Business Planning Research at the Library
We’re now in the fourth of this year’s New York StartUP! Business Plan Competition, which provides participants the opportunity to win $15,000 to start their business, but also delivers value to everyone involved. The program offers a structure for participants to develop their plan, and connects them to valuable resources the New York Public Library offers free of charge.
In January's workshop, Business Planning & Research participants learned about the components of a business plan and how to conduct the important research necessary to create a quality plan. NYPL offers numerous resources to help anyone planing a business and compiling research for a business plan. Here are some suggested resources from our team:
Business Planning e-resources
NYPL offers the lynda.com database of online video course for free with an NYPL library card. You can access lynda.com in the library or at home with your NYPL library card and PIN number!
Online business courses offered on lynda.com include:
- Creating a Business Plan with Mike Figliuolo (1h 12m, 9/17/2015)
- Entrepreneurship: Finding and Testing Your Business Idea with Dave Crenshaw (42m, 8/6/2018)
- Entrepreneurship: Raising Startup Capital with Rudolph Rosenberg (1h 44m, 12/19/2018)
- Finance Essentials for Small Business with Jim Stice (54m, 6/4/2018)
- Setting Up Your Small Business as a Legal Entity with Data Robinson (1h 5m, 3/6/2018)
Databases for Market and Industry Data
Use First Research for information on industry market size, trends, challenges, financials, call-prep questions, and more. Also, check out Plunkett’s Research Online, IBISWorld, S&P Capital IQ, or Mergent Intellect for industry reports.
Databases for Customers and Demographics
When looking for potential customers, use ReferenceUSA or Mergent Intellect. To find demographics and statistics on residents and households use ReferenceUSA-Consumer Lifestyles and SimplyAnalytics.
Books and Resources from the Science, Industry and Business Library
The StartUP! team has put together aBusiness Plan Development Schedule to help program participants stay on track when writing their plan throughout the competition.
Key resources for the business planning process include:
Successful Business Plan: Secrets & Strategies by Rhonda AbramsStrategy Plain and Simple: 3 Steps to Building a Successful Strategy for Your Startup or Growing Business by Vaughan EvansBusiness Planning Essentials for Dummies (electronic resource) by Veechi CurtisGood Small Business Planning Guide: How to Make a Successful Business Journey (electronic resource) by John Kirwan
Finally, remember, that NYPL offers free access to thousands of ebooks with your library card.
February's focus for Business Planning & Research participants is on using Library resources to develop a marketing plan for your business. Best wishes for success!