| Employer Identification Number (EIN) |
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) |
Start Soon |
| Certificate of Occupancy (CO) / Zoning Clearance for Commercial Space |
City of Madison Building Inspection (Development Services Center) |
Start First |
| Home Occupation Approval (for training from a residence) |
City of Madison Building Inspection (Development Services Center) |
Start Soon |
| Madison Parks Event Permit (fitness classes on City park property) |
City of Madison Parks Division |
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| ADA Compliance (for public-facing studios) |
U.S. Department of Justice (ADA) |
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| State Entity Registration (LLC/Corporation, if you choose a formal entity) |
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) |
Start Soon |
| General Liability Insurance |
Private insurer (industry standard requirement) |
Also Recommended |
| Workers’ Compensation Insurance (if you hire employees) |
Private insurer; regulated by Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development |
Start Soon |
| Professional Certification for Personal Trainers (industry standard) |
National certification body (e.g., NASM, ACE, ACSM, NSCA) |
Also Recommended |
| Fictitious Business Name / Trade Name (DBA) Registration |
Dane County Register of Deeds |
Also Recommended |
| Professional Liability Insurance (Personal Trainer E&O) |
Private Insurance Carriers (e.g., PHLY, Next Insurance, Philadelphia Insurance) |
Start First |
| CPR/AED Certification |
American Red Cross / American Heart Association (accredited training centers) |
Start First |
| Fitness Professional Certification (NASM, ACE, ACSM, or equivalent) |
NASM / ACE / ACSM / ISSA / NSCA (NCCA-accredited certification bodies) |
Start Soon |
| Madison Business License / Tax Registration |
Madison Finance Department / City Clerk |
Start First |