Patti Smolin
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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.
Business Research Tools
Reference Solutions (formerly ReferenceUSA)
Search business and residential listings, including consumer demographics. Build company lists according to location, industry, number of employees, sales volume and more.
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 Candid's (formerly known as the Foundation Center) Funding Information Network.
Foundation Directory Online
Find grants and foundations to support your nonprofit based on your area of interest and location. Note: Foundation Directory Online – Essential is temporarily available for at-home use as a response to the pandemic. Foundation Directory Online – Professional, which provides more detailed information, can be accessed inside the library with assistance from a Reference Librarian.
Grants to Individuals (In-Library use only)
Find organizations that offer grants to individuals for education, artistic or research projects or personal needs.
More Resources
North Suburban Cook County American Job Center
Search for jobs, attend a career workshop or find training resources. The North Suburban Cook County American Job Center hosts the Power Employment Workshop at the Central Library from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. the first 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.
FINRA
Find general bond market information including ratings, news, benchmark yields, market activity and performance information from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.