Once you’ve vetted your business idea and laid the groundwork, it’s time to make things official. This phase of the startup process covers the essential steps to legally establish your business in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, from registering your name to securing licenses and understanding local requirements. With the right guidance and resources, you’ll be ready to take the next big steps toward opening day.
Choose a step or scroll down for recommended resources.
Once you have your business structure in place, the next step is registering your business with the State of Wisconsin. Most businesses will need to file formation documents like Articles of Organization or Incorporation. If the business name differs from your legal name, you may also need to file a Trade Name (DBA). You’re not required to use an attorney, but working with a trusted advisor can help ensure a smooth process.
Guides
Who Can Help
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) is the state agency that oversees tax registration and ongoing tax obligations for Wisconsin businesses, including sales tax, withholding tax, payroll tax, and other required filings. Most new businesses will need to register with DOR to ensure they are properly set up to collect and remit taxes.
🔗 revenue.wi.gov
The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) is the state agency that maintains official business and organization filings, including the registration of LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and trade names (also called DBAs). Most businesses will use DFI to file formation documents and keep their business in good standing through required updates and annual filings.
🔗 dfi.wi.gov
The UW-Eau Claire Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a publicly funded small-business assistance organization that provides free, confidential advising to entrepreneurs. They can help businesses understand the registration process and determine which forms and documents will need to be filed based on their business structure.
🔗 wisconsinsbdc.org
Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council (EOC) is a regional nonprofit organization that helps early-stage entrepreneurs navigate paperwork and decision-making. They can help businesses with registration steps and what forms are required before filing.
🔗 westerndairyland.org
After registering your business, you’ll probably need a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. An EIN is required for tax reporting and may also be needed to open a business bank account or apply for licenses and permits. The application is free and easy to complete online, and local partners can help if you need guidance.
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Who Can Help
Distributes Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) and oversees business taxes for the nation
🔗 irs.gov
Offers free guidance on completing the EIN application and can help answer questions about how your business structure affects what information you’ll need to provide
🔗 wisconsinsbdc.org
Provides a walkthrough of the EIN application process to help ensure your paperwork is accurate and complete
🔗 score.org
Separating your personal and business finances is an essential step to keeping your business organized and compliant. Opening a dedicated business bank account helps you manage cash flow, track expenses, and simplify tax time, and it’s also often required to accept payments, apply for loans, and build business credit. This section will guide you through what you’ll need to open an account with local banks and credit unions in Eau Claire.
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Who Can Help
Offer business accounts tailored for startups with personalized service and local decision-making
🔗 Find a Bank
Lends a hand with one-on-one advising on financial setup, including guidance on choosing the right bank accounts and managing cash flow
🔗 wisconsinsbdc.org
Provides national guidance on business banking basics, how to prepare documents, and what to expect when opening an account
🔗 sba.gov
Maintains resources on banking regulations, business financial basics, and links to state-chartered banks and credit unions
🔗 dfi.wi.gov
Once your business is legally established, it’s time to assess your financial needs. If your available funds don’t cover your full startup costs, you can explore funding options like loans, grants, and pitch competitions. Eau Claire offers a range of local and regional programs designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage. Be sure to build a solid financial plan to strengthen any funding applications.
Guides
Loans
Offer a variety of small business financing options, including lines of credit, term loans, and SBA-backed loans
🔗 Find a Bank
Provide low-interest loans for eligible businesses within Eau Claire city limits, including gap financing and job creation incentives
🔗 eauclairedevelopment.com
Offer flexible financing for businesses in West Central Wisconsin, including microloans, façade loans, and revolving loan funds
🔗 rbfinc.org
Grants
Offer grants, training, and business development support across a variety of industries and business stages in Wisconsin
🔗 wedc.org
Awards startup funding to women-owned businesses in Western Wisconsin. Application cycles are offered quarterly
🔗 redlettergrant.org
Provides façade improvement grants to eligible downtown businesses to support exterior upgrades and visual impact
🔗 downtowneauclaire.org
Supports exterior improvements for businesses located within the North Barstow Business Improvement District
🔗 downtowneauclaire.org
Pitch Competitions
Offers funding and mentorship through the Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation to help entrepreneurs move early-stage business ideas forward
🔗 eauclaire-wi.com
Provides funding opportunities and feedback for emerging entrepreneurs through a live pitch event hosted by the Chippewa Falls Area Economic Development Corporation
🔗 chippewa-wi.com
Provides funding and publicity for startups in downtown Eau Claire
🔗 downtowneauclaire.org
Helps student and faculty entrepreneurs present their startup ideas and win seed funding
🔗 wisys.org
As you work through your financial planning, you’ll also want to consider where your business will operate. The City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division, local real estate agents, and property managers can help you identify commercial spaces that fit your goals, whether you’re looking for foot traffic, flexible lease terms, or room to grow.
Guides
Who Can Help
Offers property search assistance to businesses
🔗 Find a Realtor
Offers the latest commercial property listings for rent and sale
🔗 eauclairedevelopment.com
Before you open your doors, make sure you’ve secured all the licenses, permits, and insurance required to operate legally in Eau Claire. Depending on your business type, this may include health inspections, zoning approvals, signage permits, or professional licenses. The agencies below can help you identify what’s required and walk you through the application process.
Guides
Who Can Help
Handles city-level business licenses, including alcohol licenses, secondhand dealer licenses, and others required to operate within city limits
🔗 eauclairewi.gov
Provides guidance on zoning requirements, conditional use permits, and sign approvals. A good first stop if you’re unsure whether your business is allowed at a specific location
🔗 eauclairewi.gov
Oversees building permits, occupancy inspections, signage permits, and code compliance to ensure your physical space meets city requirements
🔗 eauclairewi.gov
Conducts fire safety inspections for commercial spaces and enforces fire code compliance, which are required for most businesses occupying a new or renovated space
🔗 eauclairewi.gov
Issues licenses and conducts inspections for food and beverage businesses, personal care services (like salons), and other health-regulated industries
🔗 eauclairewi.gov
Handles state-level licensing for a wide range of regulated professions, including contractors, cosmetologists, engineers, and others
🔗 dsps.wi.gov
Administers seller’s permits and collects state sales tax
🔗 revenue.wi.gov
Provide insurance coverage for businesses of all sizes
🔗 Find a Broker
Learn more about key topics you’ll encounter during this phase of starting your business.
Choosing the right legal structure sets the foundation for liability protection, tax...
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Before opening your doors, make sure you understand the licenses and permits...
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Getting clarity on how state business registration works in Wisconsin helps you...
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When launching a new business, it's important to know which licenses and...
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If you'll be operating your new business under a different name than...
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Learning how to protect your Eau Claire business's name and other intellectual...
Read More →Reach out to the City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division for introductions to local partners who can help you prepare for opening day.