Research Resources for All Small Businesses
November 14, 2011
This post is brought to you by the Global Business Union
DEMOGRAPHICS
American Fact Finder
A collection of data files created from U.S. Census County Business Patterns, an annual series that provides sub national economic data by industry.
www.factfinder.census.gov
North America Industry Classification System
Standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy.
www.census.com/eos/www/naics
Economy
Free Economic, Demographic & Financial Data,Finding and downloading economic data.
www.economy.com/freelunch/
FreeDemographics
Free demographic market analysis reports.
www.freedemographics.com
EASI Demographics
Free reports based on the 2000 Census.
www.easidemographics.com
NC Rural Databank
Statistical information on North Carolina’s rural counties.
www.ncruralcenter.org/databank
GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
US Small Business Administration Website
SBA Office of Advocacy provides research reports and statistical information on small businesses conditions in the United States.
www.sba.gov
Fedstasts
Provides a full range of official statistical information produced by more than 100 agencies that provide data and trend information on such topics as economic and population trends, crime, education, health care, aviation safety, energy use, farm production and more.
www.fedstats.com
Code of Federal Regulations
The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is the codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr
Internal Revenue Service
Tax information for small businesses.
www.irs.gov/businesses/small
Laws & regulations by industry
Provides a single access point to government services and information to help the nation’s businesses with their operations.
www.business.gov
COMPETITORS INFORMATION
Alexa
There are several toolbar functions helpful in analyzing your online competition. Alexa provides a traffic ranking, users’ site reviews, and a list of related links.
www.alexa.com
Barometer Survey
Is a quarterly survey of 600 top executives in fast-growing companies. They interpret the results – looking for trends and other hot topics among these companies.
www.barometersurveys.com
Hoovers
Basic company and industry information is available free of charge.
www.hoovers.com
Corporate Information
Search for research reports and other information worldwide by individual company, industry, country, or state.
www.corporateinformation.com
Edgar
You can find SEC filings for individual companies, summary information, and links to analysis.
www.edgar-online.com
INDUSTRY RESEARCH
NAICS Classification System
New classification system for industries. Replaces SIC codes.
www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html
Valuation Resources
A directory of resources which address subjects such as industry overview, issues, trends, and outlook, industry financial information and financial ratios, and compensation and salary surveys for a wide variety of industries.
www.valuationresources.com
Mc Kinsey
Site and newsletter include reports on several functions and numerous industries. You can access full reports with a free registration.
www.mckinseyquarterly.com
ZapData
Free industry reports from Dun & Bradstreet.
www.zapdata.com
Alacra Industry Spotlights
Detailed proprietary reviews and commentary on the best web-based sources of industry specific content previously available only to Alacra subscription customers.
www.alacrawiki.com
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Country Market Research
The TCC provides access to commercial and economic information to help U.S. exporters understand and evaluate opportunities.
www.tcc.export.gov
World Fact Book
Detailed information about countries of the world including political and economic aspects.
www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook
Buy USA
Helps U.S. companies find new international business partners in worldwide markets.
www.buyusa.gov
Market Research for Exporter
Resources for business owners seeking to sell their products abroad.
www.export.gov/mrktresearch
US patent & Trademark Office
Search for patents and trademarks.
www.uspto.gov
Overseas Private Investment Corp.
OPIC helps U.S. businesses invest overseas, fosters economic development in new and emerging markets, complements the private sector in managing risks associated with foreign direct investment, and supports U.S. foreign policy.
www.opic.gov
US Trade & Development Agency
Advances economic development and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle income countries.
www.ustda.gov