Starting a Business in Racine, Wisconsin

Updated 2026-09-23

Opening a business in Racine means dealing with three levels of government (the City, the State of Wisconsin and the IRS) plus a handful of local organizations that offer free help. Here is the order most new owners follow.

1. Get free advice before you file anything

• Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers no-cost, confidential business consulting and low-cost training for new and existing businesses. wisconsinsbdc.org
• Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC) works with businesses on growth, site selection and financing programs in Racine County. rcedc.org

2. Choose a structure and register it with the state

Sole proprietorships can operate under the owner’s name. LLCs and corporations are formed through the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), which also handles trade names. dfi.wi.gov

3. Get your federal and state tax numbers

• Employer Identification Number (EIN): free, directly from the IRS. Apply at irs.gov (never pay a third-party site for this).
• Wisconsin Department of Revenue: register for a seller’s permit if you sell taxable goods or services, and for withholding if you have employees. revenue.wi.gov

4. Check city licensing and zoning

Before you sign a lease, confirm with the City of Racine that your use is allowed at the address and which licenses or inspections apply. cityofracinewi.gov

5. Plug into the local business community

• Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce (RAMAC) is the area’s chamber of commerce, with networking, advocacy and events. racinechamber.com
• Downtown Racine supports businesses in the downtown district, and runs events that bring foot traffic to Main Street and Sixth Street. racinedowntown.com
• Racine Public Library offers free meeting rooms, business research databases and computer access. racinelibrary.info

6. Get listed where customers look

Claim your free Google Business Profile, and ask us to add you to this directory. Both take minutes and help Racine customers find you.