Library Guides: Entrepreneurship Alliance: Industry Analysis

Competitors

Reference Solutions
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Reference Solutions will help you find competitors in your field. We don't subscribe, but the Columbia Public Library/Daniel Boone Regional Library (CPL/DBRL) does as do many other public libraries (you may already have access via your home library). Contact me if you have questions. To request a library card from CPL/DBRL, fill out the application online.

Researching the Industry

IBISWorld
Provides reports for all of the industries in the United States as categorized by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). It also includes reports on industries in Australia, Canada, China, Mexico, and the U.K.
Research reports contain trends, statistics and analysis on market size, market share of competitors, and industry growth rates. Performance analysis includes emerging industry trends as well as recent production performance and 5 year forecasts. Each comprehensive study also examines details such as; the barriers to entry, operating cost structure (industry averages), technology & systems, and domestic & international markets. Tables and statistics include: Industry revenue, exports, imports, wages, and number of companies in the industry.
Maximum Users: Unlimited
Tutorial: http://proxy.mul.missouri.edu/login?url=https://clients1.ibisworld.com/about/us/videos/
NetAdvantage
NetAdvantage provides information on companies, industries, stocks, mutual funds and the economy. Sources include Industry Surveys, Stock Reports, Bond Reports and Corporation Records.
Date Coverage: Current

Maximum Users: Unlimited

Thomasnet
Resource for product sourcing and supplier selection. Includes CAD files for 3D printing in addition to suppliers information.

SBDCNet resources (Small Business Development Centers)

Trade associations collect information on their industry. Sometimes they will provide free data, but other times you may have to contact the association directly to see what they have. Check out the website and look for links labeled "Research," "Media," or "Statistics." You can find trade groups listed in the two sources listed above.

Trade journals can provide valuable data for the entrepreneur. Trade associations often publish them and may provide access via their website. You'll also find trade magazines listed in the "Industry References" section of the listed above Industry Surveys (NetAdvantage). On our homepage, http://library.missouri.edu, look to the lower right under "Looking for?...A Specific Journal" to search and see if the Libraries provide access to needed titles.