Doing Business In ... Madison, Wisconsin

Quick Stats

City Population: 222,400
Metro Population: 543,022
Job Growth: 8.5%
Median Home Price: $244,555
Website: http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/

As Wisconsin's state capital and second largest city, Madison has proven itself to be a hospitable environment for business growth and development. Positioned between two lakes, Mendota and Monona, Madison's temperate climate, accessible transportation system, and growing population contribute to its status as an economic hotspot. The University of Wisconsin-Madison contributes to a low unemployment rate and a continuous supply of skilled young people entering the workforce. In 2008, Forbes.com rated Madison as the 29th "Best Place for Businesses and Careers." Madison was also ranked as having the 12th most educated population in the country due to its high percentage of individuals with a bachelor's degree or higher.

Business Start-Up Assistance

Spending some time researching your idea, writing a business plan, and scouting a location will significantly increase your chances for success. There are a number of free and low-cost services that can help you get your business off the ground:

• Madison's Business Portal
  Provides information for businesses in Madison related to site selection, financial assistance, construction and development, and other city resources.
• Madison Small Business Development Center
  Provides free start-up advice, training and counseling services to entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the state. Supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
• SCORE Madison
  Provides free and confidential business advice and counseling tailored to meet the needs of your small business and your personal objectives.
• Wisconsin Minority Business Development Center
  Provides free business consulting services and financial management advice to minority-owned businesses in the state. Supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
• Wisconsin's State Business Portal
  Offers Wisconsin business owners resources needed to start and operate a business, file business taxes, get a business license and much more.

As the main contact for business assistance in Madison, the Office of Business Resources provides comprehensive information about starting, retaining, and growing a business in the city.

Financing Your Business

The following organizations provide help getting loans and other types of financial assistance for businesses in Madison.

• Financial Assistance Resources
  Financial assistance including information on grants and financing, outside programs and venture capital is provided to help businesses operating in Madison, Wisconsin.
• Wisconsin Angel Network - E-Services
  Services to help entrepreneurs in Wisconsin create a comprehensive financial strategy and secure investment capital.
  
• Wisconsin Minority Business Development Loan Program
  The Wisconsin Department of Commerce's MBD loan program is designed to provide financial assistance for the start-up and expansion of minority-owned businesses by providing low interest loans to assist in the development of minority-owned companies.

For general information on small business loans and financial assistance visit the Financing Your Business page.

Obtaining Licenses and Permits

To legally operate a business in the city of Madison, you'll need to obtain all necessary business licenses, operating permits and registrations.

• City of Madison Business Licenses and Permits
  Contains information regarding the proper licenses and permits required to operate a business in Madison.
  
• License Applications
  Miscellaneous license applications for businesses located in the city of Madison.
• Madison Zoning Information and Forms
  Zoning information provided by the Building Inspection Unit for the city of Madison, Wisconsin.
• Dane County Licenses and Permits Information
  Resources providing information on required licenses, permits, and zoning laws in Madison's Dane County.
  

In addition to city permits, you will also need to register your business with the federal government and State of Wisconsin. Visit the Wisconsin General Licensing page to learn about obtaining necessary federal and state licenses, permits and registrations.

Tax Credits for Small Businesses

Small business owners in Madison can take advantage of a few of tax credits.

• Tax Incremental Financing
  A governmental finance tool that provides funds to construct public infrastructure, promote development opportunities and expand the future tax base in Madison.
• Technology Zone Tax Credit Program
  Explore program details, the application, local criteria, and eligibility of Technology Zone's economic development initiative.
• Corporate Tax Climate and Incentives
  Information from the Regional Economic Development Agency on tax credit programs available to Madison business owners.
  

Additional Resources

• Regional Economic Development Agency
  Agriculture, biotechnology, and health care are key strengths of the Madison region that provide a solid foundation to start and grow a business.