Small Business Resources and Assistance

Common forms needed for starting a general business, use the business wizard for forms specific to your type of business. Find the State of Wisconsin Business Wizard here.

• Common State of WI forms for starting a business or non-profit organization
• Application for Business Tax Registration
• Form for Registration of Firm Name
• How to check on your Firm Name
• Application for Employer Identification Number-FEIN
• Permits – Sales and Use Tax FAQs
• Choosing a Business Structure – WI Department of Commerce

Other Links of Interest

• Business Assistance Links – Thinking about starting a business or relocating your business to Marinette County, Wisconsin? (3 pages, 30 KB)
• Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Network: Resources to help your venture
• ETI Purchasing Power and Workforce Density Data Home Page
• Estimating a budget for your business
• Are grants available to aid my business?
• Nearest Small Business Development Center

FREE GOVERNMENT MONEY/GRANTS TO HELP MY BUSINESS: MYTH OR REALITY?
Generally, the following is true: “You will not be able to start a business without investing your own savings and other assets.”  You will not find a bank willing to lend you 100 percent of what you need or a government program to fund your business. The man on TV with the question marks all over his coat proclaiming there is LOTS of government money available for you and your business is incorrect.

Wisconsin does have some grant programs but they are very prescribed – available for extremely specific types of businesses doing very specific activities.  Many of the grants geared toward entrepreneurial activities center around the creation of a business plan.

A business plan is necessary when seeking outside financing.
Call the 1-800-HELPBUSiness helpline or visit the Wisconsin Department of Commerce Web Site: http://www.commerce.state.wi.us .”