Brushing Up on Free Business Information

If summer has you revisiting the pathfinders and resources sections of your library website, there’s a very nice site that can help you make sure you’ve got your business resources buttoned up. An organization called MaRS Commons supports entrepreneurship in Toronto and they’ve put together a Start-Up Library of free business research sources. There’s a section of resources for all start-ups and for common tasks like market research, competitor analysis, and talent recruitment. The MaRS Commons organization focuses on several industry sectors, such as technology and healthcare, and provides additional free resources on those industries. Although MaRS is a Canadian organization, they include and highlight U.S.-focused sources. The Start-Up Library seems to be a growing work in progress. While you’re brushing up on free business resources, don’t forget the James J. Hill Library in St. Paul. Their Business Stages tool organizes free business websites by stage of business, from exploring and beginning onward. And their Special Issues Index organizes statistical reports on industries, companies, consumers, and more.