Business Research Tools

icon representing Business & Nonprofits

If you are starting a business, applying for a grant or planning to invest in the stock market, we have free resources to help you. We have general business research tools as well as resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs. We also have online tools you can use to plan your investments, find funding for your non-profit or look for a job.

Business Research Tools

  • Library card required ABI/INFORM Trade & Industry Search here for the full text of industry and trade magazines, journals and newsletters. Includes up-to-date industry reports that detail trends, challenges, opportunities, financial benchmarks, and more.
  • Library card required Business Insights: Global Find companies and industries including financial data, industry rankings, statistics, and magazine articles.
  • Library card required Business Plans Handbook Read examples of actual business plans written by entrepreneurs planning small businesses in the manufacturing, retail and service industries.
  • Available only in Library locations Candid Research nonprofits and find funding using a database of more than 1.9 million nonprofits and 300,000 grant makers. Locate prospective funders and identify the best matched funders to approach. Formerly Foundation Directory Online and GuideStar Pro.
  • Census Business Builder - Small Business Edition Use this free tool to locate data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau and other federal agencies for insights about customers, consumer spending, and exisiting businesses. 
  • Library card required Data Axle Reference Solutions Look up individuals and businesses in this extensive database covering U.S. and Canada. For business planning, use this database to identify competitors, prospects, suppliers, and partners by business type and geography. Also available via app.
  • Available only in Library locations Foundation Directory Online (FDO) - Professional Foundation Directory Online is now part of Candid. Search Candid now. Learn about Candid on our Nonprofits page.
  • Library card required Gale Business: Entrepreneurship Learn how to start, finance, or manage your small business. Includes sample business plans, how to guides, articles, and more.
  • Available only in Library locations GuideStar Pro GuideStar Pro is now part of Candid. Search Candid now. Learn about Candid on our Nonprofits page.
  • Library card required LinkedIn Learning Learn a new skill at your own pace, with thousands of courses covering animation, business skills, marketing, design, photography, programming and much more. Also available via app. Use ID: seattlepl
  • Library card required Morningstar Investment Research Center Get up-to-date information about stocks, funds and other investment options, plus calculators and tools to help you manage your portfolio.
  • Library card required O'Reilly Complete Public Library Improve your computer and business skills. Access nearly 50,000 titles, including 7,000 videos about computing, databases, programming, web design and more. Website only - Not available via app.
  • Library card required RMA eStatement Studies Find benchmark financial statements and ratios for businesses. These studies provide detailed financial data to help entrepreneurs and startups create strategic plans and compare them to real-world measures.
  • Seattle Business Builder This free tool from the Seattle Office of Economic Development will help you find local information to help your business make smarter, faster, better decisions. Uncover local opportunity, identify zoning controls, evaluate the workforce, and much more.
  • Library card required Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce Get online access to the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce for local information on business, construction, real estate, engineering, architecture, and more.
  • Library card required SimplyAnalytics Use targeted demographic, business, health, and marketing data to create detailed maps and tables. Analyze markets, find customers, and study competition throughout the US and Canada.
  • Small Business Readiness Graphic Novel A condensed, easy-to-read version of the Small Business Readiness Playbook. This graphic novel–inspired version turns essential guidance for small businesses into a visual, engaging format, making it easier to understand strategies and opportunities. It includes practical checklists to help you take action, making it a handy, fun, and actionable resource.
  • Small Business Readiness Playbook A Practical Guide for Mega Event Preparation in Washington State in partnership with the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™ Local Organizing Committee. The playbook provides small businesses across Washington with information and opportunities to benefit when the world’s largest sporting event comes to our state.  It is a resource that will be updated for future major events.
  • Library card required Value Line Get investment ratings, research, statistics and forecasts for thousands of stocks and mutual funds.
  • Library card required WOIS/The Career Information System Find current Washington state salaries, training requirements and educational programs for a wide variety of occupations, plus tools to help you choose a career.

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