Disclaimer: The articles published here on the City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division website are meant to be a helpful starting point as you explore doing business in our community. They’re not the final word on rules, requirements, or what’s best for your unique situation. We always recommend checking in with legal, financial, or other professionals for advice tailored to your business.
You’ve opened your business in Eau Claire—awesome news! But now the real journey begins: Keeping everything running smoothly.
One key part of that is staying on top of your renewal deadlines for licenses, permits, and other important paperwork going forward. It may not sound like a big deal, but staying compliant with city, county, state, and federal rules could save you from fines or even forced closures down the line.
To help, this article pulls together some simple tips to keep your business in good standing year after year.
Know What You Need & When It Expires
Before anything else, take a moment to create a clear list of all the licenses and permits your business now has to operate legally here in Eau Claire. Setting this foundation will help you remember what’s what and avoid missing deadlines you may have forget later as your new company gets busier.
Depending on your business, this list could include:
- Business Licenses — Many businesses need one of these to legally operate within Wisconsin. It’s your basic operating license that shows you’re officially registered.
- Health Permits — If you run a restaurant, café, food truck, or anything involving food prep or service, you’ll likely need permits from local health departments to meet food safety standards.
- Building or Signage Permits — If you’re planning to put up a sign, remodel your space, or make structural changes, you’ll likely need permits from the City’s Inspections Division to ensure everything is safe and up to code.
- Seller’s Permit — If you’re selling taxable goods or services, you’ll need a license through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) to collect and remit sales tax properly.
- Specialized State or Federal Permits — Some industries have extra rules too. For example, if you sell alcohol, handle hazardous materials, or work in transportation, you’ll need additional permits from state or federal agencies.
Once you know which licenses and permits apply to you, find out exactly when each expires. Some last a year, others longer; and renewal timelines vary. Then, mark those expiration dates clearly on your calendar, whether it’s a physical planner, your phone’s calendar app, or a business management tool. Even better, set multiple reminders well ahead of the due date—say 60, 30, and 7 days before expiration—so you have plenty of time to gather paperwork and submit renewals.
Keep Copies Organized & Accessible
After you’ve collected all your licenses and permits, the next step is keeping them organized and easy to find. This simple habit can save you a lot of stress.
For physical documents, create a dedicated spot for them, such as a folder or binder locked in your office where you can store original copies and any related correspondence. Label it clearly so anyone on your team can find what they need quickly.
For digital documents, keep secure copies of each in a cloud-based service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive. That way, your documents are backed up and accessible from anywhere—your office, at home, or on the go. Plus, they’ll be easier to share if you need them for renewals or inspections.
Why is this important?
- Renewal time is easier. You won’t waste time hunting down paperwork when deadlines approach because everything will be right there.
- Inspections are less stressful. If an inspector visits, having your licenses handy shows you’re up to date and following the rules.
- You’ll have peace of mind. Knowing your documents are safe and accessible means one less thing to worry about as you focus on scaling your business.
If you use business management software, check if it offers document storage so your permits and licenses can be part of your overall system. And don’t forget to back up digital files regularly to avoid losing anything important.
Building a simple storage system like this makes the entire compliance process smoother and keeps your business on track.
Set Renewal Reminders Early
One of the easiest ways to avoid headaches is to never wait until the very last minute to renew your licenses and permits. Many need to be renewed annually or every few years, depending on the type and issuing agency. And missing deadlines can mean fees, interrupted operations, or fines, so staying ahead is crucial.
A smart approach is to set multiple reminders once you know each expiration date. Start with one 60 days before renewal to give yourself plenty of time to gather paperwork, complete forms, pay fees, or schedule inspections without stress. Then, follow up with reminders at 30 days and again a week before the deadline. These staggered alerts keep renewal top of mind and help catch anything you might have missed.
When it comes time to renew, thankfully, many licenses and permits can now be renewed online instead of by mail or in person. Taking advantage of these digital options can save time and hassle because they allow you to fill out applications, upload documents, and pay fees right from your phone or computer. No need for a trip to city hall or waiting in line.
Bottom Line: Early reminders mean smoother renewals. You’ll thank yourself when your licenses stay current, your business keeps running, and you avoid last-minute scrambling.
Stay Up to Date with Regulation Changes
Regulations, licensing requirements, and permitting processes can shift over time—sometimes with little warning. Staying informed is one of the best ways to protect your business and stay compliant.
Here are a few places to check regularly or sign up for email notifications from:
City of Eau Claire
Subscribe to City Council and City Administrator updates to stay informed on any local ordinance or policy changes that could affect business operations. You can also find meeting agendas, notices, and reports on the City’s website.
🔗 Start Here: City of Eau Claire eNotifications ›
Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber regularly shares business-related legislative updates, local issue briefings, and event invitations through its newsletters. Consider subscribing to stay in the loop about regulatory changes, networking events, and business resources.
🔗 Start Here: Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce Communications ›
Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR)
If you collect or remit sales tax, subscribe to DOR email updates. They provide alerts about filing requirements, tax law changes, renewal deadlines, and other news that impact Wisconsin businesses.
🔗 Start Here: Wisconsin DOR E-News ›
Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS)
Many professions—from contractors and electricians to cosmetologists and health providers—fall under DSPS licensing. Check their website or get on their email list for renewal reminders and regulatory updates specific to your trade.
🔗 Start Here: Wisconsin DSPS Email Updates ›
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, & Consumer Protection (DATCP)
Businesses in retail, food production, or service industries should keep tabs on DATCP’s website and emails for inspection rule changes and consumer protection regulations.
🔗 Start Here: Wisconsin DATCP Email Updates ›
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
The Small Business Administration office offers newsletters, webinars, and regulatory news relevant to small businesses. Sign up on their website to stay informed on federal compliance updates and new support programs.
🔗 Start Here: U.S. SBA Newsroom ›
By following these organizations and subscribing to their newsletters or social media channels, you’ll get the latest information delivered right to your inbox. Staying connected not only helps you remain compliant but also can also help you catch other opportunities, grants, and program updates that could benefit your business.
Let’s Wrap Up
Running a business in Eau Claire means you’re part of a welcoming, supportive community, and that includes support for staying compliant. Taking a little time now to organize and plan for your licenses and permits will keep your business steady and help you focus on what matters most: serving your customers and growing your dream.
Source: Article Cover Illustration by Freepik
About The Author
Kendall Williams
City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division
Kendall’s role is to champion local businesses at every stage of their journey. Whether it’s helping new entrepreneurs find the right location, supporting existing businesses as they grow, managing the City’s loan programs, or providing data to guide smart decisions, she’s all about making Eau Claire a place where businesses can thrive.
