Business Tools
Business Start Up Checklist
So you are starting a new business, it is a challenging task and there are many steps to complete.
This checklist will walk you through those tasks in an orderly fashion and when you have completed the steps you will be ready to open your new business venture in Pierce County.
Links are indicated in blue text
Choosing Your business name and registering your business
- Check availability of your proposed business name with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institution
- Checkout “Business Entity Frequently Asked Questions”
- Take a moment to download and read the IRS Publication 583, “Starting a Business and Keeping Records”
- Create a WAMS id on the Open For Business, One Stop Business Registration Portal
Planning
Planning is crucial to the success of your business.
Draft a Comprehensive Business Plan
There are many free resources and tools
- Small Business Development Center provides free mentoring and training
- SCORE– provides free mentoring and training
- SCORE: Business Planning & Financial Statements Template Gallery– an excellent array of business planning tools
- SBA Guide to Business Plans
- SCORE Twin Cities Resource Guide – a pdf of resources to assist in your planning process
- AgPlan, a free University of Minnesota online business planning tool for agricultural and small businesses
- Demographics
- Labor Market-check the current Pierce County profile on the Wisconomy website
Review the SBDC Business Answer Hotline FAQs
Find A Location
- Verify Zoning
Check Business Laws and Regulations
- Wisconsin State Law Library
- Check the Wisconsin Department of Trade and Consumer Protection for required permits
- Tax Responsibilities
- Documentation For Hiring Employees
Finance Your Business
- Check out our list of local capital resources, Business Capitalization
Insurance
- Unemployment
- Property Insurance
- Workers Compensation
- General Liability
- Product Liability
- Flood Insurance?