LibGuides: EN 420: Venture Creation: Market Research

Government Sources

U.S. Census - Economic Data
U.S. Census data on a variety of business topics and economic sectors/industries – see lefthand bar for “Data by Sector” and “Special Topics” in particular.
U. S. Census - Population
Population data from the U.S. Census on a variety of topics related to demographic segments.
U. S. Dept of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Agriculture – includes data on food products, expenditures
U. S. Food & Drug Association
U.S. Food and Drug Administration – would address product/service regulations and possible start-up considerations in those fields
U. S. Dept of Labor
U.S. Department of Labor – includes information on laws/regulations (and possible required costs) for hiring employees
U. S. Department of Commerce
The mission of the Department is to create the conditions for economic growth and opportunity.
U. S. Patent and Trademark Office
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is the federal agency for granting U.S. patents and registering trademarks. In doing this, the USPTO fulfills the mandate of Article I, Section 8, Clause 8, of the Constitution that the legislative branch "promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries."
International Trade Association
The International Trade Administration (ITA) strengthens the competitiveness of U.S. industry, promotes trade and investment, and ensures fair trade through the rigorous enforcement of our trade laws and agreements. ITA works to improve the global business environment and helps U.S. organizations compete at home and abroad.
U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission
The EDGAR database provides free public access to corporate information, allowing you to research a public company’s financial information and operations by reviewing the filings the company makes with the SEC.
Using EDGAR to Research Investments
View the Using EDGAR to Research Investments page for more details on how to search the SEC website.

State of Florida Business Portal
Business portal for State of Florida (page down to see lists of numerous topics) – similar guides would exist for other states.

Greenhouse Center for St. Petersburg
General resources for area businesses and start-ups (similar sites are likely to exist for many cities and towns).
City of Tampa
Business site for Tampa.

Educational Incubators

Standford University's E-Corner
For over 10 years, Stanford eCorner has offered insights and inspiration to Stanford students, faculty near and far, and a worldwide audience of aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators. We invite you to use eCorner's videos, podcasts and articles to guide and support you, whether you are learning or teaching about entrepreneurship and innovation topics for the first time, looking for guidance in that next phase of your business, trying to drive change to solve a global challenge, or just trying to be a more entrepreneurial leader or employee where you are today.

Consulting Firms

Case studies, industry overviews, and research reports related to many industries are available from these consulting firms:

Historic Documents and Newspaper Databases

Columbia Historical Reports
Digitized annual reports from approximately 36 companies that operated in and around New York City. Reports range from the 1850s through the early 1960s.
Hagley Library Digital Archives
Hagley Museum and Library collects, preserves, and interprets the unfolding history of American enterprise. Hagley’s collections document the interaction between business and the cultural, social, and political dimensions of our society from the late 18th century to the present.Also includes National's Business Magazine (1912-1999).
Historical Annual Reports
This collection from the business library at the University of Alabama includes paper copies of corporate annual reports from 1,900 companies, from the late nineteenth century to 1980. Photocopies of the reports may be purchased
Historical Corporate Reports
A digital collection of annual reports from U.S. companies covering the period 1800 through 1955. From the University of Pennsylvania Libraries.
Historical Editions of Statistical Abstract of the United States
Statistical Abstract data presented here ranges from the most recent edition to the historical abstracts compiled throughout the decades.

EN 420: Venture Creation

Off Campus Access

Small Business Associations

Government Sources

Educational Incubators

Consulting Firms

Historic Documents and Newspaper Databases