We have many resources to help you start your next business venture. Whether you are conducting market research or searching for industry trends, the Library's collection offers sources for accurate and reliable information. Below are examples of the most commonly asked about areas.
Writing a Business Plan
In addition to these sources, the collection contains books on starting specific businesses.
- Business Plans Handbook
Reference HD62.7 .B865
A compilation of actual business plans. - The Successful Business Plan: Secrets and Strategies
General HD62.5 .S833 2010 - Bplans
Sample business, marketing and web site plans for specific businesses.
Developing Target Markets
- Find companies and competitors by using the database, ReferenceUSA. Search by industry, SIC or NAICs code. Further refine your search by geographic area, employee size, revenue, and executive titles. Download up to 300 records at one time.
- Build a list of companies using the database, Mergent Intellect. Search by industry, location, size, financial information and executive titles. Up to 2500 company listings can be downloaded in one search.
- County Business Patterns (CBP) is an online, annual series that provides subnational economic data by industry. This series includes the number of establishments, employment, first quarter payroll, and annual payroll. Businesses use the data for analyzing market potential, measuring the effectiveness of sales and advertising programs, setting sales quotas, and developing budgets.
Industry Analysis
- IBISWorld
Access Industry Market Research reports for over 700 U.S. industries. - Business Source Complete
Access market research, industry profiles, country and economic reports. - Mintel
Mintel offers comprehensive research on consumer markets and products in U.S. Content includes market drivers, market size & trends, market segmentation, and consumer characteristics.
Local Resources
- Starting Your Business in Illinois Handbook
- Choose DuPage
Source for local resources, reports and regulations. - Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Located in downtown Glen Ellyn, the SBDC is part of a statewide network of small business resource providers sponsored in part through state and federal grants. They offer training, counseling and consulting services to Illinois businesses at no or low cost. Clients range from start-up through existing businesses that seek ways to improve, develop or finance their organizations. - Innovation DuPage
Located in downtown Glen Ellyn, Innovation DuPage (ID) is a non-profit venture that unites entrepreneurs and small business owners with the people, resources and programs that help them grow.