Business & Non-profit Tools

If you’re looking to explore market forecasts, a specific company’s financial trends, or simply need to do basic business research, try one of these databases.

• Value Line: Combines data, analytical tools, opinions, predictive ranks and expert guidance to offer you investment information and provide company data and market forecasts.
• Reference Solutions: Provides access to American and Canadian business directories, as well as comprehensive information on businesses from Fortune 500 companies to mom-and-pop shops.  

If you need help writing a business plan or want to learn what it takes to set up a small business, the following resources might work for you.

• Small Business Reference Center: The basics for new entrepreneurs and business owners. Topics covered include sales, marketing, financing, accounts and up-to-date market statistics for small businesses. 
• Foundation Directory: The most updated information on agencies in the U.S. for funding and grants. Ideal for non-profit organizations seeking grant funding.

If you need to look up current company profiles or stay updated on local or national business news, try the following databases.

• Regional Business News: Provides local business news from over 75 publications across the nation. Supported by EBSCOhost.
• Business Source Elite: Access to over 1,000 business publications and features company profiles and articles dating back to 1985. 

Try the following options to watch webinars and tutorials on leadership training, career development, case studies, business communication skills, and much more.

• Reference Solutions: Offers webinars twice a month that cover starting, managing and growing businesses, as well as job seeking strategies and other topics.
• Udemy: Collection of video courses on Microsoft Office suite, statistics, business data analysis, improving business writing skills, web development, MBA in a box and business communication skills. Also, use the tutorials to train your employees on customer service skills, managing teams, time management and lots of other workplace needs.
• Foundation Directory Online: The most updated information on agencies in the U.S. for funding and grants. Ideal for non-profit organizations seeking grant funding.
• Kanopy: Stream films including documentaries on Business, Career Development, Business Case Studies, Business Skills, Economics and Globalization, and  Leadership Training.
• Small Business Reference Center: Offers business videos with helpful information for business owners, including interviews, “lessons learned” features with real-life business owners, lectures and how-to videos to help you start and grow a business.

Your library hosts platforms that support your business information needs.

• Overdrive: This is your one-stop for books and audiobooks on various business, management and personal development topics. Browse through their vast collection of magazines such as Fast Company, Entrepreneur, MIT Sloan Management Review, Adweek, Inc. and many more. For an optimal experience download the free Libby app available in your favorite app store.