engineer must also be provided to Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. The Loft Matching Grant intends to stimulate the creation of market rate housing in the upper floors of downtown buildings. This program is designed to encourage the development of new and expansion of existing residential loft housing in the downtown. *All City incentives are subject to the Prevailing Wage Ordinance (pdf).
Downtown Loft Matching Information and Application

Other Federal, State and Regional Financial Programs ▲

Click the link below to download more information about other federal, state and regional financial programs.
Financial Resources (pdf)

White Papers on Business Financing ▲

Finding Money For Your Business (pdf)
Selecting a Financial Institution (pdf)
The Grant Myth (pdf)