Entrepreneurs are powerful drivers of economic growth—often in ways that go beyond the businesses they build. According to the Kauffman Foundation, startups create more than 3 million jobs each year in the United States. But entrepreneurs are more likely to succeed when they have access to a supportive culture and environment—an ecosystem that provides inspiration, connections, resources, mentorship, and opportunities to turn ideas into thriving businesses.

In the Chippewa Valley, we recognize that a strong entrepreneurial community is essential to the future of our economy. CEDC works every day to strengthen that ecosystem by connecting entrepreneurs with the people, resources, knowledge, and opportunities they need to start, grow, and succeed.

That work takes many forms. Through BEAR—Business Expansion, Attraction, and Retention—CEDC creates opportunities for entrepreneurs and business leaders to connect, share ideas, learn from one another, and build relationships. BEAR programming includes learning sessions, listening sessions, business visits, Lunch & Learns, and pitch opportunities such as the BEAR Pitch Event, where entrepreneurs can share their ideas, receive feedback, connect with mentors, and compete for funding. These experiences help entrepreneurs move ideas forward while strengthening the connections that make a healthy business ecosystem possible.

CEDC also helps connect entrepreneurs with mentors, business leaders, investors, educators, workforce partners, and other organizations that can provide guidance and support at different stages of their journey. Whether someone is exploring an idea, launching a new business, looking for resources to grow, or preparing to make their next big move, having the right connections can make all the difference.

One way CEDC brings the entrepreneurial community together on a larger scale is by celebrating National Entrepreneurship Month each November. In partnership with local organizations and community leaders, CEDC helps bring Startup Chippewa Valley Week to the region—a week dedicated to recognizing entrepreneurs, raising awareness of the local startup ecosystem, and creating opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.

Startup Chippewa Valley Week is the region’s largest entrepreneurship event, featuring more than 20 mostly free, in-person and virtual events. Workshops, panels, networking opportunities, and discussions are designed to spark new ideas and equip entrepreneurs and the broader community with the knowledge and connections they need to succeed. More than a dozen community partners contribute events throughout the week, providing valuable training, skill development, mentorship, and opportunities for growth.

The highlight of Startup Chippewa Valley Week is the HATCH Idea Pitch Competition. Similar to Shark Tank, HATCH gives six entrepreneurs from across the Chippewa Valley the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges and a live audience. The judges—some of the region’s leading financial and business professionals—select the winning entrepreneur to receive a $5,000 prize.

HATCH also invites the community to be part of the experience. Audience members of all ages, including middle and high school students, can vote for their favorite pitch through an online poll. Beyond providing valuable feedback to entrepreneurs, this opportunity introduces young people to entrepreneurship and encourages the next generation to see themselves as future business owners and innovators.

From mentorship and business connections to BEAR programming, pitch competitions, educational opportunities, and Startup Chippewa Valley Week, CEDC is helping build an environment where entrepreneurs can put down roots and grow. Because when entrepreneurs succeed, they create jobs, invest in our communities, bring new ideas to the marketplace, and help make the Chippewa Valley a stronger place to live, work, and do business.