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Business

Business Resources at the Library

Business Research Tools

Information for business planning, market research, companies, news, statistics, and directories

Local Data and Online Business Tools

Local resources for small business, startups, and entrepreneurs

Local Support for Entrepreneurs and Businesses

Partners in the Madison Community that provide resources for businesses

Books

Business manuals and resources in the library's collection

Ask a Business Question

Fill out this webform to connect with our business librarian

Related Resources

Other resources at the library including coop information, job information, and consumer information.

Business Resources Hub at Madison Public LibraryMadison Public Library has a variety of services for entrepreneurs and small businesses:

  • Thousands of sample business plans available online through the Gale Virtual Reference Library and in print form through the Business Plans Handbook collection.
  • Access to technology: wi-fi, printers, scanners, and computers. Wi-fi and computer access are free. Printing and copying are 10 cents per page.

Central library offers:

  • Places to work, learn, and meet at Madison Public LibraryOver a dozen meeting spaces to use
  • Graphic design tools

The library works with partners to offer classes for: business, job skills, and technology.

We also host service providers that offer business, career, and legal advice.

And, of course, we have books and e-books on a variety of business topics.

To learn more, fill out the form to get connected with a Business Librarian.

*Library databases will require your library card number.*

Research Tools

Databases

A multi-volume collection of actual business plans compiled by entrepreneurs seeking funding for small businesses throughout North America. | more info »
This resource is available only in Madison libraries and remotely to patrons with Madison Public Library as their home library.
Full-text (or abstracts) of articles from thousands of scholarly and professional publications, academic journals, and trade magazines. | more info »
This resource is available remotely to all cardholders of any South Central Library System member library and in-library at all member libraries.
EBSCOhost
EBSCOhost includes thousands of indexed magazines, many full-text, for over fifteen years. Magazine coverage ranges from the popular to the academic. Also includes electronic content on auto repair, medical information and much more. | more info »
This resource is available remotely to all cardholders of any South Central Library System member library and in-library at all member libraries.
Encyclopedia of Associations
Information about national and international organizations in categories such as trade, business, and commercial; legal, governmental, public administration, and military; cultural; educational; veterans, hereditary, and patriotic; athletic and sports; fan clubs, and many more | more info »
This resource is available only in Madison libraries and remotely to patrons with Madison Public Library as their home library.
Access popular multi-volume reference books, including Business Plans Handbook; Gale Encyclopedia of Everyday Law; Reference Guide to World Literature; Small Business Sourcebook; and more. | more info »
This resource is available only in Madison libraries and remotely to patrons with Madison Public Library as their home library.
Market Share Reporter
Presents comparative business statistics with data and market description, a list of producers/products along with their market share, and cites original sources | more info »
This resource is available only in Madison libraries and remotely to patrons with Madison Public Library as their home library.
Reference Solutions
Powerful business and consumer research database, offering business and residential listings useful in searching for people, executives, creating marketing plans, conducting competitive analysis, fundraising and sales. | more info »
This resource is available remotely to cardholders with a subscribing library as their home library and in-library at all subscribing libraries.

Websites

Census and demographic information from the US Census Bereau. | more info »
Determine the best location for your business using Census data. | more info »
Access all data and digital content (e.g., demographic and economic data) from the U.S. Census Bureau. | more info »
Data, tools, and resources for research, web and mobile applications, and data visualizations. | more info »
Find the North American Industry Code for industry-level data. | more info »
Free entrepreneurship learning from the Small Business Development Center. | more info »
Resources for starting, financing, and managing a small business. Try the Small Business Administration's Learning Center for self-paced free online business and entrepreneurship topics. | more info »
Directory of manufacturers. A librarian can provide a login for use in the library. | more info »
Locate licensed businesses, partnerships, and companies in Wisconsin, also known as Corporate Registration Information Service (CRIS). | more info »

Local Data and Online Business Tools

Offers demographics, associations, plans, businesses, profiles, and maps. | more info »
Catalog of open data sets and visual tools from the City of Madison. | more info »
The UW-Madison Extension's Community Food Systems Program focuses on supporting food entrepreneurs. | more info »
Find the requirements and tools you need to start a business in Wisconsin. | more info »
Information for tech businesses on incubators, networking and capital. | more info »

Local Support for Entrepreneurs and Businesses

provides services and assistance to businesses in the city. | more info »
at UW-Madison's Memorial Library. | more info »
The Madison Cooperative Development Coalition (MCDC) is the City of Madison-funded initiative to form worker cooperatives that address income inequality and racial disparities by creating living-wage union jobs. | more info »
Links to and a map of neighborhood business associations. | more info »
Steenbock Library is a designated Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC). Patent librarians provide patent and trademark information and searching assistance for the general public and the UW-Madison community. | more info »
Provides classes and counseling from retired experts. | more info »
at UW-Madison offers resources, paid classes, and the free Business Answer Line. | more info »
Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation offers business classes and lending. | more info »

Related Resources

Consumer Info

Information about products, businesses, and consumer protection

Jobs & Careers

Library services and online resources for job seekers

Cooperative Businesses

Library resources for starting a cooperative business

Investing, Company, and Charity Research

Resources for research about investments, company profiles, and charity