Start Your Own Business

This guide will show you the eResources and books you can use to help find your target market, plan your business for success, navigate legal and financial hurdles, market your business effectively, and community resources.

Know Your Demographics

Research business and consumer demographics to find your ideal business location with information on business sales, population, and lifestyles (how people spend their leisure time, and how people spend their income).

Some important abbreviations to know:

  • NAICS - "North American Industry Classification System"
  • SIC - "Standard Industry Classification"  
  • CE or CEX - "Consumer Expenditure Survey"

Demographic information to consider:

  • Data may overlap. For example, national data sources may also include state and local information.
  • Remember to cite your sources!

Local and National Business and Consumer Data