Helping Entrepreneurs
The Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is committed to guiding founders through every stage of their entrepreneurial journey — from idea to long-term success. We connect entrepreneurs with valuable local resources, including mentorship and coaching programs, networking opportunities, and business development support.
We also help founders access potential funding by opening doors to investors, grants, and other financial resources. One of our premier initiatives, the annual HATCH Pitch Competition, gives entrepreneurs the chance to present their ideas to a panel of judges and compete for funding and resources that can elevate their ventures.
Through these efforts, the CEDC works to foster innovation, growth, and lasting success for entrepreneurs throughout the community.
Contact us to learn more about joining our mentoring groups and exploring our networking opportunities.
Entrepreneurs make it possible
Entrepreneurs are key drivers of economic growth, often more than people realize. According to the Kauffman Foundation, startups create over 3 million jobs annually in the United States. Successful entrepreneurs thrive in a supportive culture and environment—what we call an ecosystem—where they can find inspiration, ideas, and resources to launch and grow their businesses. In the Chippewa Valley, we recognize that the future of our economy depends on their success. CEDC is dedicated to strengthening the Chippewa Valley’s entrepreneurial ecosystem every day.
One of the ways we do this is by celebrating National Entrepreneur Month in November, partnering with local organizations to highlight and support our entrepreneurs. This year, the CEDC has joined forces with a variety of stakeholders to present Startup Chippewa Valley Week, which takes place from November 10-14, 2025.
Startup Chippewa Valley Week is the region’s largest entrepreneurship event—a weeklong series of in-person and virtual events designed to raise awareness of the local startup ecosystem, inspire new ideas, and equip the community to support the entrepreneurial spirit thriving in our area. The week features over 20 mostly free events, including workshops, panels, networking opportunities, and discussions, all focused on connecting, educating, and celebrating entrepreneurs across the region. More than a dozen community partner organizations are leading these events, offering valuable training, skills development, and growth opportunities for participants.
The highlight of Startup Chippewa Valley Week is the Chippewa HATCH Idea Pitch Competition. Similar to Shark Tank, this competition features six entrepreneurs from across the Chippewa Valley who will present their innovative business ideas to a panel of judges and a live audience. The judges, who are among the region’s most successful financial and business leaders, will award $5,000 to the winning entrepreneur. Audience members of all ages, including middle and high school students, can vote for their favorite pitch via an online poll. By engaging in the voting process, attendees not only contribute valuable feedback but also help inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, encouraging them to consider starting their own businesses.