How do I Start a Small Business in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin?

Registering a business in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin can be done online.

Starting a business in Wisconsin Rapids is similar to starting a business in any city in the state of Wisconsin. You must decide what type of business structure you will register and obtain the appropriate licenses and permits. Businesses in Wisconsin Rapids also required to obtain additional licenses and permits issued by the city of Wisconsin Rapids.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Research which business structure to register in Wisconsin Rapids. In Wisconsin, there are four different small business options available: sole-proprietorship, partnership, corporation and Limited Liability Company (LLC). Sole-proprietorship-based companies are businesses where all operations and governing decisions are the responsibility of one individual. Partnerships are businesses owned and operated by two or more people. Corporations are separate legal entities owned by shareholders. An LLC is a company with a hybrid legal structure that shares the features of a corporation and a partnership.

2. Write a business plan. Before registering your company, you must create a comprehensive business plan. Your business plan will include your business name and legal structure, how you will become and remain profitable, when you will hire employees and, if you are starting a retail business, how you will acquire and sell goods. If you are unsure of how to write a business plan, the Heart of Wisconsin Business Alliance Center offers free entrepreneur and business workshops each month, which help new business owners create a business plan.

3. Perform a Corporate Registration Information System (CRIS) name search. Before registering your business, you must ensure the name isn't already in use or similar to the name of another company. Visit the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions website to perform a business name search. It is possible for sole-proprietorship businesses to operate under the name of the owner without registering the name.

4. Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). An EIN is a number used to identify your company as a business entity and is also know as a federal tax number. All businesses with employees must acquire an EIN by visiting the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website or by calling the IRS hotline at 1-800-829-4933.

5. Register your business for state taxes. Business located and operating in any part of Wisconsin, including Wisconsin Rapids, must register for a tax-specific license. Licenses can be applied for on the Wisconsin Department of Revenue website. Once the application has been completed and the registration fee has been paid, you will receive a registration packet within five to seven business days. If you are unable to register online, alternative arrangements may be made by calling the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

6. Apply for additional business licenses and permits required to operate a business in Wisconsin Rapids. To operate a business in Wisconsin Rapids, you must apply for additional licenses and permits specific to the type of business you have started. For example, if you are selling retail goods, you must apply for a Merchant License. Businesses selling tobacco require a license to do so. Taxi and limo drivers are also required to have specific permits to operate in Wisconsin Rapids. Information and application forms can be found on the City of Wisconsin Rapids website in the Document Center section.

References

• City of Wisconsin Rapids: Document Center
• Heart of Wisconsin: Entrepreneurial Bootcamp
• Wisconsin Corporate Records Search
• Business.gov: Business Incorporation

Resources

• Wisconsin Department of Commerce: Starting a Business? Here's Help!
• Wisconsin Rapids: Licenses, Permits and Business Regulations