Researching your market

Whether you are starting, operating, or growing your business, the Blinn College SBDC can help you do the research you need to stay competitive.  Our business information services include access to our center's business library and our Network 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 SBDC clients through our UH SBDC Network professional business librarian.  We can 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 data bases for targeted market research.

Additional business resources

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

County/State Information

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/

Economic Development and Tourism

Governor's office – 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/