FAQs
Can I Operate a business out of my home?
Do I need a license from the City to operate my business?
How do I check up on a business?
Who can I complain to about a business?
Does the City have money to help me start or expand my business?
Can I operate a business out of my home?
- Some limited businesses may be operated out of a home. Contact Zoning at 608-266-4551 or zoning@cityofmadison.com to find out more.
Do I need a license from the City of Madison to operate my business?
- There is no general City of Madison business license. However, there are businesses that require a license from the City. These include businesses that sell food, alcohol and secondhand merchandise.
- Please check with the City of Madison Clerk's Office to see if your business will require a license from the City.
How do I check up on a business? Who can I complain to about a business?
- If your concern is about a landlord or housing safety issue in the City of Madison contact the City Building Inspection Department and "Report a Problem".
- If your concern is about another type of business in Madison you can contact the State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection.
- You can also find information about Wisconsin businesses and file complaints with the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau
Does the City have money to help me start my business?
- Please visit the City's Business Financial Assistance page for information on City and partner financial programs for businesses.
Contact the Office of Business Resources
Office of Business Resources
(608) 267-4933
obr@cityofmadison.com
A Great Place to Live
Rich with geographic beauty and entrepreneurial innovation, Madison is repeatedly recognized as a "best" place to live and do business.
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International culture in the heart of the Midwest enriches our lives and inspire new ventures.
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Ranked as "The Best City for Young Adults" in 2012 by Kiplinger's Madison is home to technology entrepreneurs, coffee shops, live performing arts venues and, often, live music in the streets!
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Madison has many great business districts where you can find Class A office space, including, on the capitol square.
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Madison has many great restaurants to enjoy and has been dubbed the "United Nations of Street Food".
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Madison hosts many national and international expo's and conferences each year, including the World Dairy Expo that attracts over 70,000 people (and 2,300 cattle!) to share the latest advances in agribusiness and dairy technology.