Interested in starting a business?
Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but support is available along the way. From planning, to set up, and launch, resources and a support system are available to guide you at every stage of your startup journey.
As part of the Greater Madison Region, Sun Prairie has plenty to offer your business, your family, your employees, and you. Sun Prairie is a place to make your business dreams come to life.
You will be in company with businesses that choose Sun Prairie as their place to call home.
Plan your business
The following resources provide access to a wide range of tools designed to assist you in laying the foundation for your business, including defining your idea, conducting market research, validating your business idea, writing a business plan, building a support network, and choosing a business structure.
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U.S. Small Business Administration. Provides a business plan template to outline the foundation of your business. Write your business plan | U.S. Small Business Administration
SCORE, Madison. Connect with experienced entrepreneurs, business owners, corporate managers, and executives with a diverse set of industries and specialties who volunteer their experience and knowledge to help small business professionals start, develop, and grow businesses. SCORE offers free and confidential mentoring along with low-cost or no-cost business training, seminars, workshops, and numerous tools and templates. Madison | SCORE
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC). A statewide economic development corporation whose mission is “Putting Dreams to Work.” WWBIC provides individuals interested in starting, strengthening, or expanding businesses with access to resources such as financial products and business and personal financial training. Home | WWBIC
U.S. Small Business Administration, Wisconsin District. Provides funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery. SBA WI can connect you to partner organizations, lenders, and other community groups that help small businesses succeed. sba.gov
Madison Area Technical College Center for Entrepreneurship. Sign up for workshops, get advice from experienced entrepreneurs, or compete in a business planning contest.
UW Madison Office of Business Engagement. Connect with business and industry resources to achieve your business goals. Resources for Entrepreneurs – Office of Business Engagement – UW–Madison
1 Million Cups. Provides a supportive, inclusive space for entrepreneurs and their communities to gather and connect, where they can work through business challenges and identify opportunities. Account: Madison, WI
StartingBlock. Provides components that local entrepreneurs use to start and grow a business, create jobs, and support the regional economy in one location. Located in Madison, StartingBlock provides a collaborative community for Madison area startups and entrepreneurs. StartingBlock | Coworking Space | 821 E Washington Ave Suite 200, Madison, WI
Set up your business
Your business plan is set. The following resources cover steps to establish your business in Sun Prairie, including registering your business, applying for an EIN, opening a business bank account, securing funding, finding a commercial space, and insuring your business.
City of Sun Prairie Permits and Licenses. The City Clerk’s office handles city-level licenses, including:
City of Sun Prairie Planning Department. Confirms an existing building’s zoning and conducts plan examination for projects within the City of Sun Prairie. Contact: planning@cityofsunprairie.com COMMERCIAL PLAN REVIEW | Sun Prairie, WI - Official Website
City of Sun Prairie Inspections Department. Ensures that the building you are considering can be modified for your business. Contact: buildinginspection@cityofsunprairie.com Permitting for commercial buildings: new construction/additions/alterations
Property Drive. Offers commercial property listings for sale and lease. Listings | Property Drive
Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce. Browse a list of local realtors that are members of the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce.
Browse a list of local insurance companies that are members of the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce. Directory search: insurance | Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce.
Public Health Madison and Dane County. Issues licenses and conducts inspections for food and beverage businesses, personal care services such as salons, and other health-regulated industries. Businesses & Licensing | Public Health Madison & Dane County
Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR). Oversees business taxes and licensing for the state of Wisconsin. revenue.wi.gov
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). Maintains business and organization filings for the state of Wisconsin, including resources on banking regulations, business financial basics, and links to state-chartered banks and credit unions. dfi.wi.gov
Universities of Wisconsin Small Business Development Center. The Wisconsin SBDC offers consulting, education, referrals, and tools and resources for both new and existing businesses. UW-Madison - Small Business Development Center
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Offers funding, resources, programs, and training to help companies and communities develop projects. Economic development programs | WEDC
U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Distributes Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) and oversees business taxes for the nation. irs.gov
Local banks and credit unions. Offer business accounts tailored for startups with local decision-making. Browse a list of local banks that are members of the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce.
Launch and promote your business
Once your business is set up, resources are available to support staffing, making connections in the business community, and promoting your business.
Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce. Become a member and connect with other business owners in the community. Home | Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce
Browse a list of local marketing agencies and professionals that are members of the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce.
Downtown Sun Prairie Business Improvement District. If you are a business located in Downtown Sun Prairie, you are in a Business Improvement District. The BID’s mission is to support the development, improvement, and promotion of the downtown area for the economic benefit of businesses within the district and the community. www.DowntownSunPrairieWI.com
