Business Library

Whether you are starting, operating, or growing your business, the University of Houston Small Business Development Center business research librarian can help you find the information you need to be successful.  Their business information services include access to the business library -- a comprehensive research and reference library offering extensive online and print business tools and resources -- and general reference assistance in conducting industry and market research.  Reference services include help and direction in collecting industry or market statistics needed for a business or marketing plan, researching specific market or industry trends, and identifying competitors, suppliers or potential customers.

Customized research services are provided exclusively to the University of Houston SBDC clients. Through their professional business librarian, they access on-line business reference sources to research, collate and present clients with information including in-depth industry and market research, detailed reports on competition, ring study capabilities for comprehensive site analyses, and access to specialized databases for targeted market research.

Visit the University of Houston SBDC library in midtown Houston at 2302 Fannin, Suite 200.  Click here for directions.   Library Hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Please call (713) 752-8415 to verify hours for the week.

Or, ask a question via email at sbdclibrary@uh.edu.  Their professional business librarian will send an email response. 

Link to additional business information resources at these websites:

http://www.entrepreneur.com/ – articles and startup information on several businesses
http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/-- SBA start-up information
http://www.houstontx.gov/onestop/ -- Getting Started Packet

Business and Market Research

http://www.census.gov/ – U.S. Bureau of the Census – extensive statistical data
http://www.econdata.net/ –Links to regional statistical data
www.adage.com/americandemographics - Demographic articles
http://www.maritzreserach.com/ –American consumer surveys
http://www.emarketer.com/ –Stats on e-commerce
http://www.internetnews.com/ –Internet stats
http://www.zapdata.com/ – Prospect lists, company research, industry reports
http://www.buyusa.com/ –Find non-U.S. importers and buyers seeking U.S. sources of supply

Business Plans

http://www.bplans.com/
www.businessplans.org/
www133.americanexpress.com/
www.planware.org/

City of Houston/County/State Information

City of Houston -- http://www.houstontx.gov/
Harris County -- http://www.co.harris.tx.us/ http://www.brazoria-county.com/
Fort Bend County -- http://www.brazoria-county.com/
Fort Bend County -- http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us/
Galveston County -- http://www.co.galveston.tx.us/
Montgomery County -- http://www.co.montgomery.tx.us/
Alcoholic and Beverage Commission – http://www.tabc.state.tx.us/
Commission on Environmental Quality –http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/
Comptroller of Public Accounts -- http://window.state.tx.us/
Department of Insurance -- http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/
Family and Protective Services (child care)  http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/
Governor’s Office – Economic Development and Tourism – http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/ecodev/sba/
Secretary of State (incorporation) – http://www.sos.state.tx.us/
TX Online-TX at your Fingertips – http://www.texasonline.state.tx.us/
Workforce Commission -- http://www.twc.state.tx.us/