If you want to start an LLC in Wisconsin, there are numerous factors to consider. Starting your own business is one of the most exciting and profitable things you can do in Wisconsin. But where do you start? Follow our comprehensive guide on How to Start a Business in Wisconsin. We will assist you in removing doubt from the process and investigate your success chances. It will begin with defining your business idea and progress to establishing, launching, and expanding your business. Webinarcare Editorial Team will help you every step of the way!
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
- What Business to Start in Wisconsin?
- How to Start a Business in Wisconsin?
- Step 1: Creating a Business Plan
- Step 2: Choose a Business Entity in Wisconsin
- Step 3: Determine your Wisconsin Business Cost
- Step 4: Name your Business in Wisconsin
- Step 5: Register Wisconsin Business
- Step 6: Apply for Business License and Permit
- Step 7: Obtain a Bank Account
- Step 8: Market your Business in Wisconsin
- FAQs
What Business to Start in Wisconsin?
If you’re looking to start a business in Wisconsin, consider starting a limited liability company (LLC). LLCs offer personal liability protection for their owners while also providing the flexibility of a partnership or sole proprietorship. Beyond that, here is the list of businesses to consider in Wisconsin.
- Hunting Equipment Business
- Day Care Service
- Clothing Boutique
- Kennel Business
- Convenience Store
Whatever business you choose to start, it’s important to conduct thorough market research and create a solid business plan before diving in. We reviewed some of the Best LLC Services and provided features as an add-on with their packages for you to check out.
Starting a business can be a challenging but highly rewarding endeavor. By taking the time to research and plan, you can increase your chances of success. Whether you choose to form a corporation or start an LLC in Wisconsin, it’s important to surround yourself with a strong team that will guide you. Don’t let fear hold you back, take that first step towards turning your business dreams into a reality.
– WEBINARCARE EDITORIAL TEAM
How to Start a Business in Wisconsin?
To form a business in Wisconsin, you must follow a few steps that include creating a business plan, choosing a business entity type, determining your business costs, naming your business, registering a business, and lastly, marketing your business.
Please continue reading to learn more about the overall procedure and what new small business owners should keep in mind as they complete each step.
Step 1: Creating a Business Plan
When developing a business plan, many factors should be considered during the decision-making process. Your business plan in Wisconsin serves as a road map for your company’s success.
A business plan should take into account the specific goals of your company. You should know the product or service you will provide in Wisconsin. A well-thought-out business plan is essential for determining how your company will make a profit. If the purpose of the business plan is ambiguous and unrelated to the service you provide, it will impact the business you are forming. Make sure your business goals are SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound). Also, researching your competitors’ services will help you determine your strategy for your state business. Finally, you should consider your company’s funding.
With this article’s assistance, you can better comprehend your business’s essential components and success strategy. You can apply for Wisconsin Small Business Loans from banks and investor funding to help support your company in Wisconsin.
Once you have the entire plan in your hands, you can work on the legal framework of your company. Legally, you can form an LLC for your ideal business.
Step 2: Choose a Business Entity in Wisconsin
Selecting a business entity for your Wisconsin company. When starting your own business, you must choose a business structure. How well your personal assets are secured, how much tax you pay, and how much paperwork you have to deal with will all be significantly impacted by the type of corporate entity you choose. Consider setting up a corporation, LLC, LLP, or sole proprietorship as your business entity in Wisconsin.
Sole Proprietorships
Consider a sole proprietorship if you want to start a business in Wisconsin by yourself. A sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure in which a single individual owns and operates the entire business. The owner and the business are considered the same legal entity in a sole proprietorship. There is no legal distinction between the owner and the business, meaning that the owner has complete control over the business operations, profits, and losses.
Sole proprietorships are best suited for Wisconsin small businesses with low risks and for individuals who want to maintain complete control over their business without the complexities of establishing a separate legal entity.
Limited Liability Company
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a business structure that combines features of both partnerships and corporations, offering limited liability protection to its owners (called members) while allowing flexibility in management and taxation. An LLC is a separate legal entity from its owners, meaning the members are not personally liable for the business’s debts, obligations, or liabilities.
It is a popular choice for small to medium-sized businesses that want the liability protection of a corporation while maintaining management flexibility and simpler tax treatment. It’s essential to consult with a legal or financial professional to determine if an LLC is the best choice for your specific business situation.
Limited Liability Partnership
A limited liability partnership (LLP) is comparable to an LLC. However, it is usually used by licensed business professionals like attorneys or accountants. A partnership agreement is necessary for this kind of business entity. You can form an LLP in Wisconsin if you are planning to.
Corporation
Forming a Corporation in Wisconsin reduces your personal liability for business debts as an LLC does. A corporation is a legal entity that is separate and distinct from its owners, known as shareholders. It is created under the laws of the state it is incorporated in and is considered a separate “person” under the law. The corporation can enter into contracts, own property, sue and be sued, and pay taxes separately from its owners.
A corporation can be taxed as an S-corporation (S-Corp) or a C-corporation (C-Corp). If a small corporation satisfies certain Internal Revenue Service (IRS) standards, then S-corporation status is available, providing pass-through taxation. However, most larger businesses and startups seeking venture financing are taxed as C-corps.
To choose the right business structure in Wisconsin, consider personal liability protection, taxation, management flexibility, administrative requirements, and setup costs. Consult a legal or financial professional to help you make the best decision.
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LegalZoom – Starts at $149 + filing fees
Step 3: Determine your Wisconsin Business Cost
In Wisconsin, you should determine the cost of your business. You should consider paying the Articles of Organization fee, business licenses fee, office supplies and equipment, payroll, rent, utilities, transportation, and taxes.
Usually, filing an initial Wisconsin Articles of Organization fee costs $130, while the LLC annual fee costs $25 in Wisconsin. In terms of filing Wisconsin Articles of Incorporation, the costs usually range up to $100 for online and by mail filing.
If forming an LLC is your ideal business, consider knowing the LLC Cost in Wisconsin.
Step 4: Name your Business in Wisconsin
Naming your business doesn’t take a lot of time. With the help of Wisconsin Business Name Search, you can acquire a name for your business. If you form an LLC in Wisconsin, you must follow the below rules while naming your business-
- The name should not be confused with a government entity.
- The name should be unique.
- The name should be available to use.
- Any other business does not use the name.
- The new name must include “LLC” if it is a limited liability company.
In Wisconsin, if you do not wish to file your business right away but want to hold the name that you have decided on, then you can reserve your business name. You must file a name reservation application in the Wisconsin Secretary of State to keep the name.
If the business name is available, you may choose to reserve it for a specific period of 120 days. The online name reservation fee is $15 and the mail name reservation fee is $15. If your business plans to operate under a name other than its legal name, you may also need to register a fictitious or “doing business as” (DBA) name.
The DBA filing can be done in two methods, by mail and in person, which you can file in Wisconsin Secretary of State. You can check out how to file a DBA in Wisconsin for clearer understanding.
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– LegalZoom – Starts at $99 + filing fees
Step 5: Register Wisconsin Business
To register a business in Wisconsin, you need to file it with the Wisconsin Secretary of State. Before that, you must have a Wisconsin Registered Agent for your business. The Registered Agent is a person who is responsible for receiving important legal documents on your behalf.
You can serve as your own Registered Agent, or you can appoint a friend or family member, or you can check the Best Registered Agent Services in Wisconsin.
Apply For Articles of Organization
After you have a Registered Agent, you need to file the Wisconsin Articles of Organization, if you want to have an LLC structure, or you need to file the Wisconsin Articles of Incorporation if you want to have a Corporation.
Request For an EIN
In addition to the paperwork, your Registered Agent should apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) in Wisconsin. An EIN will serve as the tax ID for your professional corporation. EIN can be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is a 9-digit number similar to Social Security Number. EIN, however, is distinct from SSN. It is only used for business-related activities, particularly for submitting general taxes. The form must be completed and uploaded to the IRS website. You can obtain the EIN for free from the IRS.
The application of an EIN in Wisconsin can be through the following:
- Apply Online- The online EIN application is the preferred method for customers to apply for and obtain an EIN.
- Apply by Fax- Taxpayers can fax the completed Form SS-4 application to the appropriate fax number), after ensuring that Form SS-4 contains all of the required information.
- Apply by Mail- The EIN application Form SS-4 can be filed via mail. The processing time frame to receive the mail is four weeks.
- Apply by Telephone (for International Applicants)– International applicants may call 267-941-1099 (not a toll-free number) from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday to obtain their EIN.
After you have your EIN number, you can benefit in several ways. It will give your LLC the absolute advantage necessary to operate at full capacity without encountering legal or judicial issues.
Recommended: Professional services have the EIN included in their LLC formation package. We recommend using –
LegalZoom – ($0 + State Fee for LLC formation)
Step 6: Apply for Business License and Permit
Business licenses and operating permits are necessary to run any business in Wisconsin. Before launching your new business, request any required business license or permission. Most Wisconsin businesses need licenses or permits to operate. Federal, state, and local governments may all require businesses to have licenses and permits. The business license fee depends on the type of license you are applying for. It can start from $25 till going up to $100+. However, in Wisconsin, the business license fee ranges from $50 – $300.
Step 7: Obtain a Bank Account
Your business dealings in Wisconsin might be simpler with a US business bank account because it boosts your company’s legitimacy and liquidity. Opening a separate bank account for your Wisconsin business is essential for maintaining a clear separation between your personal and business finances.
You can check out the Best Banks in Wisconsin, which offers the best fees, services, and convenience for your business needs.
Step 8: Market your Business in Wisconsin
Now that your Wisconsin business is registered, you can market it with an ideal marketing plan. An ideal marketing plan can help a start-up business to become known. Making a comprehensive social media network like META, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube falls within this category. While creating an SEO campaign for your company website, you may also look at specialized communities on Facebook and LinkedIn.
FAQs
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- Start a Business in Rhode Island
- Start a Business in South Carolina
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- Start a Business in Tennessee
- Start a Business in Texas
- Start a Business in Utah
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- Start a Business in West Virginia
- Start a Business in Wisconsin
- Start a Business in Wyoming
Why You Should Start Business in Wisconsin
First and foremost, Wisconsin is home to a highly educated workforce. With top-notch universities like the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Marquette University churning out skilled graduates every year, you will have no trouble finding talented employees to help grow your business. These universities also provide numerous resources and connections that can be valuable to entrepreneurs looking to kickstart their ventures.
Second, Wisconsin offers an attractive cost of living and doing business. Compared to larger metropolitan areas like New York or San Francisco, the cost of living in Wisconsin is significantly lower, allowing you to stretch your dollars further. This means you can invest more in your business without breaking the bank, giving you a competitive edge in the market.
Moreover, Wisconsin boasts a supportive business community that is eager to help new entrepreneurs succeed. From local chambers of commerce to business development centers, there are ample resources available to guide you through the process of starting and growing your business. Networking events and workshops are also commonly held in the state, providing opportunities for you to connect with other like-minded individuals and potential collaborators.
Another reason to start a business in Wisconsin is the state’s strong infrastructure and transportation networks. Whether you are in manufacturing, agriculture, or technology, Wisconsin’s well-maintained roads, railways, and airports make it easy to move goods and people efficiently. This can translate into cost savings and increased productivity for your business, enabling you to expand your reach and serve a broader customer base.
Furthermore, Wisconsin’s diverse economy offers opportunities in various industries, from healthcare and technology to tourism and manufacturing. Whether you are a small business owner or an aspiring entrepreneur, there is a niche for you to carve out and thrive in this dynamic state. With its stable economy and favorable business climate, Wisconsin provides a solid foundation for entrepreneurs to build successful ventures and achieve their goals.
In conclusion, starting a business in Wisconsin can be a rewarding and exciting endeavor. From its highly educated workforce and affordable cost of living to its supportive business community and strong infrastructure, the state offers everything you need to succeed as an entrepreneur. So why wait? Take the leap and seize the opportunity to launch your business in Wisconsin today.
Conclusion
Starting a business in Wisconsin has unique advantages and challenges since it offers a large and diverse market, access to skilled talent, and numerous networking opportunities, making it an attractive location for entrepreneurs. However, business owners must also contend with a high cost of living, intense competition, and potentially complex regulations.
Ultimately, whether starting a business in Wisconsin is the right decision depends on the entrepreneur’s specific needs, goals, and industry. It is crucial to conduct thorough research and consider factors such as taxes, regulations, workforce availability, and target market when choosing a location for a new business. By carefully weighing the pros and cons, entrepreneurs can make informed decisions and set themselves up for success in the competitive Wisconsin business landscape.