Get help with business research:

Library resources and knowledgeable librarians can help you find information for writing a business plan, analyzing market demographics, building prospect lists, researching stocks and mutual funds, finding grants and more.

Need help getting started with your research? Schedule a Book a Librarian appointment to learn more about business resources available from the Library and in the community.

Sign up for our Business Sparks email for monthly updates on business resources at the Library.

SCORE Chicago

Find small business mentorship and education resources.

Illinois SBDC at Harper College

Get advice at the Illinois Small Business Development Center.

Foundation Center

We're part of the Foundation Center's Funding Information Network.

Business Research Tools

ReferenceUSA

Search business and residential listings, including consumer demographics. Build company lists according to location, industry, number of employees, sales volume and more.

Go to ReferenceUSA >

DemographicsNow

Learn about your customers and build lists based on geography or business/household types. Create a custom demographic market report with your own customer data or census information.

Go to DemographicsNow >

Nonprofit Resources

Find grants for your nonprofit with resources available to the Library through the Foundation Center's Funding Information Network.


More Resources

Illinois workNet

Search for jobs, attend a career workshop or find training resources. Illinois workNet hosts the Power Employment Workshop at the Central Library from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month.

Go to Illinois workNet >

GuideStar

Search this free nonprofit lookup, including many IRS 990 forms. You must sign up for an account to view most information.

Go to GuideStar >