Startup Chippewa Valley '25 | Tax & Financial Foundations for Entrepreneurs

In a world where technology evolves daily and challenges come faster than ever, resourcefulness is the true advantage. Startup Chippewa Valley celebrates that spirit — the ingenuity, adaptability, and grit it takes to turn an idea into impact.

This year’s theme, “Becoming Resourceful,” explores what it means to build smarter, stronger, and more sustainably in 2025 and beyond. From harnessing the power of AI to mastering time-tested principles of entrepreneurship, each session, workshop, and conversation will equip founders and small business leaders to do more with what they have — and build toward what’s next.

Whether you’re a founder scaling your dream, a future entrepreneur preparing to leap, a small business owner ready to grow, or a community leader or investor supporting innovation in the Valley, this is your week to connect, learn, and celebrate what makes our region thrive.

Thursday, November 13 | 9:30-11am | The Coven Co-Working Space

Running a business means wearing a lot of hats — but your financial foundation is one you can’t afford to overlook. In this session, financial planner and tax advisor Austin Preece, of Preece Financial, will break down the essentials every entrepreneur needs to understand to stay compliant, profitable, and prepared for growth.

From choosing the right business entity (LLC, S Corp, or otherwise) to mastering bookkeeping basics, understanding deductible expenses, and staying ahead of new tax law changes, you’ll walk away with clear, actionable insights you can apply immediately. Austin will also share financial planning strategies tailored to business owners — helping you make smart decisions today that set you up for long-term success.

Whether you’re just starting out or refining your operations, this session will help you build confidence and clarity around your business finances.

1. Identify the key differences between business entity types (LLC, S Corp, sole proprietorship, etc.) and their tax implications.
2. Establish simple but effective bookkeeping practices to stay organized year-round.
3. Avoid common misconceptions about what qualifies as a deductible business expense.
4. Understand recent federal tax law changes and how they affect small business owners.
5. Integrate tax planning into their overall financial strategy as entrepreneurs.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Coven Eau Claire, 131 South Barstow Street, Eau Claire, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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