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. Special efforts are made to assist economically and socially disadvantaged women. 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.

Service Area

We provide assistance to individuals interested in starting, expanding or improving small businesses primarily in these counties:

  • Barron
  • Buffalo
  • Chippewa
  • NEW in 2023: Clark
  • Dunn
  • Eau Claire
  • Jackson
  • Pepin
  • Pierce
  • Polk
  • St. Croix
  • Trempealeau
 
 

Our Programs

Business Counseling

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 and In-Person Training

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

Laptop Lending Library

The Western Wisconsin Women’s Business Center seeks to equip low-income, entrepreneurial individuals with laptops so that they can access the internet and engage with the global marketplace.

Email For Availability
Women's Business Conference

Business Conference

Designed to inspire and connect you with other empowering women, this event will provide you with the resources you are looking for to start, improve, or expand your business.

Visit Conference Website
Video Library

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

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 Availability

Meet the Team

Jacob Haupt

Jacob Haupt
Director of Jobs & Business Development
Eau Claire Office
715.836.7511 x1172

Barb Shepherd

Barb Shepherd
Business Training Specialist
Independence Office
715.530.5004

Walmsley Johnson-Cole

Walmsley Johnson-Cole
Business Development Specialist and Certified Personal Finance Counselor
Eau Claire Office
715.836.7511 x1171

Allie Coen

Allie Coen
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

Kelly Berry
Owner, ResourceAbility, LLC

Beth Elliott

Beth Elliott
Owner, The Hippie Banker

Gretchen Hudacek

Gretchen Hudacek
VP-Business Loan Officer, Royal Credit Union

Harlie Juedes

Harlie Juedes
Interim Director, Wisconsin Small Business Development Center at UW-Eau Claire

Danielle Kummer

Danielle Kummer
Finance Director, Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce

Jan Schaffner

Jan Schaffner
Owner, Schaffner Tax Solutions

Erin Trowbridge

Erin Trowbridge
Co-Owner & Strategic Marketing Consultant, Four Peas Consulting

Stacy Whaley

Stacy Whaley
Owner, Fire Up & Lead

Memberships & Partners

The Western Wisconsin Women's Business Center is a program of Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council (WDEOC). Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Agreements for persons with disabilities will be made at all times in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 and associated amendments. Arrangements for persons with special needs will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals.

Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council Small Business Administration