Startup Chippewa Valley '25 | Harnessing AI for Website that Work

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.

Friday, November 14 | 11am - 12:30pm | The Coven

Your website is your first impression—make it count! In this 90-minute, hands-on session, you’ll discover how AI can help you build a professional online presence from scratch. We’ll cover how to plan your website’s purpose, map your architecture, generate content, and even prototype pages using today’s best AI tools. Whether you’re starting from zero or rethinking your online strategy, you’ll walk away with a clear plan and practical resources to bring your business online—plus, we’ll have some fun experimenting with AI along the way!

This breakout isn’t a lecture—it’s an interactive experience. Attendees will test AI prompts, compare platforms (Webflow, Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, WordPress, etc.), and collaborate on live examples.

Ideal Attendees

• New business owners or entrepreneurs without a website (or with a “starter” one they want to improve)
• Founders who feel overwhelmed by tech choices and want a clear roadmap
• Creative professionals or local makers ready to grow their brand online
• Anyone curious about using AI to simplify website creation, design, and content planning

Attendee Takeaways

1. A clear roadmap for getting their business online
2. AI prompt templates for building web structure and content
3. Knowledge of which website platform fits their business
4. An understanding of how to use AI as a creative partner, not a replacement
5. A spark of inspiration (and some laughs) along the way

How we'll do this:

• Discuss defining your business' audience, goals, and call-to-action. Use AI to help refine brand messaging.
• Show how to use ChatGPT or other AI tools to generate site architecture and wireframe layouts. Together, create a 3-page website structure with AI prompts.
• Compare major platforms (Webflow, Squarespace, WordPress, Shopify) and discuss pros/cons. Use AI to help match a business type to the right platform.
• Live demo of generating web copy, imagery prompts, and layout suggestions. Show how to refine AI output for brand tone and clarity.

Also check out other Business events in Eau Claire, Workshops in Eau Claire.