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.
  • 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.
  • Library card required DemographicsNow Access U.S. demographic, consumer spending, and market segmentation reports with custom mapping features. Learn about your target customers, potential business locations, and more. Service ends on 12/31/2024.
  • Available only in Library locations Foundation Directory Online (FDO) - Professional Search this extensive database of nonprofit grants to locate prospective funders. Gain a deep understanding of a grantmaker’s funding interests, motivations and grant sizes in order to identify the best matched funders to approach. Learn more here: www.spl.org/nonprofits
  • Available only in Library locations Foundation Grants to Individuals Online (GTI) Locate foundations that provide scholarships, fellowships, grants, and a wide range of financial support to individuals, including artists, researchers, and students.
  • 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 Use this comprehensive database to look up information on every nonprofit registered with the IRS as tax exempt, as well as data on former nonprofits.
  • 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.
  • 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 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.