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, we’ve outlined the resources and support system to guide you at every stage of your start up 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 the perfect place to make your business dreams come to life, because Sun Prairie revolves around you.

You'll be in great company in Sun Prairie: we're home to, and thankful for all of the businesses that choose Sun Prairie as their place to call home.

Small Business Success Stories videos

Plan Your Business

The following resources can provide access to a wide range of resources 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.

U.S. Small Business Administration.

Provides a business plan template to quickly and efficiently 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 offer 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 leading innovative statewide economic development corporation whose mission is “Putting Dreams to Work.” WWBIC opens the doors of opportunity by providing any individual interested in starting, strengthening or expanding businesses with access to resources such as financial products and quality business and personal financial training.

WWBIC began as a support organization for women entrepreneurs, but today supports all entrepreneurs. 

Home | WWBIC

U.S. Small Business Administration, Wisconsin District.

Provides funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery. SBA WI can also 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.

Center for Entrepreneurship | Madison College

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.

The critical components that local entrepreneurs need to start and grow a business, create jobs, and stimulate 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… now it’s time to establish your business in Sun Prairie! The following resources cover the steps to legally establish your business, 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.

Confirm an existing building’s zoning and plan examination for all size 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.

Ensure that the building you’re looking at can be modified for your business.

Contact: buildinginspection@cityofsunprairie.com

Permitting for Commercial Buildings: New Construction/Additions/Alterations

Property Drive.

Offers the latest localize 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.

Directory Search: real estate | 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 (like 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 sophisticated tools and resources, whether you’re just getting started or looking for ways to improve your business.

UW-Madison - Small Business Development Center

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

Offers funding, resources, programs, and training to help both companies and communities bring their visions to life.

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 & Credit Unions.

Offer business accounts tailored for startups with personalized service and local decision-making. Browse a list of local banks that are members of the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce.

Directory Search: financial institutions | Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce

Launch and Promote Your Business

Your business is set up, now it’s time to open your doors! The following resources focus on what comes next, including: staffing up, 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.

Directory Search: marketing | Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce

Browse a list of local employment service providers that are members of the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce.

Directory Search: employment | Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Sun Prairie Business Improvement District.

If you’re a business located in Downtown Sun Prairie, you’re 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 all businesses within the District as well as the general social and economic benefit of the people of the City of Sun Prairie and its visitors.

www.DowntownSunPrairieWI.com

     

    Technical Assistance

    • Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). Offering funding, resources, programs, and training to help you bring your business vision to life.
      Economic Development Programs | WEDC

     

    • Madison Area Technical College. The Madison College Center for Entrepreneurship invites you to use their resources to explore your ideas and take action. Sign up for workshops, get advice from experienced entrepreneurs, or compete in a business planning contest.
      608.246.6115
      Center for Entrepreneurship | Madison College

     

    • UW Madison Office of Business Engagement. The Office of Business Engagement connects business and industry with the resources they need to achieve their goals. “We help businesses of all sizes facilitate seamless access across the university community. Our team will work closely with you to understand relevant interests and needs, to bring together contacts and experts from across campus and to develop strategies for a successful business relationship. Whether you are looking to solve a business challenge, create a new product, address a process issue, explore giving opportunities, hire professionals, find training, or are simply curious about what is possible in collaborating with UW–Madison, we invite you to explore our website and contact us or a member of our staff to discuss your needs.”
      608.263.2840
      Resources for Entrepreneurs – Office of Business Engagement – UW–Madison

    Networking

    • Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce. A dynamic and influential organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the local business community. They provide a platform for businesses to thrive, connect, and collaborate, while also offering valuable resources and events to drive economic growth and community development.

      Christina Williams – Executive Director      christinawilliams@sunprairiechamber.com
      608.837.4547
      Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce

     

    • Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce. Serving as the business voice of the Madison community and is focused on creating prosperity and opportunity that will lead to community wealth and bring Greater Madison to its full potential. The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce recently announced the acquisition of Madison Region Economic Partnership, the economic development agency for the eight-county Madison Region of south-central Wisconsin.

      President  –  Zach Brandon – President, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and Madison Region Economic Partnership
      info@madisonbiz.com
      608.256.8348

      Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce
      info@madisonregion.org
      608.571.0420

      Economic & Business Development

     

    • Downtown Sun Prairie Business Improvement District. Its mission is to support the development, improvement and promotion of the downtown area for the economic benefit of all businesses within the District as well as the general social and economic benefit of the people of the City of Sun Prairie and its visitors.
       
      Mary D’Amico – Mary D’Amico
      downtown@cityofsunprairie.com
      608.512.9743
      www.DowntownSunPrairieWI.com