Research Guides: BIO 421/621 Business Research Resources (Spring 2024): Welcome

Overview

Welcome, BIO 421/621 students! This guide offers a few suggested starting points for business research resources for your capstone business plan project.

Search Log

Sample Search Log
As you search within multiple databases throughout this course, you may want to consider creating a simple search log to keep track of which databases you searched, which search terms you used, what type of results you found, and a notes field for reflection on your search results and/or ideas of how you may want to adapt your search strategy next time. This Sample Search Log covers a different topic and different databases, but should give you an idea of how to create your own.

Industry Databases

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
This current U.S. government standard to classify businesses was developed to allow for comparability in business statistics among North American countries. NAICS groups together establishments that use the same or similar processes to produce goods or services. (NAICS superseded SIC codes. Go to the FAQ on the NAICS website for more info about NAICS and SIC.)

IBISWorld
Industry and company reports, industry outlook and risk rating reports, market share, and business environment profiles, and more, searchable by keyword or NAICS code.
Business Insights
Articles about business, company histories and profiles, financial and industry reports, SWOT analyses, and more.
BizMiner
Industry and market analysis reports, covering national and local markets.

Industry Research
Explore more industry databases and find industry search tips and tutorials on this page of the Business Information Guide.

Company Databases

Mergent Intellect
Information about U.S. and international public and private companies, company news, and key business ratios. Searchable by company, person, or industry. Includes content in D & B Million Dollar Database and offers FirstResearch industry profiles, Nielsen demographics, and residential and consumer lifestyle directories.
Data Axle Reference Solutions
Includes profiles on United States and Canadian companies (including smaller private companies), a U.S. New Businesses search (with new businesses added weekly), a U.S. Consumers/Lifestyles database (where consumers can be identified with criteria such as income level and area of interest/hobbies), and directories of U.S. and Canadian residents.

Company Research
Explore more company databases and find company search tips and tutorials on this page of the Business Information Guide.

Market Research Databases

Statista
Data from both public and private sources related to a wide range of subjects, including consumers, digital markets, and companies; also includes forecasts, analysis, reports, and more.
Mintel Reports
Research reports covering consumer behavior and analysis of United States markets.
MarketResearch.com Academic
Market research reports covering services, demographics, the food and beverage industry, medical and health care industry, technology and media and more.

Visit the Market Research and Data & Demographics pages of the Business Information Guide for additional resources and search tips.

More Resources

The databases listed above are just a few starting points. Additional relevant resources are available on the following guide:

Business Information Guide
by Steph McReynolds Last Updated Mar 20, 2024 3379 views this year

Team Worksheets

Your team will be given time in class to collaborate on the following worksheets:

Business Information Worksheets:

Industry Codes (NAICS) Worksheets:

Industry Reports Worksheets:

Market Research Worksheets:

Library Instruction Session Feedback

Minute Paper Assessment
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BIO 421/621 Business Research Resources (Spring 2024)

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