What is VentureHome-Eau Claire?
VentureHome-Eau Claire is a startup hub that was established in 2020 through a partnership between WiSys, UW-Eau Claire and CoLab in order to foster entrepreneurship and connect local startups to statewide resources they may not be aware of or be able to access otherwise.
We provide personalized support to engage and steer aspiring entrepreneurs to find the right state and local resources to meet their startup’s unique needs. Through VentureHome-Eau Claire, you will be able to access to a portfolio of patented UW System technologies, entrepreneur toolkits, a cohort-based incubator, and events at CoLab.
VentureHome-Eau Claire also provides a community for aspiring local entrepreneurs to find mentoring, accountability and peer support during the challenging startup process.
All aspiring entrepreneurs in the community are eligible to participate in VentureHome-Eau Claire (no affiliation to UW-Eau Claire needed). Those selected to be part of the focused VentureHome-Eau Claire cohort will have access to a higher level of support and 1:1 mentoring services through a six-month program designed to accelerate the process of bringing your idea to market. They will also be eligible to apply for the WiSys VentureHome seed fund.
How is this different from existing entrepreneurial services in Eau Claire?
VentureHome-Eau Claire aims not to duplicate any existing services, such as the Small Business Development Center’s Entrepreneurial Training Program, Business Plan classes through Western Dairyland, the Women’s Business Center & Conference, Startup 48, The Idea Challenge, Musky Tank events, SCORE services or any of the other local support services already available in the region for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Instead, VentureHome-Eau Claire is a startup hub that:
Provides in-person support for aspiring entrepreneurs to direct you to the right mentors and support services in Eau Claire or statewide.
Helps accelerate select scalable startups through the VentureHome–Eau Claire Cohort Program.
What is the VentureHome – Eau Claire Cohort Program?
Every six months, a new group of six to eight aspiring entrepreneurs will be selected to go through the Cohort Program together. The VentureHome–Eau Claire Steering Committee will review all applications and make the final selection.
Who is eligible to apply?
Anyone in the Eau Claire and surrounding community with a startup idea that has the following features:
Scalable (targeting a large, non-local market).
Clearly defined problem and solution.
Efforts at validating the customer need for your “idea.”
If you have any questions, please contact Elaine Coughlin (elaine@colab.com).
Click here to apply for the April 2020 cohort.
What does it mean to be part of a VentureHome–Eau Claire Cohort?
Those selected to be part of a VentureHome-Eau Claire Cohort will have access to the following:
Six months of “flex membership” at CoLab.
1 on 1 assistance from the WiSys Manager of Innovative Ventures and CoLab Community Manager.
Access to statewide network of mentors and entrepreneurial resources
Office hours with professionals in fields of finance, legal, intellectual property marketing, sales.
Connections to UW technologies and scientific experts.
Opportunities to apply for the WiSys VentureHome seed fund.
VentureHome–Eau Claire Cohort members will need to commit to take part in the following activities:
Three meetings with the Steering Committee:
Introductory meeting–Outline goals and responsibilities for the duration of the program.
Three-month check-in and updating of goals.
Closing meeting—lessons learned and next steps.
Monthly facilitated cohort discussions (peer group)
Check-in meeting with CoLab Manager every 2 weeks
Monthly check-in with WiSys Manager of Innovative Ventures
Are there other services available to me through VentureHome-Eau Claire if I am not selected to be in the Cohort?
Yes! You will have access to in-person support from CoLab and WiSys in finding the right resources, mentors, co-founders, patented technologies, etc. for your startup. You will also be able to access all other VentureHome events and programming.
How often do you offer/select a new VentureHome-Eau Claire Cohort?
A new group is selected every six months. The first VentureHome-Eau Claire Cohort will run from April to September of 2020.
Who is on the cohort selection committee?
The VentureHome-Eau Claire Steering Committee will review all applications and make the final selection. The VentureHome-Eau Claire Steering Committee is made up of local professionals who have an interest and background in helping entrepreneurs.