GSU Library Research Guides: Entrepreneurship, Technology Start-ups, & Small Business: Free Resources

Community and Government Resources

Georgia Department of Economic Development
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) plans, manages and mobilizes state resources to attract new business investment to Georgia, drive the expansion of existing industry and small business, locate new markets for Georgia products, inspire tourists to visit Georgia and promote the state as a top destination for arts events and film, music and digital entertainment projects.
Georgia State University Small Business Development Center
The Georgia State University Small Business Development Center is a public service unit that provides consulting and training to Georgia small businesses. We are a part of the Robinson College of Business and one of 17 Georgia SBDC Network locations.
Statistics of US Business (Census)
2011 annual or static data include number of firms, number of establishments, employment, and annual payroll for most U.S. business establishments. The data are tabulated by geographic area, industry, and enterprise employment size. Industry classification is based on 2007 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes.
Census Data
The U.S. Census Bureau offers the most comprehensive demographic data for the United States. The site includes information and statistics on the nation's population, housing, business and manufacturing activity, international trade, farming, and state and local governments.
U.S. Small Business Administration
SBA is an independent agency of the federal government whose goal is to help Americans start and grow businesses.

Research Tip:

Try searching for trade and professional industry association websites via Google. Even if you are unable to join, they often provide research reports and data to non-members.

NAICS & SIC Codes

Industries are classified into one or more classification systems. The two main classification systems are SIC and NAICS. Many business databases allow you to search by these codes, so it can be very helpful if you know how to find them.

Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) 4 digit classifcation standard that is used to classify industry areas. While it's older than NAICS, many agencies and databases still use this system.
North American Industry Classicication System (NAICS) this system is a newer expanded version of SIC that uses up to 6 digits.

Companies will be assigned more than one industry code if they are operating in more than one line of business.

SimplifyLLC - Legal and Accountancy Help

SimplifyLLC is free online publication to help small business owners with legal and business matters through the help of professional accountants and attorneys.

Public Library Resources

In much of Georgia you'll have access to Galileo, and the resources available there. Access to these when you're not in a library is through one of two ways. You may need a Galileo password, like you use at GSU, or you may need to access through your public library's website using your library card number and PIN.

Along with Galileo resources, DeKalb County Public Library has additional online resources for business. Some of these are the same or very similar those available at GSU. To access these you'll need your library card number and PIN. DeKalb also has some online guides set up for business research.

Other major library systems around the metro area may have different resources for you to use. The main systems are:

Look for links to research, databases or guides on these pages to see what they have available.

Resources below are specific to the DeKalb County Public Library and Galileo.

Access Business News
This provides access to full-text business sources, including local and regional papers such as the DeKalb Neighbor and the Dunwoody Crier, along with trade newspapers. Good for finding information about small, local businesses.
Business Insights: Essentials
Detailed company and industry profiles, market share reports and financial reports. Excellent resources for finding broad level marketing information.
Business Source Complete (Galileo)
Use the "Industry Profiles" link on the right side of the main search screen to browse for industry profiles. Select the "Trade Publications" option from the publication type menu search for industry specific publications. Full-text access through Galileo will be different than for the GSU access to this database.

Consumers and Demographics

MPA. Market Profile Analysis: Consumer and business demographic reports. Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Marietta, GA. (2010).

Decatur Public Library Reference: R 658.83 MPA
Fulton county has several editions in various branches

Online Marketing Data

Census Data
The U.S. Census Bureau offers the most comprehensive demographic data for the United States. The site includes information and statistics on the nation's population, housing, business and manufacturing activity, international trade, farming, and state and local governments.
SBA Marketing 101
Marketing resources from the SBA.
Small Business Marketing Tips
Marketing information from the SBCD
Esri Zip Code Lookup
Lifestyle and demographic info by zip code.