Wisconsin Local Business, Insurance, and Government Resources

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Business Resources - Anything from getting a business license to finding funding

Local Insurance directory - Find local insurance brokers, agents, or companies

Government Contacts - Get in contact with each level of local government

Wisconsin Local Business Resources

Do you want to register a business in Wisconsin? Follow these steps so you can officially register your business.

Step 1: Decide your business structure.

There are a few options when it comes to a business' legal structure. Choose the business structure that is applicable to your situation while also taking note of the benefits and tax advantages for each.

Step 2: Choose and register a business name.

File the Name Application Form so you can reserve that name. This can be done through the Department of Financial Institutions . From the filing of business name reservation, you have 120 days to complete the business registration.

Step 3: File articles of document.

There are different requirements for each type of business structure. Make sure to file those documents to officially register your business.

Step 4: Secure necessary licenses and permits.

You need to register your business for tax via the DOR website . You must also secure the EIN for your business. It is required for your business to transact your financial accounts and taxes.

In terms of licenses and permits, it is best to check your local government units for additional requirements. The nature and type of your business will also determine what other licenses and permits are needed.

Step 5: Obtain insurance.

Getting insurance for your business is a must when you register your entity in Wisconsin.

Local Insurance Info, Agents, & Companies in Wisconsin


Government Contacts

The local government of Wisconsin is divided into 72 counties, 585 municipalities, and 1,265 townships. It is also made up of 442 public school districts and 684 special districts. Each of these special districts are designated to offer local services such as firefighting, sewage, and so on.

A board of supervisors is responsible for governing the counties in Wisconsin. In the larger counties, there are up to 40 members of the board. These board officials are elected into position for a two-year term.

Meanwhile, the county executives are also elected but they do have a longer term of four years. Other officials in the county might be appointed, such as the administrator.

The towns form the civil subdivisions in Wisconsin's local government units. A town is defined as any area that is 6 square miles. It is divided for government purposes and has a population of 2,500 or less. There is a board of supervisors that govern each town for two years.

The cities follow the mayor-council system.

See the main Wisconsin Page for county links.

Adams

Ashland

Barron

Bayfield

Brown

Calumet

Chippewa

Clark

Columbia

Dane

Dodge

Door

Douglas

Dunn

Eau Claire

Fond Du Lac

Forest

Grant

Green

Green Lake

Jackson

Jefferson

Juneau

Kenosha

Kewaunee

La Crosse

Langlade

Lincoln

Manitowoc

Marathon

Marinette

Milwaukee

Monroe

Oconto

Oneida

Outagamie

Ozaukee

Pepin

Pierce

Portage

Price

Racine

Rock

Sauk

Sawyer

Shawano

Sheboygan

St Croix

Taylor

Vilas

Walworth

Washburn

Washington

Waukesha

Waupaca

Waushara

Winnebago

Wood