Wisconsin Business License

Every state in the country requires you to go through the registration process to obtain one or more license or permit to start a small business. The state of Wisconsin has valuable information and resources that are made available to you to help guide you through the process. Here is a brief overview of what is required if you want to start a business in Wisconsin.

The Business Creation Resources section on Wisconsin's Department of Financial Institution's website has links to the information you may need to start your new business. Some of these links include:

• UW-MadisonSmall Business Development Center
• Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
• Wisconsin Department of Revenue
• Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
• Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

The Business Creation Resources website has links to other small business sites that you may find relevant to the type of business you want to start.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is a useful resource if you are starting a new business. The SBA has two district office locations in Milwaukee and Madison. Their website lists upcoming events, lending programs, veteran-owned business information, government contracting resources, and international trade information. The SBA website has links where you can download the Wisconsin-specific business information you need.

The WisconsinSmall Business Development Center is a statewide network of offices that are on 11 campuses of the University of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin SBDC has many resources for start-up business such as health insurance information, government procurement information, financial tools, and emergency preparedness.

Southeast Wisconsin SCORE is another valuable small business resource. SCORE is a national organization that provides education, counseling, and mentoring services to small business owners. They provide free or low-cost one-on-one training, group workshops, and online webinars. SCORE is also a partner with the SBA.

It is very likely that you will need to get at least one license or permit for your new business. Licenses and permits are used as part of the business regulatory system to make sure your business is operating within its stated purpose and that you are following state and federal laws.

Different agencies in Wisconsin issue different types of licenses and permits. Some of the licenses and permits you may need involve environmental regulations, taxes, insurance, and safety requirements. If you are unsure of the type of license and permit you may need for your business, then you can contact a representative on Wisconsin's Department of Financial Institutions for assistance.

You may also be required to have a business license or permit at the local level. Each city or town can have different requirements. The best way to know the license and permit requirements in the town where you operate your business is to go to their website. Depending on the type of business you operate, your city or town may only require you to have a state license or permit.

Depending on how you want to set up your business, you will be required to file legal forms with the state. You must file organizational documents with the DFI if you are setting up a corporation or a limited liability company. Check DFI's website for more information and to download the required documents that you will need to file with the state.

There are certain occupations that the state of Wisconsin will require you to obtain a license before you can start working. A list of the professions and occupations that require a license can be found on Wisconsin's Department of Safety and Professional Services website.

Much of the information that you will find on the website pertains to the business, health, and trade professions. Each individual profession in the different categories is listed. You can click on the profession to see specific information about the regulations, rules, and licensing requirements for that profession. You will also find information about taking an examination to obtain a license in a certain profession, how to renew your license, and how to sign up for continuing education courses.

Business owners do not operate their businesses in their own name, which is why they create a business name. It is not uncommon for many businesses, primarily corporations and LLCs, to register with the state under one name then operate under a different name. A business name is commonly known as a fictitious name, trade name, or DBA (Doing Business As).

All corporations and LLCs that are organized in Wisconsin must register their business name with the DFI. DFI's website has a Trademarks and Tradenames section where you will find information about state requirements for registering your business name. If you have a sole proprietorship or general partnership, then you can register your fictitious business name with the Register of Deeds in the county where your business is set up.

Trademarks and service marks and have different legal definitions. In general, trademarks and service marks refer to the goods, products, and services that can distinguish your business from current and potential competitors. You can find information about registering your trademark or service mark with the state of Wisconsin on DFI's website in the Trademarks and Tradenames section.