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Sample Business Plan

Business Planning Resources
  These resources are available online and at the Stewart Library at Weber State University.  Call numbers are provided to assist clients in locating materials.  Reference librarians are also available at the library to assist you in finding and using library resources.
Table of Contents:
Business Plans

MARKETING PLANS:

  • Preparing the marketing plan  HF5415.13 .P3248 2000
  • Marketing on a tight budget : an action guide to low cost business growth  HF5415.13.F67 2000 
    (Chapter 11:  The one hour marketing plan)  
  • Anatomy of a business plan : a step-by-step guide to starting smart, building the business, and securing your company's future  HD30.28.P5 1999   
    (Part II:  The marketing plan)
  • The Internet marketing plan  HF5415.1265.B39 1997 
  • How to write a successful marketing plan : a disciplined and comprehensive approach  HF5415.13.H522 1990 
  • The marketing plan, how to prepare & implement it  HF 5415.L83 1982 
  • How to Write a Marketing Plan   http://www.infotoday.com/mls/jun99/how-to.htm 
    This hyperlinks to an article on how to write a marketing plan for a library and information service. 
  • Small Business Marketing:  How to Develop a Marketing Plan  http://www.bizmove.com/marketing/m2h.htm 
  • JIT Internet Marketing Plan Template   http://www2000.ogsm.vanderbilt.edu/courses/cme.seminar.fall.1995/interim2/group4.index.htm
    For individuals and institutions that want to market products and services on the Internet and the World Wide Web.  
  • Bplans.com  http://www.bplans.com/ 
    Includes sample business plans, marketing plans, tips for presenting plans, and other useful links. 
  • morebusiness.com   http://www.morebusiness.com/templates_worksheets/bplans/ 
    Templates and samples of business and marketing plans.
Market & Demographic Data
  • Reuters Business Insight Database   http://www.ReutersBusinessInsight.com/autologin.asp 
    Includes market reports from five industry sectors: consumer goods, energy, finance, healthcare, and e-commerce/technology. Full-text reports available in PDF or HTML format.
  • Demographics USA    Reference Table 9B HC110.C6S8472
    Covers population and race/ethnicity, age/sex groups, household related data, Effective Buying Income, and retail sales. Contains extensive maps and demographic, economic and commercial/industrial estimates. 
  • Mediamark research   HF5415.3.M43
    This survey provides detailed demographic and marketing segments of media audiences. The coverage is similar to the Simmons service. 
  • Official guide to American incomes  Reference Table 9B HC110.I5E87 1996
    Provides data on household, personal, and discretionary income, trends and household income projections, consumer spending, household wealth and net worth, poverty trends, and geography of income and poverty. 
  • Sourcebook of ZIP code demographics   Reference Table 9B  HA203.S66
    Includes statistical data on more than 150 characteristics such as age, race, income, households. Includes a mapbook of ZIP codes for metropolitan areas.
  • Who's buying food & drink : who spends how much on food and alcohol, at and away from home   Reference Table 9B   HD9004.M54 1996
    Includes information on spending and eating pattern in the US. 
  • Survey of buying power demographics USA  HC110.C6S847 
  • International marketing data and statistics  HA42.I56 
  • Statistical Portrait of the United States: Social Conditions and Trends    Reference Table 9B   HA214 .S84  Contains 12 thematic chapters with tables and charts and an appendix with detailed tables. 
  • Population Abstract of the United States   Reference Table 9B  HA 202 B67 
    Information is organized alphabetically by state.  Each state section contains: a brief history of the formation of the state; a breakdown of urban and rural population from the earliest census to the present; current and historical population totals for all counties and incorporated places of 10,000 or more; and 1990 population totals for county subdivisions and places in the United States.
  • Statistical Abstract of the United States   
    Authoritative source of facts about the people, institutions and economy of the country. This is a publication of the Census Bureau and is compiled from government and private sources and is an excellent place to start when looking for statistics.  Covers a broad range of topics, mostly United States, but includes some international.   Most recent edition at the Reference Desk.  Older editions in Government Documents - AE 2.108/2.  
  • Stat USA  (Portions of this database are available only in the library)  http://www.stat-usa.gov/ 
    Full-text, federal statistics database.  Contains over 300,000 reports and statistical series of business and economic data including:  General Economic Indicators,  Housing & Construction, Employment, Manufacturing & Industry, Monetary Statistics,  Monetary Statistics, Today's Global Business Opportunity Leads, Current Exchange Rates, Current & Historical Trade Leads,  Market & Country Research,  International Trade Statistics,  Current Press Releases & more.
  • Censtats   http://censtats.census.gov/
    A collection of statistical resources offered by the U.S. Census Bureau. Includes the following titles:  Annual Survey of Manufactures, Building Permits, Census Tract Street Locator, Consolidated Federal Funds Report, County Business Patterns, International Trade Data, Occupation by Race and Sex, USA Counties, Zip Code Business Patterns, and Financial Data for State and Local Governments and Schools.
  • Census 2000  http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2000/ 
    Profiles of General Demographic Characteristics -  United States & All states by county and city.  Sex, Age, Race, Relationship, Household Type, & Housing Tenure.
  • American Factfinder   http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/BasicFactsServlet 
    The Census Bureau's primary vehicle for distributing: 2000 Census of Population and Housing, 1997 Economic Census, American Community Survey, 1990 Census of Population and Housing.   You can use American FactFinder to find statistics about population, housing, industry and business. Currently includes: 2000 Census Population and Race Data, 1990 Census Basic and Detailed Tables,  American Community Survey 1996-99 1997 Economic Census, Data Basic Reference Maps (2000 and 1990 Geography) Thematic Maps (1990 Geography) &  Search Address Feature.  New 2000 census material is being included as it becomes available.    
  • Ameristat   http://www.ameristat.org/ 
    "One-stop source for U.S. population data"  2000 census, children, education, fertility, old age, labor, race, migration, fertility, mortality, political, marriage, family, income, poverty, etc. 
  • FedStats   http://www.fedstats.gov/ 
    Official statistical information available to the public from the Federal Government. Tracks economic and population trends, health care costs, aviation safety, foreign trade, energy use, farm production, and more. Access official statistics collected and published by more than 70 Federal agencies without having to know in advance which agency produces them. Browse  by topic, agency or search for key words or phrases.  Use  MapStats http://www.fedstats.gov/mapstats/ to profile your State, county, Federal judicial district, or congressional district.
  • Innovation Assessment Center  http://www.cb.wsu.edu/iac
    The Innovation Assessment Center at Washington State University offers a helpful package to new inventors. The IAC conducts market research, feasibility analysis, patent searches and consultation by industry experts. We help new businesspeople decide if they should make additional investments in their idea, make changes in their product to improve marketability or invest in a different idea.
Industry Data

PROFILES & STATISTICS

  • Standard & Poor's NetAdvantage http://www.netadvantage.standardpoor.com
    Electronic version of Standard & Poor's Industry Surveys.  

  • Moody's (now Mergent) OTC industrial news reports  http://www.mergent.com/publish/news_reports.asp
    (Scroll down to:  OTC industrial manual)

  • Moody's (now Mergent) transportation news reports   http://www.mergent.com/publish/news_reports.asp

  • (Scroll down to:  Transportation manual)

  • Service Industries USA : Industry Analyses, Statistics, and Leading Organizations  Reference Table 9B  HD9981.1 .S47 
    Covers service industries (SIC 7011-8999). Part I organized by SIC and includes industry description, general statistics, indices of change, selected ratios, leading companies, nonprofit organizations, occupations, maps, and state-level statistics. Part II provides tables for metropolitan statistical areas and is organized alphabetically by metro area. Data is placed in SIC order for each table. Includes indexes by SIC, service, company, nonprofit organization, metropolitan area, and occupation.  
  • Wholesale and Retail Trade USA: Industry Analyses, Statistics, and Leading Organizations   Reference Table 11A  HF5421.U5W56 1995  
    Covers wholesale (5012-5199) and retail distribution (5200-5999) industries. Part I is organized by SIC and includes general statistics, indices of change, selected ratios, leading companies, occupations, maps, and state-level statistics. Part II provides tables for cities and metro areas, organized alphabetically by city or metro area. Data is placed in SIC order for each table. Includes indexes by SIC, subject, company, city, and occupation. 
  • Encyclopedia of American Industries  Reference Table 11A  HC102 .E53 1998 
    Volume I covers Manufacturing Industries, and Volume II covers Service and Non-manufacturing Industries. Both volumes arranged by SIC code. Entries include an industry snapshot, organization and structure, background and development, current conditions, and industry leaders. Also includes a bibliography for further reading. 
  • Manufacturing USA : Industry Analyses, Statistics, and Leading Organizations  Reference Table 11A  HD9721 .M364 1998  
    Covers manufacturing, wholesale trade, and the retail sector. Vol. I covers Manufacturing by SIC code and begins Vol. II, Manufacturing by NAICS code. Vol. III completes Vol. II and begins Wholesale and Retail Industries by SIC code. Most entries include trends, general statistics, indices of change selected ratios, leading companies, materials consumed, product share details, occupations employed, maps, and industry data by state. 
  • Utah Directory of Business & Industry  Reference Table 11A HD  9727 .U8 U82  
    (    Also available on the Internet: http://www.dced.state.ut.us/busdev/dbi/bizdir99.htm )
  • Moody’s/Mergent Industry Review  Reference Table 11A  HG 4961 .M68    
    Provides comparative financial data by industry for approximately 3,500 companies. 
  • Standard & Poor’s Industry Surveys  Reference Table 11A  HC106.6 .S74  
    Analysis of current and historical trends on an industry basis. Current edition available online via Standard & Poor's NetAdvantage 
  • Dun and Bradstreet/Gale industry reference handbooks  Reference Table 11A  
    Contains an industry overview, statistics and performance indicators, financial norms & ratios, company directory, and rankings. v. 1-Entertainment and hospitality v.2-Insurance and health & medical services v. 3-Construction and agriculture v.4-Chemicals and pharmaceuticals v. 5-Computers & software and broadcasting & telecommunications 
  • U.S. Industry Profiles:  The Leading 100  Reference Table 11A  HC 106.82 .U6 1998  
    Organized in alphabetical order by industry, with two indexes: the Industry Index, which provides access via SIC code, and the General Index, which references all companies, associations, publications, and key government agencies. Entries include references for further reading. 
  • U.S. Industry & Trade Outlook  Reference Table 11A
    Provides evaluations and projections of major industrial and commercial segments of   the domestic economy.
  • Value Line Investment Survey  Reference Desk
    Provides ratings and reports on industries and major companies. Each industry section covers major issues as well as composite industry statistics. 
  • Industry Link   http://www.industrylink.com/ 
    Links to industry web sites.   
  • Industry Research Desk    http://www.virtualpet.com/industry/rdindex2.htm 
    Provides tools for researching specific companies, industries, and manufacturing processes. Includes a tutorial on how to learn about an industry or a specific company, industry data, industry home pages, and manufacturing process home pages.  
  • Industry Profiles   http://www.business.com/ 
    This site includes in-depth and updated industry profiles, industry-specific news, events, and associations for various industries.  
  • Hoovers Online   http://www.hoovers.com 
    Click on the Companies & Industries button from the menu for industry snapshots. 
  • Wall Street Research Net   http://www.wsrn.com/ 
    One of the more comprehensive sites for company information on the Internet. Search for information using the stock (ticker) symbol or choose the "Company Research" link to type in the full company name or search alphabetically. Included are links to the company's home page, financial reports, news, earnings, industry comparison, and stock information. Any links with the dollar sign ($) next to them are subscription services. Also includes industry sector statistics.

INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION

  • North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)  http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html 
    Provides common industry definitions for Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This new system is replacing the countries' separate classification systems with one uniform system for classifying industries. In the US, NAICS will replace the Standard Industrial Classification system (SIC). Provides information about new industries and sectors as well as correspondence information between NAICS and SIC.  
  • Standard Industrial Classification Code Search  http://www.osha.gov/oshstats/sicser.html 
    Allows a search of the 1987 version SIC manual by keyword, access of descriptive information for a specified 4-digit SIC, and examination of the manual structure. The SIC manual may be searched by keyword or by SIC code from this site.  
  • Standard industrial classification manual : SIC 2 + 2  Reference Table 11A  HF1042.S73 1988
  • North American industry classification system  Reference Table 11A  PREX2.6/2:IN 27/997/
Trade Associations
  • Associations Unlimited 
    Information on associations, professional societies, and non-profit organizations.
  • Encyclopedia of Associations  Reference Desk
  • Encyclopedia of Associations (International Organizations) Reference Desk
  • Yearbook of International Organizations  JX1904 .A42
  • Gateway to Associations   http://info.asaenet.org/gateway/OnlineAssocSlist.html 
    Searchable by keyword.  Updated by the American Society of Association Executives.  Contains over 6500 associations.    
  • National trade and professional associations of the United States, 1999  Reference HD2425.N37 1999
  • The Directory of Business Information Sources  Reference HF54.52 .U5 D567 2000
    Includes associations, newsletters, magazines & journals, trade shows, directories & databases, and Web sites.
  • Associations on the Net (Internet Public Library)  http://www.ipl.org/ref/AON/ 
    "A collection of over 2000 Internet sites providing information about a wide variety of professional and trade associations, cultural and art organizations, political parties and advocacy groups, labor unions, academic societies, and research institutions. Abstracts summarizing information about the association and its site are provided."
Financial Comparisons
  • RMA Annual Statement Studies  Reference Table 11A  HF5681. B2 R58
    Contains composite financial data on manufacturing, wholesaling, retailing, service, and contracting lines of business. Arranged by SIC code, this work makes it possible to compare one company's performance relative to other companies in the same line of business.
  • Industry Norms & Key Business Ratios  Reference Table 11A  HF5681. R25153   
    Includes both public and private US corporations of all sizes.
  • Standard & Poor’s Industry Surveys  Reference Table 11A  HC106.6 .S74  
    Analysis of current and historical trends on an industry basis. Current edition available online via Standard & Poor's NetAdvantage   http://www.netadvantage.standardpoor.com/  
  • Value Line Investment Survey  http://www.valueline.com/secure/vlrc/research.html
    Provides ratings and reports on industries and major companies. Each industry section covers major issues as well as composite industry statistics. 
General Small Business Information
  • Encyclopedia of small business 
  • http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/eBooks?ste=22&docNum=CX3404399999&q=ogde72764 
  • Going solo : the best resources for entrepreneurs & freelancers  Reference HB615.G54 1999 
  • Entrepreneur magazine : starting an import/export business  Reference HF1416.E577 1995 
  • The women's business resource guide : a national directory of over 600 programs, resources and organizations to help women start or expand a business  Reference HD6072.6.U5L58 1994 
  • Small Business Administration  http://www.sba.gov/ 
    "Provides financial, technical and management assistance to help Americans start, run, and grow their businesses. 
  • Small Business Development Centers Homepage  http://www.asbdc-us.org/ 
  • Women's Online Business Center  http://www.onlinewbc.gov/ 
    "    OWBO promotes the growth of women-owned businesses through programs that address business training and technical assistance, and provide access to credit and capital, federal contracts, and international trade opportunities."
  • Entrepreneur.Com: The Online Small Business Authority  http://www.entrepreneurmag.com 
    Maintained by Entrepreneur Magazine to support new business ideas and growing companies.  Contains selected articles from the publication and resources for business developers. "Small Business Tools" section enables one to download ready-made business forms and search a software library; "Entrepreneur's Databases" include links to categories of franchising opportunities (fastest-growing, top new, home-based, etc).  (Glenda Neely, University of Louisville)
  • Entrepreneur's Reference Guide to Small Business Information  http://lcweb.loc.gov/rr/business/guide2.html 
    Contents include: "Introduction, Getting Started, Raising Capital, Managing Your Business, Human Resources, Marketing, Doing Business with Government, International Opportunities, Research and Information Gathering, Looking At the Numbers, Handbooks and Guides, Information about Companies, Indexes, Databases, Other Information Sources, Keeping Current, and Index."  (Glenda Neely, University of Louisville)
  • Entrepreneurial Edge:  The Edward Lowe Foundation http://www.lowe.org 
    Devoted to championing the entrepreneurial spirit and promote his philosophy of fostering and nurturing the American entrepreneur. Contains a "quick search" area for finance, human resources, leadership and management, legal issues, marketing, operations and technology. Information resources area includes business builders and best business links. (Glenda Neely, University of Louisville)
  • Entreworld: Kaufman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership  http://www.entreworld.com 
    "    Wide range of subjects divided into three categories: Starting your Business, Growing your Business and Supporting Entrepreneurship. There are helpful articles and research links included. Of special note is the Business Information Center."  (Glenda Neely, University of Louisville)
  • S.C.O.R.E. – Service Corp of Retired Engineers   http://www.score.org  
    A resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration, SCORE  offers counseling and workshops to business owners.
Business Directories
  • Ward's business directory of U.S. private and public companies  Reference Table 11A HG4057.A575 2001 
    Excellent source for private companies.
  • American Big Business Directory   Reference Table 11A   HF5035 .A49 1999 
    Includes over 193,000 organizations with 100 or more employees. Organized  alphabetically by company name, city, SIC code, or top executives.
  • American Manufacturers Directory   Reference Table 11A   HD9723 .U27 2000
    Provides address, phone number, number of employees, sales, credit rating, and SIC code for over 166,000 organizations with 20 or more employees indexed alphabetically, by city, and by SIC code.  
  • Directory of American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries  Reference Table 11A HG4538.A1D5  
    Basic directory information for American firms operating abroad. Entries contain phone, fax, principle product/service, number of employees, and countries with subsidiaries or affiliates. Vol.1 lists firms in alphabetical order, Vols. 2 and 3 list firms by country.
  • Directory of Corporate Affiliations   Reference Table 11A   HG4057 .A217 
    Useful for finding parent companies of divisions, subsidiaries and affiliates for private and public companies. Includes addresses, number of employees, names of top executives, and indexes by geographic location, type of business, and brand names.  
  • Utah Business Directory   Reference Table 11A  HF5065.U8U78
    Four sections include bus nesses by city, businesses by yellow page category, major employers, and manufacturers by city and product. 
  • Directory of Franchising Organizations  Reference Table 11A  HF5429.3 .D5 1998  
    Lists over 1300 current franchises in 45 categories. Provides short description, amount of investment required, and contact information. 
  • State of Utah Global Business Directory   Reference Table 11A  HF5065 .U8 U8 1997  
    Directory of Utah exporters. Includes contact information, Internet address, number of employees, date established, product description, and export regions. The beginning of the directory includes sections on Utah’s economy, a Utah business brief, and export figures. 
  • Standard & Poor's Register of Corporations, Directors, and Executives  Reference Table 11A  HG4057 .S57 1999  
    Listing of over 55,000 public and private U.S., Canadian and major international businesses. Provides titles and duties of all leading officers, executives, department heads and technical personnel, annual sales and number of employees. Volume 2 includes biographies for more than 70,000 high-level executives.  
  • Utah Directory of Business & Industry  Reference Table 11A HD  9727 .U8 U82
    Also available on the Internet: http://www.dced.state.ut.us/busdev/dbi/bizdir99.htm 

These resources were initially compiled and prepared by Ms. Shaun Spiegel from the Weber State University Stewart Library in January of 2002.  Last updated in January of 2005.

 
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