Starting or buying an existing business can be an exciting, frustrating and time consuming process. By knowing the business climate and what you hope to accomplish you can maximize the positive aspects of owning a business. The information in this section should help you understand the process beginning with "Writing a Business Plan" to "How to Market Your Business". 

Joining the Chamber of Commerce can give you the exposure, networking and involvement in the community you will need to be successful. As a member of the Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce you will be provided with: Ribbon Cutting for your grand opening, special events, programs and seminars that can assist you with your business, inexpensive advertising opportunities and referrals, a free listing on our website and in our Membership Directory, networking opportunities at Chamber events like Business After Hours Receptions, Annual Golf Outing and Business Over Breakfast meetings.

Click here for a membership application to join the
Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce!

Fox Cities Economic Development Partnership (FCEDP) is a business attraction organization comprised of the municipalities, organizations and utilities interested in the economic growth of the Fox Cities area. Its mission is to foster the Fox Cities' economic development by creating and implementing marketing programs that promote the area as an attractive location for business and industry. Visit their website for business resources, regional profiles, community lifestyles and available building sites.

Northeast Wisconsin Economic Opportunity Study
This is the final strategy report from the study.  Officially "Phase III" of the project, the 87-page report, produced by NorthStar Economics, Inc. of Madison, describes five key strategies and 98 action steps for creating a successful, knowledge-based economy in the region. To access this study, click here.

Bridge to the New Economy
A Cluster-Based Strategy of the Fox Cities Economic Development Partnership was developed by the Fox Cities Economic Development Partnership based on the recommendations of the three studies previous studies ("The Economic Structure of the Fox Valley: A Study of Economic Opportunity," "Northeast Wisconsin Economic Opportunity Study," and the "Fox Cities/Oshkosh Regional Business Park Strategy – Phase 1 Report"). The Cluster-Based Strategy was developed through a series of workshops facilitated by Martenson & Eisele, Inc. beginning in February 2006 and concluding in August 2006. In addition, the FCEDP held a Focus Group facilitated by Matousek & Associates. To download the strategy, click: bridge to the new economy.pdf.

The sponsors of LIFE in the Fox Cities (Leading Indicators For Excellence) seek to understand the socio-economic condition of the Fox Cities region and the overall direction in which it is headed. A Community Assessment for the Fox Cities of Wisconsin has been produced and presents a snapshot of nine areas of focus. See the following links to view the LIFE full report and the LIFE Key findings summary.

Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce, Inc. | 101 E. Wisconsin Avenue | Kaukauna, WI 54130 | P: 920-766-1616