LibGuides: Business Principles of Management Assignment Guide: Business Websites

Links to Government Databases for Business Research

The United States government shares information and data with the public through numerous databases and websites. Access to this information is available for free from the government.

The following government resources may be useful in helping you retrieve information about specific companies, the economy, and markets.

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS Codes)
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the 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.

EDGAR This link opens in a new window
Public database from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) allowing you to research a public company’s financial information and operations. You can also research information provided by mutual funds (including money market funds), exchange-traded funds (ETFs), variable annuities, and individuals.

How to use EDGAR to search company filings

Bureau of Labor Statistics (U.S.) This link opens in a new window
The Bureau of Labor Statistics measures labor market activity, working conditions, price changes, and productivity in the U.S. economy to support public and private decision making. BLS staff is comprised of economists, statisticians, data scientists, information technology specialists, researchers, administrative specialists, and many other professionals.
Census Data (U.S. Census Bureau) This link opens in a new window
Link to this website to find current facts and quality data about the people, places, and economy of the United States and other countries across the globe.

Business Guide from the U.S. Small Business Administration
Resources for planning, launching, managing, and growing small businesses. Search the website for the "Market research and competitive analysis" page for even more great websites for your research and the "calculate your startup costs" page has many helpful tools.
Small Business Development Center
Statewide network supporting entrepreneurs and business owners through no-cost, confidential consulting and business education. Regional SBDC experts facilitate improvement and growth for small and emerging mid-size companies and help launch successful new enterprises.
Small Business Development Center at UW-LaCrosse
Local branch of the statewide network supporting entrepreneurs and business owners through no-cost, confidential consulting and business education.

Links to Useful Websites for Business

Local & State Government and Other Business Websites

public information and data available for free about
data, market, or other statistical information

City-Data
By collecting and analyzing data from a variety of government and private sources, we're able to create detailed, informative profiles for every city in the United States. Find useful population and other demographic information about La Crosse.
SCORE
Use this tool to explore how to start a business and various tools for business plan development.
Wisconsin Small Business Development Center
Statewide network supporting entrepreneurs and business owners through no-cost, confidential consulting and business education. Regional SBDC experts facilitate improvement and growth for small and emerging mid-size companies and help launch successful new enterprises.
Wisconsin Small Business Development Center at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Local branch of the statewide network supporting entrepreneurs and business owners through no-cost, confidential consulting and business education.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Use the Projects and Studies menu's Data and Planning tool to get traffic counts for market research related to locations in Wisconsin
Investopedia: Understanding Business Terms & Concepts
Confused by what terms like "balance sheet" or "market share" mean? Need to learn a little more about what "entrepreneurship" entails. Check out Investopedia's A-Z list of business terms and concepts to help you better understand the language used in the business world.