Getting Started
Research is essential to an entrepreneur. You need to understand your market, your potential customers, funding possibilities, and more.
This guide offers resources to get you started on your journey. Though some resources are freely available to all, most are available only to BGSU students, faculty and staff. Additional books/ebooks, databases, and websites can be found on the Marketing & Advertising and Company and Industry LibGuides.
For those unaffiliated or no longer affiliated with BGSU, many useful subscription databases can be accessed without charge through public libraries in larger metropolitan areas. Check out their websites to learn how to gain online access.
Top Business Databases for Entrepreneurs
- IBISWorldA database of industry information. IBISWorld employs a team of dedicated expert analysts to research economic, demographic and government data, providing insight into Americas 700+ industries. Additional modules cover China Industry, Global Industry, and U.S. Specialized Industry.
- Business Source CompleteInformation on all topics in business, including full text scholarly journal articles, company information, and industry reports.
- MintelResearch reports covering US and International marketplaces.
- StatistaStatista is an online statistics portal providing access to data from market and opinion research institutions, as well as from business organizations and government institutions.
- S & P NetAdvantageStandard & Poor's publications related to financial markets, industries and investing.
Newspapers, Magazines and Journal Articles
- The Wall Street Journal (through ProQuest Global Newsstream)Search the Wall Street Journal, Eastern ed., 1982 - present. Look for the "Latest available Issue" link to browse today's articles.
- ProQuest Global NewsstreamAn online newspaper resource that includes international, national and regional papers such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Washington Post, The Guardian, El Norte, Jerusalem Post, and South China Morning Post.
- Regional Business NewsIndexing and full text news from hundreds of business news sources across the globe.
- Nexis Uni
Full-text newspapers, business information, and legal publications, including current news, company profiles, industry information, and federal and state laws and legislation. Formerly called LexisNexis Academic.
- Business Source CompleteInformation on all topics in business, including full text scholarly journal articles, company information, and industry reports.
Business Plans and Models
- How to Write a Business Plan 101From Entrepreneur.com
- Write your Business PlanU.S. Small Business Association
- SCORE: Business Planning and Financial Statements TemplatesDownload business plan templates from SCORE, a volunteer-led organization.
- BPlansFind sample business plans and templates and many additional "how to" business planning resources and articles.
Your Business Librarian
Books on Entrepreneurship
The Essential Entrepreneur by ISBN: 9781119984597Publication Date: 2022-10-26
- SummonFind additional books, book chapters, and articles in Summon.