Sign Grant Program
See if your business is eligible for a Wausau River District Sign Grant! We can help with up to $500 in financial assistance toward permanent external signage for those who qualify and successfully submit an application.
FORD Program
The Friend of the River District (FORD) Program is available to businesses outside of District boundaries whose services and offerings complement WRD businesses. Learn more about the application process, benefits, and associated fees.
Developmental and Financial Resources for Small Businesses
State-wide Financial Resources for Small Businesses
Industry-specific Data
Success Stories and Community News
Business Loans
Available Grants
Assistance and Resources for Hmong Business Owners
Business Loans and Gap Financing
Entrepreneurial Education and Development
Women and Minority-Specific Programming
Small Business Development Center
No-cost Business Consulting
Online Tutorials and Classes
Education for Existing Businesses or Start-ups
Entrepreneurial & Education Center
Get Started on a Business Plan
Incubator Space for Manufacturing, Kitchen and Office
Collaborative and Networking Opportunities
A Beginner’s Guide to Starting and Maintaining a Successful Business
2023/2024 Business Survey Results
See the results of our annual Business Survey.
City Resources
Wausau City Hall is located at 407 Grant Street in downtown Wausau. Click each link to find more detailed information about each department and offered services, as well as contact information and hours of operation.
Need a building permit? Contact the Inspections and Zoning Department for building, sign, obstruction, and zoning permits before you start your project.
Find other permits, like those for sidewalk cafes, events and alcohol licenses, within the Clerk’s Office.
The staff in the Assessment Department will guide you through all things property assessment.
Looking for a space for a new business, or need help maintaining a current property? Contact the Economic Development office for info regarding vacant lots, available loans and grants, and so much more.
Parks, Recreation and Forestry:
Your resource for damaged trees, broken tree limbs and damaged plants in planters within the downtown area.
Contact the Department of Public Works for issues with street lights, snow or ice removal, damaged street pole banners, broken planters, damaged sidewalks or curbs, or overflowing garbage and recycling cans.
Call the Wausau PD for issues with abandoned vehicles or illegal parking activity.
As the unhoused population fluctuates within the City, a few specific teams under the WPD have been trained to handle tricky issues with loitering or public disturbances. Talk to the Community Outreach Specialist or the Crisis Assessment Response Team (CART) for help and to allocate the proper City resources.
Save the date
400 Block programming and other Wausau happenings can have a big impact on downtown restaurant and retail sales. Take a look at some of the bigger 2024 events to better anticipate staffing needs or plan in-store promotions.
Sponsor an Event
Wausau River District programming is made possible through the generous sponsorships of area businesses. If your organization is looking to invest in community events please let us know! You can learn more about 2024 opportunities by clicking below.
