Small Business Development Center moves onto UWEC campus

August 18, 2025

EAU CLAIRE – The Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC) has moved onto campus to make it easier for Blugold students and faculty to assist the center with starting and growing businesses.

The SBDC moved from its former site at 221 W. Madison St. to Rooms 105 and 106C of Schneider Hall, home of the College of Business.

When it comes to supporting small businesses, Director Harlie Juedes said the SBDC is “often described as one of UWEC’s best-kept secrets.”

“After being located off campus for so long, many faculty and staff may not be fully aware of the work we do – or the depth of UWEC’s involvement with local and statewide businesses,” she said.

With the move back to campus, Juedes said she is excited for the opportunity to strengthen those connections.

“We hope to become more integrated into the university community while also creating pathways to bring the broader business community onto campus,” she said.

Juedes said the SBDC plays an essential role in the economic health and vitality of West Central Wisconsin’s business community.

The SBDC, she said, offers no-cost, confidential counseling and business education in Eau Claire, Chippewa, Barron, Clark, Dunn, Pepin, Rusk and Taylor counties.

The center helps businesses secure funding, make data-driven financial decisions, navigate regulations, improve operations and grow sustainability.

Juedes said the SBDC – which has worked with 2,350 businesses in the past five years – is “uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between higher education and real-world business success.”

“Our region’s business community depends on our expertise and our commitment to walk alongside them – not just during a crisis, but over the long term,” she said. “Given the niche of the work we do, we are often one of the only accessible, no-cost and trusted sources of in-depth, hands-on financial support for small business owners in our area.”