Starting a Business

You have a great idea, now you want to turn it into reality. Starting a business involves planning, making important financial decisions, and completing a series of legal activities.
Our mission is to grow Racine County’s property tax base and provide employment opportunities in Racine County.

    A few questions to get your started

    01. Market Research
    02. Business Plan
    03. Funding
    04. Location
    05. Legal Structure
    06. Name
    07. Register
    08. Tax IDs
    09. Licenses & Permits
    10. Bank Account

    01. Market Research

    Have you conducted Market Research?

    Market research can better tell you whether there is an opportunity to turn your idea into a successful business. It is a way to serrow in on the competitive advantage for your business. Learn More

    02. Business Plan

    Have you written a Business Plan?

    A business plan is a roadmap for how to structure, run, and grow your new business. You will use it to convince people that investing in your company is a smart choice. Learn More

    03. Funding

    Have you secured Funding for your Business?

    The business plan will help you figure out how much money you will need to start the business. If you do not have that amount on hand, you will need to either raise or borrow the capital. Learn More

    04. Location

    Have you researched Locations for Your Business?

    Whether you are setting up a brick-and-mortar business or launching an online store, the choices you make could affect your taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Learn More

    05. Legal Structure

    Have you considered Legal Structure Options?

    The legal structure you choose for your business will impact your business registration requirements, how much you pay in taxes, and your personal liability. Learn More

    06. Name

    Have you decided on a Name for Your Business?

    Your business name reflects your brand and captures your spirit. You also want to make sure your business name is not already being used by someone else. Learn More

    07. Register

    Have you Registered Your Business?

    If your business name is different than your personal name, you will need to register with the federal government, and maybe your state government, too. Learn More

    08. Tax IDs

    Have you gotten Federal and State Tax IDs?

    An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like a social security number for your business. You will need it for important steps to start and grow your business, like opening a bank account and paying taxes. Learn More

    09. Licenses & Permits

    Have you applied for Licenses and Permits if applicable?

    Keep your business running smoothly by staying legally compliant. The licenses and permits you need for your business will vary by industry, state, location, and other factors. Learn More

    10. Bank Account

    Have you opened a Business Bank Account?

    A business bank account will help you handle legal, tax, and day-to-day matters. With the right registrations and paperwork, setting one up can be easier than you think. Learn More

    Resources For starting a businesses

    SourceDescriptionContact
    Business Planning & WorkshopsWisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC)Expertise in business planning, financing and accessing resources that can assist with starting and growing a business.WWBIC, Racine Office

    www.wwbic.com

    262-898-5000
    Business Start-up QuestionsWisconsin Small Business Answer LineHelps established, new and aspiring business owners at no cost! Answer Line staff draw from extensive curated resources to provide timely answers to your business questions.800-940-7232

    wisconsinsbdc.org/business-answerline
    Customer Diversification, Market, Distribution and New Product AssessmentsWisconsin Innovation Service CenterQualitative research to help companies make informed decisions on market opportunities, customers and competition. Inventors can see the feasibility of a new product idea, identify licensing partners, and solve manufacturing challenges.Center for Innovation and Business Development, UW-Whitewater

    www.uww.edu/wisc


    innovate@uww.edu, 262-472-3265
    Entrepreneurial How-To Video SeriesSmall Business Development CenterExplore complex but important topics – Law, Lending and Accounting – in an approachable way on your own time.Entrepreneurial How-To Video Series
    Export AssistanceWisconsin Go Global InitiativeAccess import and export documentation, shipping logistics and distribution information, trade grants, market intelligence and trade data, and other consulting resources to help your business reach new markets.
    Wisconsin SBDC Go GLobal
    wisconsinsbdc.org/goglobal
    Chad Hoffman
    608-301-6215, chad.hoffman@business.wisconsin.edu
    ExporTechWMEPJoin a carefully selected group of up to eight non-competitive manufacturers where you identify your gaps and hurdles to expansion and develop your customized export plan to dramatically drive growth.WMEP

    www.wmep.org

    Roxanne Baumann

    Director of Global Engagement, WMEP

    262.442.8279, baumann@wmep.org
    Financial Capability WorkshopsWisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC)Assistance with personal finances including topics such as budgeting, repairing and understanding your credit and protecting your identity. In-person and online on-demand workshops are available.WWBIC

    www.wwbic.com

    Heather Lux

    262-898-5001, Heather.lux@wwbic.com
    Food and Beverage IndustriesFood and Beverage (FAB) WisconsinResources focused to assist businesses in the food and beverage industry, including an accelerator, “how-to” series for small businesses, technical assistance, and networking.FAB Wisconsin

    www.fabwisconsin.com

    Brad Rostowfske

    414-287-4135, brostowfske@fabwisconsin.com
    Food Finance InstituteFood Finance InstituteOffers financial resources to every growing food, beverage and value-added farm enterprise. Edible Alpha

    ediblealpha.org


    Food Finance Institute

    foodfinanceinstitute.org


    info@foodfinanceinstitute.org


    (608) 263-0398
    Government Contracting and ProcurementWisconsin Procurement InstituteAssists Wisconsin companies with Government contracting, helping firms successfully enter and develop their Government market segment. More information available at:   www.wispro.orgWisconsin Procurement Institute

    www.wispro.org

    414-270-3600, INFO@WISPRO.ORG
    Manufacturing ResourcesWisconsin Manufacturing Extension PartnershipProvide a variety of services to assist Wisconsin Manufacturers to grow their operations. Services include company consultations and resources for continuous improvement, Lean Six Sigma, supply chain, human capital, automation, ExporTech and many others. www.wmep.orgWMEP

    Dave Bartels

    414-659-6704, bartels@wmep.org
    MentoringSCOREOne-on-one, long-term business mentoring and consulting.To be connected to a local SCORE mentor call: 866-548-4358

    counseling.28@scorevolunteer.org
    Personal Financial AssistanceGreen PathOne-on-one free credit counseling, specializing in helping eliminate credit card debt, student loan debt and assisting homeowners with avoiding foreclosure.Green Path Financial Wellness

    800-550-1961

    GreenPath.com
    Prototypes & Product DevelopmentGateway Technical CollegeComputer-controlled tools to inspire innovation through prototyping.Fab Lab Program

    262-898-7562

    www.gtc.edu/business-community
    Startup & Entrepreneurial ServicesUW-Parkside Small Business Development Center (SBDC)Coaching and guidance; financial lending assistance; business/marketing/strategic planning; business plans; market analysis; growth assistance for existing business and tech venture support.UW-Parkside SBDC
    www.uwp.edu

    Mary Fischer-Tracy

    262-595-3363, fischert@uwp.edu
    Supplier NetworkWisconsin Supplier NetworkPromote your business services, solutions and capabilities to original equipment manufacturers expanding in Wisconsin and those located here looking to localize their supply chain. Connect with Wisconsin suppliers for your business.wisconsinsuppliernetwork.com
    Technology Innovation Research Funding AssistanceThe Center for Commercial InnovationProvides one-on-one assistance to early-stage emerging technology businesses throughout Wisconsin.  Center consultants are experts in commercialization processes and Federal Grant opportunities and processes.The Center for Commercial Innovation

    wisconsinsbir.org

    Dave Linz

    608-263-3315, dave.linz@uwex.edu
    Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC)Business development services to active duty service members, including Guard and Reserve, Veterans and family members of both.  Resources include Boots to Business, business training, counseling, assistance with loans, and assistance with veteran’s business certification.WWBIC/VBOC

    www.wwbic.com

    414-263-5450
    Water Technology ResourcesThe Water CouncilPromotes the growth and development of small and medium businesses operating in the water technology sector in the Great Lakes region. Connects small and medium-sized businesses to critical resources such as capital, training, networks, supply chains and technical assistance.The Water Council

    thewatercouncil.com

    Karen Frost, kfrost@thewatercouncil.com
    Wisconsin One Stop Business PortalState of WisconsinWisconsin's businesses can find the requirements and tools they need to start a business in Wisconsin.Wisconsin One Stop business Portal

    Market Research

    INVEST IN RCEDC

    RCEDC’s mission is to grow Racine County’s property tax base and by supporting business expansions, provide employment opportunities to Racine County residents. In 2022, RCEDC staff were able to facilitate 105 projects that included comprehensive site selection, loans, grants, and incentives resulting in $289 million in private investment and $124 million in new construction

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