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Small Business Start Up Toolkit

Congratulations on your steps toward owning a business and welcome to the Muskego area! The Muskego Chamber of Commerce services Muskego, Big Bend, Town of Norway, and Wind Lake. Whether you are starting a new business or relocating an existing one, we hope these resources will be helpful and look forward to meeting you soon. Feel free to contact or visit the Chamber office where you can receive business and community information.

Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce
S73 W164858 Janesville Road, Muskego WI 53150
414-422-1155 | chamberinfo@muskego.org

 

Establish & Grow A Small Business

This Toolkit includes a step-by-step checklist for entrepreneurs and business owners exploring how to start and grow a business in our area. It also offers links to valuable resources for all business owners and managers. We suggest you:

The Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce makes every effort to provide relevant, current resources on this page. We do not provide legal or financial advice. These are simply suggestions and resources. We encourage business people to research and consult experts when establishing and running a business.

__ Clarify Your Motivation.

Ask yourself, "Why do I want to start a business?" Is it to fill a gap in your community, pursue a passion, or achieve financial independence?

__ Define Your Unique Value.

What makes your business different? How will it serve your community or solve a problem?

  • Test the idea by gathering opinions from consumers in your target market (your ideal audience and the ones you will sell on your product or service).
  • Discuss the idea with friends, family, neighbors, and acquaintances.

__ Consider Community Impact.

List the ways your business can contribute to local well-being by creating jobs, supporting local causes, or offering needed services.

__ Create Brand Identity.

Your "why" should inform your mission statement and brand story while connecting you with customers and partners on a deeper level.

  • Consider and select a business name. Search the trademark site to ensure yours is original and not in conflict with another business.
  • Create first drafts of your business mission statement, values, and branding items (colors, fonts, logo). Update these as you have more clarity during the establishing process.

The Business Plan

__ Plan Your Purpose

A business plan is your roadmap and is often required when applying for financial resources. Visit the Small Business Administration and learn how to write a great plan.

__ Organize Its Key Sections

Consider these suggested topics as you write a business plan.

  • Company Description
  • Executive Summary
  • Funding Requests
  • Financial Projections
  • Market Analysis
  • Marketing & Sales
  • Organization & Management
  • Products & Services
  • Appendix to Any of the Above

__ Review and Update

Treat this plan as a living document. Review and revise regularly as your business evolves.

Legal Needs

__ Select Your Business Structure

Choose the correct legal structure based on liability, tax, and management needs. Consult a legal expert for guidance.

__ Register Your Business

Use the following links to:

__ Understand Compliance Requirements

Research and understand zoning laws, health and safety regulations, and industry-specific requirements.

__ Prepare Contracts and Policies

Draft contracts for clients, vendors, and employees. Establish internal policies for operations, privacy, and data protection.

  • Brand your business. Select brand colors and fonts. Create a logo (or have it created).
  • Create a professional website with your brand and logo.
  • Use your market research on your target audience to decide which social media platforms are beneficial for your business. Claim your name and submit account details.
  • Join the Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce where you can network with other business members and use membership benefits that promote, support, and market your business.
  • Hire and build a strong team.
  • Use your market research to create a marketing plan.

Business & Economic Development

Local Contacts for Commercial Property Purchase or Lease

County and State Resources

National Resources

Muskego Demographic Quickfacts (More information at City of Muskego)

  • Located in Waukesha County (53150)

  • Population: 25,624

  • Median Household Income of $137,539 (2023 American Community Survey 5-year Estimate) 

  • 96.3% of Muskego residents are High School Graduates or higher

  • Muskego-Norway School District has been received the Top Work Places Award annually from 2017 to present.

  • Median Age: 43.5

  • 1,900+ Companies

  • 9,500+ Housing Units

Muskego Resources

Big Bend Demographic Quickfacts

(More Information at Village of Big Bend)

Additional Resources:

Muskego Community Guide

Muskego Community Profile

Download the Muskego Mobile App

Town of Norway & Wind Lake Demographic Quickfacts

(More Information at Town of Norway)

Additional Resources:

Muskego Community Guide

Muskego Community Profile

Download the Muskego Mobile App

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