Commerce logo for web pages and Wisconsin Department of Commerce Home Page Link.
Map highlighting Wisconsin
Change text size A A A A A A A
Connect with us Visit our profile on LinkedIn. Leaving commerce.wi.gov and going to http://www.linkedin.com/companies/wisconsin-department-of-commerce Follow us on Twitter. Leaving commerce.wi.gov and going to http://twitter.com/WICommerce
 
Business Development
Related Resources

Reporter Contacts
(608) 267-4417

Central Building Location:
201 W. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53703
View map / get directions

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 7970
Madison, WI 53707-7970

Office of Governor
Scott Walker
Link to Governor Walkers's web site
 
Bookmark and Share
IMPORTANT: As of July 1st, 2011, functions once performed by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce have been moved to other state agencies and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. The former Commerce web site will continue to exist for the next several months as resources are moved to new web site locations. We will make every attempt possible to direct our users to the new locations as web resources are moved.

Registering a Business in Wisconsin

The State of Wisconsin does not issue "general business licenses" or a "small business licenses". However the state does regulate many types of occupations and businesses that frequently have to meet specific regulations, as well as legal, educational and examination requirements. The requirements are determined by what is being done in a business. There is no "home-based business license", although local regulations issued by your municipality usually apply to businesses conducted in residential areas.

The new Wisconsin Business Wizard can help you to easily determine your registration requirements. Using a simple question and answer format, this online program identifies state permit, license, tax and employment requirements specific to your business.

Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Network provides integrated statewide support to entrepreneurs in all industries and development stages through one of 50 access points.

There are several types of business registrations in the state, such as:

*note: Also available on the Wisconsin License and Permit database.

Questions?