Business Research Tools

icon representing Business & Nonprofits

If you are starting a business, applying for a grant or planning to invest in the stock market, we have free resources to help you. We have general business research tools as well as resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs. We also have online tools you can use to plan your investments, find funding for your non-profit or look for a job.

Business Research Tools

  • Library card required 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 Find companies and industries?including financial data, industry rankings, statistics,?and magazine articles.
  • Library card required Read examples of actual business plans written by entrepreneurs planning small businesses in the manufacturing, retail and service industries.
  • Use this free tool to locate data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau and other federal agencies for insights about customers, consumer spending, and exisiting businesses.?
  • Library card required 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.
  • Available only in Library locations 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. Includes Foundation Grants to Individuals. Learn more here: www.spl.org/nonprofits
  • Library card required 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 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 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 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 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.
  • This free tool from the Seattle Office of Economic Development will help you find local information to help your business make smarter, faster, better decisions. Uncover local opportunity, identify zoning controls, evaluate the workforce, and much more.
  • Library card required 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 Use targeted demographic, business, health, and marketing data to create detailed maps and tables. Analyze markets, find customers, and study competition throughout the US and Canada.
  • A condensed, easy-to-read version of the Small Business Readiness Playbook. This graphic novel–inspired version turns essential guidance for small businesses into a visual, engaging format, making it easier to understand strategies and opportunities. It includes practical checklists to help you take action, making it a handy, fun, and actionable resource.
  • A Practical Guide for Mega Event Preparation in Washington State in partnership with the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26? Local Organizing Committee. The playbook provides small businesses across Washington with information and opportunities to benefit when the world’s largest sporting event comes to our state.? It is a resource that will be updated for future major events.
  • Library card required Get investment ratings, research, statistics and forecasts for thousands of stocks and mutual funds.
  • Library card required Find current Washington state salaries, training requirements and educational programs for a wide variety of occupations, plus tools to help you choose a career.

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