Minnesota Business Magazine
presents Hill Library's Business Resources
The James J. Hill Reference Library has partnered with Minnesota Business Magazine to provide you with business research resources to help you grow your business smartly.
Our librarians and our world-class collection of practical business information resources are available to help you.
Question: What are some trends in my industry?
For very current industry trend information from trade journals and business publications, consider an article database like ProQuest or EBSCO. These article databases bring together thousands of industry information sources and are available for free at the Hill Library, at many public libraries, and from your home computer with a HillSearch membership.
Your resource: Hill Library & HillSearch.
Where to find: www.jjhill.org & www.hillsearch.org
Question: How does a typical business in my industry operate financially?
You can find several tools to benchmark your business's finances against industry peers at the Hill Library. Databases like Fintel Industry Metrics (also available remotely to HillSearch members) and books like RMA Financial Ratio Benchmarks can help make sure you're running efficiently.
Your resource: Hill Library & HillSearch.
Where to find: www.jjhill.org & www.hillsearch.org
Question: Where can I find funding for my business?
To learn about the different types of funding available to small businesspeople, see the free articles in the Biz Info Library under the "Fund Your Business" category.
The Hill Library also has many print directories of venture capital, angel investment, and private equity firms that can be searched by industry preference or geographical location. They can't be checked out, but you may make photocopies.
Your resource: Hill Library & BizInfo Library.
Where to find: www.jjhill.org & www.bizinfolibrary.org
Question: How do I go about creating a business plan?
Start with the Biz Info Library's section called "Start Your Business" that provides background and guidance business planning./p>
When you're ready to start creating a plan, download a free template and find sample business plans in the BizToolkit by selecting "Sample Business Plans" from the "I Want To Find" drop-down menu.
Your resource: BizInfo Library & BizToolkit.
Where to find: www.bizinfolibrary.org & www.biztoolkit.org
Question: Who are my competitors? And how can I learn more about them?
Information on companies, especially small privately-owned companies, is nearly impossible to find for free online. You'll need access to a company directory database like Dun & Bradstreet, which lists every U.S. business. Get access to Dun & Bradstreet for free at the Hill Library or with a paid HillSearch.
Your resource: HillSearch & Hill Library.
Where to find: www.hillsearch.org & www.jjhill.org
Question: Where do I go to learn more about my industry?
For the best industry research on the Internet, go to the BizToolkit. Select "Industry Research" from the "I Want To Find" drop-down menu to see a listing of the best free industry research Web sites. For in-depth analysis of industries, try the Encyclopedia of American Industries, which is available for free at the Hill Library, online with a HillSearch membership, and at most public libraries.
Your resource: Hill Library & BizToolkit & HillSearch.
Where to find: www.jjhill.org & www.biztoolkit.org & www.hillsearch.org
Question: Who are my customers? How can I get to know them?
To research your commercial clients, access a company directory database like Dun & Bradstreet for free at the Hill Library, or check with a local public library for access to ReferenceUSA. To research individuals, start with a Census Bureau demographic tool called the American FactFinder. Find links to this and other demographic research tools in the BizToolkit by selecting "Demographic Research" from the "I Want To Find" drop-down menu.
Your resource: Hill Library & BizToolkit.
Where to find: www.jjhill.org & www.biztoolkit.org