Business Resources

Looking to open, relocate or expand your business? Downtown Fond du Lac is poised for dynamic growth that will impress you. Major investment by the public and private sectors are getting the attention of commercial and residential developers. Now is the time for you to consider downtown Fond du Lac as the place to expand your business.

To new entrepreneurs, the words “business plan” can often sound intimidating and overwhelming. However, business plans are a necessary and beneficial part of opening any business, especially when seeking financing from both public and private sources. Fortunately, a business plan doesn’t have to be a complex novel. In fact, a concise and to-the-point plan is much more effective.

The Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership has created this guide make the process of writing your new downtown Fond du Lac business plan as simple and easy as possible.

The Downtown Architectural Review Board has authored “Design Guidelines, A Guide to Building Rehabilitation, Renovation and New Construction”. These guidelines are used in evaluating DFP façade grant applications and for proposals for changes to downtown properties.

Downtown Property Design Renderings

This free service from the Wisconsin Main Street (WMS) Program can be used to show the renovation possibilities of a downtown property before a building is purchased or leased. A WMS architect will seek owner/tenant input to design a renovation rendering based on historic photos and current property conditions. Downtown property design renderings are available to building owners or tenants located within the Downtown Business Improvement District, only.

Contact Amy Krupp at amy@downtownfdl.com for more information.

In 1999, the council received approval from downtown property owners to create a Business Improvement District (BID), and the initial Operating Plan was approved by the Fond du Lac City Council. District boundaries are, roughly, Main Street from Follett Street on the north to Ninth Street on the south, and encompassing several side streets east and west of Main.

The Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership has created a guide for downtown business and property owners who may need assitance with a variety of issues.  From utility repairs and waste management, to security or parking concerns, this Essential Contact Information guide helps connect our downtown constituants to the right people to keep our downtown clean, safe, and welcoming.