Patti Smolin
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psmolin@stdl.org
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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.
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.
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.
Morningstar Investment Research
Access historical stock prices and up-to-date financial data on mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, returns, reports and ratings.
Business Plans Handbook
Read actual business plans from entrepreneurs.
More Business Resources
Access even more business research databases, including additional business directories and investment tools.
Nonprofit Resources
Find grants for your nonprofit with resources available to the Library through the Foundation Center's Funding Information Network.
Foundation Directory Online (In-Library use only)
Find grants and foundations to support your nonprofit based on your area of interest and location.
Foundation Grants to Individuals Online (In-Library use only)
Find organizations that offer grants to individuals for education, artistic or research projects or personal needs.
Go to Foundation Grants to Individuals Online (In-Library use only) >
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.
GuideStar
Search this free nonprofit lookup, including many IRS 990 forms. You must sign up for an account to view most information.
Charity Navigator
Search charity evaluations, including rankings on their financial health and transparency.
GrantSpace
Use the "Tools" tab to access sample documents and learn about nonprofit management, including startup resources and fundraising.
ThomasNet
Look up manufacturers, including company profiles, product catalogs and CAD drawings.