Research Resources for All Small Businesses

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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