Itineraries

Business Development 

Thinking of starting a business in Boulder Junction? We are certain that you will have many questions before making your decision and we are here to help. If we don’t have the answer, we will direct you to someone who does.

Boulder Junction, the Musky Capital of the World®, located in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, is a small tourist community with a big heart. The economy of Boulder Junction is largely based on the tourism and service sectors. Accommodations, restaurants, service businesses, and retailing (especially gift shops) predominate.

The people of Boulder Junction are hard-working, family and community-oriented individuals interested in working together to make Boulder Junction a place where we can all live, work and play, while enjoying a thriving economy and high quality of life in a natural, serene setting.

Below is more information about our community. Please contact the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce or one of our Community Ambassadors with additional questions you may have.

Town of Boulder Junction Statistics:

  • Year-round Population: 1,019 (January 2007 estimate)
  • Summer Population: 7,570 (January 2007 estimate)
  • Dwellings
    • 376 year-round dwellings
    • 806 seasonal dwellings
  • Fifth largest town in Vilas County (out of 12)
  • Land Ownership:
    • Private 12.2%
    • State Land 63%
    • State Water 24.8%
  • Land Size: 82 square miles
  • Water Size: 18 square miles
  • Local Roads: 90 miles

For detailed information on the general demographics of Boulder Junction, here is a pdf available on-line through the UW-Extension in Vilas County.

When driving through the business district of Boulder Junction, you will not see most of the dwellings mentioned above. Most of our residents do not live in a “neighborhood” like you would find in the city. Their homes are hidden among the many acres of woods and waters throughout Boulder Junction.

Boulder Junction Tourism Statistics:

Boulder Junction businesses rely on tourism for income. During our peak vacationing time, the average population of Boulder Junction increases by almost 650%! The best way for us to measure the amount of visitors to our area throughout the year is through room tax collections. Accommodations in Boulder Junction are required to collect room tax from their customers and turn it over to the Town of Boulder Junction on a quarterly basis. Room tax collections are primarily used by the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce to market the area. Below are some statistics you may find informative.

2009 Boulder Junction Room Tax Collections

Business Opportunities:

Are you interested in opening a business in Boulder Junction but are not sure what? Here are some ideas of needed businesses that we have been given by other business owners, residents or visitors.

  • Candy Store
  • Antique Shop
  • Re-Sale Shop
  • Car Wash
  • Wellness Center
  • Kids Toys
  • Gourmet Foods
  • Unique Trades (woodworking, blacksmith, artists of all kinds)

These are just a few suggestions. The options are endless. We welcome your ideas and experiences.

Available Business Locations:

Commercial property in Boulder Junction may be available by rental agreements or for purchase. Costs will vary depending on the business, the property and the location. If you are looking to start a business and rent the space, most rental properties in the Boulder Junction business district will cost $9 to $12 per square foot. Many owners do offer incentives for new tenants. If you are looking to purchase a location for your business, it is probably best that you speak with one of our knowledgeable real estate agents. They will be able to assist you with finding the perfect setting for your business venture. In addition to having access to all businesses which may be for sale in the Boulder Junction area, our agents will have contact information for rental property owners.

Financial Assistance:

Boulder Junction is fortunate to have the convenience of a Citizens Bank branch right in town. Here is a message from our local lender.

Citizens Republic Bancorp is a diversified financial services company providing a wide range of commercial, consumer, mortgage banking, trust and financial planning services to a broad client base. Citizens Republic Bancorp serves communities in Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin as Citizens Bank and in Iowa as F&M Bank, with 232 offices and 267 ATMs. Citizens Republic Bancorp is the largest bank holding company headquartered in Michigan with roots dating back to 1871 and is the 48th largest bank holding company headquartered in the United States. More information about Citizens Republic Bancorp is available at www.citizensbanking.com.

Citizens Bank is a wonderful community resource for new businesses that are locating in our area. Many financial institutions deal with business owners the way they deal with their largest corporate customers. Unlike them, we believe it’s important to understand the specific needs of business owners and provide the services and products geared to their circumstances. We can provide expertise in the areas, including but not limited to: cash flow, financial statements, business deposits, loan products, online banking, treasury management options and general financial advice. Understanding a business’ needs and finding a solution that works best for them is where we excel. Our track record speaks for itself when it comes to our philosophy of taking care of the small business owner. We invite you to stop in to visit with our team to learn how we can help make your business a success.

Citizens Bank and F&M Bank are Members FDIC and Equal Housing Lenders.

Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce:

The Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce is committed to promoting a healthy and vibrant community through business support and advancement, while maintaining respect for the area’s resources and recreational environment. Our goal is to bring people to Boulder Junction who will, in turn spend money in your business. We also offer many networking opportunities so that you can meet and get to know others in our supportive and caring business community. Information on benefits of the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce can be found here.

Owning and operating a business is hard work. We are here to support you and your dream. We welcome you with open arms into our community. What more do you need to know? Let us help make your dream a reality.

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