About Our Women's Business Center
The Western Wisconsin Women's Business Center, established in 1999, is a program of Western Dairyland EOC Inc. and funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Our services are designed to provide entrepreneurs with access to individualized as well as group business training, referrals, financing, technology, and ongoing business case management services. Owners of start-up, existing, and expanding businesses receive technical assistance in all aspects of business operation including business plan development, feasibility studies, marketing assistance, business management, and operations. We continue our commitment to providing intensive group and one-on-one business training and technical assistance that will assist women to grow their business ideas and acquire or improve their business management skills. Our services are open to everyone.
Service Area
We assist individuals interested in starting, expanding, or improving small businesses primarily in these counties:
- Barron
- Buffalo
- Chippewa
- Clark (New in 2023)
- Dunn
- Eau Claire
- Jackson
- Pepin
- Pierce
- Polk
- St. Croix
- Trempealeau
Our Programs
Business Counseling
The Women’s Business Center specializes in helping clients start and grow their business. You can request business counseling by phone, video call or on-site at our office in Eau Claire or Independence.
Sign Up Today!
Online & In-Person Training
We offer online and in-person training with practical information on the steps you will need to take in order to start or grow a small business. Hone your business skills by signing up for our upcoming classes.
See Full Events List
Laptop Lending Library
The Western Wisconsin Women’s Business Center seeks to equip entrepreneurial individuals with laptops so that they can access the internet and engage with the global marketplace.
Email For Availability
Business Conference
Designed to inspire and connect you with other entrepreneurs, this event will provide you with the resources you are looking for to start, improve, or expand your business.
Visit Conference Website
Video Library
Did you miss a workshop or webinar? No problem! We offer a 24/7 online video library to help you start or grow your business. Click below to fill out our general client form in order to access the videos.
Access Video Library
Peer-to-Peer Groups
The Western Wisconsin Women’s Business Center is now offering Guided Peer Groups. Working with your peers has been shown to increase confidence, promote collaboration, and help members stay focused on their business growth.
Email for AvailabilityMeet the Team
Jacob Haupt
Director of Business Development
Eau Claire Office
715.836.7511 x1172
Barb Shepherd
Business Development Specialist
Independence Office
715.530.5004
Walmsley Johnson-Cole
Business Development Specialist
Eau Claire Office
715.836.7511 x1171
Allie Coen
Business Development Administrative Assistant
Eau Claire Office
715.836.7511 x1174
Meet Our Advisory Board
Are you interested in joining our advisory board? If so, send us an email.
Kelly Berry
Owner, ResourceAbility, LLC
Gretchen Hudacek
VP-Business Loan Officer, Royal Credit Union
Harlie Juedes
Interim Director, Wisconsin Small Business Development Center at UW-Eau Claire
Danielle Kummer
Finance Director, Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce
Erin Trowbridge
Co-Owner & Strategic Marketing Consultant, Four Peas Consulting
Stacy Whaley
Owner, Fire Up & Lead
Memberships & Partners
