Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to Momentum West! Here you’ll find some Frequently Asked Questions about the economic ecosystem of West Central Wisconsin, ranging from general inquiries about who we are, the support services we can offer to businesses of all sizes, and the quality of life in our welcoming communities.

For more detailed information, please contact us at 715-874-4673 or steve@momentumwest.org 

General information

Momentum West is a regional economic development organization serving Barron, Clark, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pierce, Pepin, Polk, Rusk, and St. Croix counties.

Our staff, volunteers and Board of Directors provides their time, expertise and assistance in:

  • Marketing West Wisconsin for business and talent attraction, development and retention
  • Serving as economic development support conduit in West Wisconsin
  • Advocating for regional initiatives

Business Resources + Support

Yes! West Central Wisconsin provides a business-friendly environment that provides companies with the resources, incentives, and infrastructure necessary to grow.

With competitive tax rates, a skilled workforce, and a robust development ecosystem, businesses in the Momentum West region benefit from a strong foundation for success.

Momentum West helps companies identify and apply for the right combination of statewide tax credits, regional loan and grant programs, local municipal tools, and incentives, including:

  • WEDC tax credits (Business Development, Jobs, Enterprise/Regional Jobs), R&D and manufacturing credits, and sales/use tax exemptions
  • Regional loan programs (Revolving Loan, EDA, Micro, TEF) and WEDC working capital and training grants
  • Local tools such as TIF, downtown facade loans, and customized municipal packages

For the full range, check out our business resources page or give us a call at 715-874-4673.

Real estate prices have gone through the roof and permitting delays are costing developers and businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

But NOT in West Central Wisconsin. 

  • Our shovel-ready sites are ready for development
  • We have an expedited permitting process
  • And we’re less than an hour from the Twin Cities

If you are looking to mitigate risk by developing a project quickly and affordably, contact us today!  

Absolutely. In West Central Wisconsin, you’ll find strong support for small businesses. Momentum West can help entrepreneurs find the right grants, loans, and training, while state programs provide tools like WEDC workforce training grants, loan guarantees, and export assistance.

Whether you’re a start up or established operation, we can help you tap into revolving loan funds, microloans, technical training, and local incentives to grow at the right pace for your business. 

Quality of Life

We’ll let you in on a secret: When you live in West Central Wisconsin you get to skip the traffic and long commutes, send your kids to top-rated schools, live in safe neighborhoods, and savor awesome outdoor recreation and amenities.

Even better? Our cost of living index is 5.9% below the national average, housing is 23% below the national average, and through the years we’ve also been voted one of the Best States for Millennials and Best Place to Live by WalletHub. 

Yes! Eau Claire, Madison, and the Twin Cities are all within a 1-2 hour drive. And in 2-3 hours you can enjoy the bright lights of Green Bay, Milwaukee and Duluth. You get to experience the perfect blend of city life and rural life in West Central Wisconsin.