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Where Big Ideas Take Root: BEAR at the Orchard & the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Ask almost any successful business owner in the Chippewa Valley how they got where they are, and you'll rarely hear a story about doing it alone. Behind nearly every thriving local company is a network of mentors, lenders, investors, educators, fellow founders, and community members who showed up at the right moment. That network is the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and strengthening it is at the heart of what we do at CEDC. An entrepreneurial ecosystem is the network of people, organizations, and resources that help businesses launch, grow, and succeed. It includes access to capital, mentorship, technical assistance, and training—plus the relationships that help founders keep moving forward when challenges arise. Think of it like an orchard: a single tree can survive on its own, but a healthy orchard—with good soil, pollinators, and careful [...]

Where Big Ideas Take Root: BEAR at the Orchard & the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem2026-07-30T12:50:27-05:00

Dream to Destination: How 6Four Accord is Creating the Chippewa Valley’s Newest Agritourism Experience

What began as an entrepreneurial vision and opened it's doors in October 2025 -6Four Accord is quickly becoming one of the Chippewa Valley's most unique destinations. Nestled just outside Cameron, Wisconsin, 6Four Accord is redefining what it means to visit a unique gathering place. More than a reindeer farm, it is a place where agriculture, entertainment, local food, and community come together to create an experience unlike any other in the United States. During a recent CEDC Business Expansion And Retention (BEAR) Visit, our team had the opportunity to explore the growing property, learn about the journey of owners De Anna and Tyler Westphal, and record an upcoming episode of the BEAR Discussions Podcast. Walking the grounds, it quickly became clear that this isn't simply another business—it's the realization of a dream that [...]

Dream to Destination: How 6Four Accord is Creating the Chippewa Valley’s Newest Agritourism Experience2026-07-08T17:06:53-05:00

Opening Doors, Sharing Stories, Building Opportunity

Sometimes the most valuable economic development happens not in a boardroom, but on a shop floor. Recently, CEDC, in partnership with the New Auburn Area Development Corporation (NAADC), hosted a Collaborative Showcase that brought together more than twenty business owners and community leaders for a day centered on connection, collaboration, and conversation. The day featured tours of New Auburn Cheese Company and Auburn Rod and Custom, each offering a unique look at the innovation, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship that help drive our regional economy. By opening their doors, both businesses offered far more than a tour. They shared their stories, their experiences, and the passion behind what they do every day. Attendees had the opportunity to see firsthand what it takes to build and operate successful businesses in rural Wisconsin. From the entrepreneurial vision [...]

Opening Doors, Sharing Stories, Building Opportunity2026-07-30T12:45:44-05:00

HATCH 2025: Honoring Veterans, Inspiring Entrepreneurs

Imagine a room buzzing with energy — a vibrant mix of entrepreneurs, small business owners, investors, and mentors breaking down barriers over drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Conversations flowed freely, laughter echoed over shared stories of failure, and new ideas sparked with every exchange. This was the Failing Forward cocktail hour at East Bay Lodge on Veterans Day — a prelude to CEDC’s HATCH 2025, our high-energy, shark tank–style pitch event designed to transform bold ideas into thriving ventures. Hosting HATCH on Veterans Day was no coincidence. CEDC proudly took the opportunity to honor the courage, leadership, and resilience of those who have served our country. Veterans embody the same qualities that define great entrepreneurs — grit, adaptability, and a commitment to something greater than themselves. That spirit wove through the evening as we [...]

HATCH 2025: Honoring Veterans, Inspiring Entrepreneurs2025-12-22T13:06:33-06:00

Failing Forward: Building a Stronger Entrepreneurial Community

Our entrepreneurial community is no stranger to big dreams—and equally big challenges. Picture this: a room buzzing with energy, not from polished pitches or victory laps, but from candid tales of ventures and business ideas that didn’t quite make it. Prior to HATCH 2025, during the second week of November—Startup Week—CEDC is inviting founders, innovators, and supporters to a unique business celebration: a cocktail reception at EastBay Lodge in Lake Holcombe. Here, we’ll raise a glass not just to our successes, but to the lessons learned from failure. Why does CEDC celebrate these business idea setbacks? Because failure is often the best teacher. When local entrepreneurs openly discuss projects that didn’t pan out, it fosters a culture of honesty, resilience, and shared learning. At CEDC, we believe innovation thrives in an environment where [...]

Failing Forward: Building a Stronger Entrepreneurial Community2025-11-05T14:02:59-06:00

SBDC Celebrates New On-Campus Location at UW-Eau Claire

The Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire has officially moved onto campus, making it easier for Blugold students and faculty to support entrepreneurs and drive small business growth throughout the Chippewa Valley. On June 5, the SBDC transitioned from its former location at 221 W. Madison St. to Schneider Hall, home of UWEC’s College of Business. To mark the occasion, the SBDC joined the College of Business, Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, and Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce in hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) was proud to attend alongside community and business leaders to show support for this important partner. “We’re often described as one of UW-Eau Claire’s best-kept secrets when it comes to supporting small businesses,” said Harlie [...]

SBDC Celebrates New On-Campus Location at UW-Eau Claire2025-08-05T12:15:48-05:00

Empowering Rural Chippewa: CEDC’s Role in BEAD Engagement

Broadband expansion is a transformative force for rural communities in Wisconsin, and the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is dedicated to supporting this important initiative. CEDC several years back formed a Chippewa broadband expansion committee whose aim is to improve internet access for rural areas in Chippewa County. As of January 2025, approximately 10% of Wisconsin is still unserved, and 18% is underserved in terms of broadband access. This marks significant improvement compared to previous years but still leaves many rural residents, especially those in Eastern Chippewa County without adequate internet connectivity. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission has deployed to date over $345 million since 2019 to improve or build new access to broadband. CEDC helped play a crucial role in supporting broadband expansion and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) programs [...]

Empowering Rural Chippewa: CEDC’s Role in BEAD Engagement2025-01-28T13:51:06-06:00

Navigating Cybersecurity: Insights from Our BEAR Lunch & Learn

In today’s digital landscape, the need for robust cybersecurity practices among Chippewa Valley businesses has never been more pressing. Recently, the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) and Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) hosted a Lunch & Learn event dedicated to enhancing local businesses’ understanding of cybersecurity threats and strategies. The session featured Stephen Casselman, a cybersecurity instructor at CVTC, who provided valuable insights into the challenges and best practices for protecting digital assets. With a strong background in Cyber Operations and Cyber Defense, Stephen effectively communicated the current state of cybersecurity and the risks organizations face. A key focus of Stephen’s presentation was that a significant percentage of data breaches are caused by human error. He emphasized that while technology plays a crucial role in safeguarding information, it is equally important for businesses [...]

Navigating Cybersecurity: Insights from Our BEAR Lunch & Learn2024-09-20T16:13:26-05:00

BEAR Lunch & Learn: OSHA & EPA’s Impact on Small Businesses

Most OSHA and EPA laws were created to regulate large businesses, yet 99.5% of U.S. businesses consist of less than 250 employees. In this BEAR Lunch & Learn, find out from Cory White, co-owner of Small Business EH&S, the three ways that these laws negatively effect small businesses and what you can do to ensure the safety of your employees. Registration is limited; reserve your seat today! Tickets cover the cost of lunch. To learn more about what Cory does, visit his website here.

BEAR Lunch & Learn: OSHA & EPA’s Impact on Small Businesses2021-12-30T09:43:15-06:00
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