Identify the industry in which your "idea" will compete
The federal government gathers industry information based on NAICS codes (formerly SIC codes). It is often easier to research industries if you know their classification codes. (Libraries and archives have an NAICS code of 519120. Internet search portals like Google would have a NAICS code of 519130.)
Check the Census Bureau for the latest business data
Locate company profiles, industry overviews, surveys, peer group analysis and reports
Bloomberg Terminal in the Journalism Library