Researching Business Ideas
for starting a business


Preparation is an important part of starting a business. Getting as much information on the type of business you want to start is key to developing an accurate business plan. The information below can help you begin your research.

Websites
Print
Resources

Websites

Business.gov
www.business.gov

This site is managed by the U.S. Small Business Administration and provides information on various industries. Some of the topics covered on this site include funding for businesses, business start-up planning, and business data and statistics.

Missouri Business Development Program
www.missouribusiness.net

Information provided here covers what is needed to start a business in Missouri. Created by the Universtiy of Missouri Extension Services, this information includes business plans, regulations, and tax information.

Missouri Business Portal
www.business.mo.gov

The Missouri Business Portal was created by several Missouri agencies and officials. The website gives basic informaion on how to start a business in Missouri.

Missouri Small Business Development Centers
www.missouribusiness.net/startup/index.asp

A part of the Missouri Business Development Program, information on budget sheets, narrative planning questions, and other aspects of planning a business can be found here. Try exploring the sections labeled "Evaluating Your Business Idea", "License & Regulation Checklist", or "Industry Specific Business Guides".

Missouri Secretary of State: Business Services
www.sos.mo.gov/business

The Business Services Division of the Missouri Secretary of State's Office provides a website with information on business registration, a database of Missouri businesses, and business start-up details.

Startup Nation
www.startupnation.com

Startup Nation was created by two entrepreneurs. On their website information can be found on starting and maintaining a business. Check out the section titled "Step-by-Step Advice".

U.S. Census Bureau: Business & Industry
www.census.gov/econ/www

The U.S. Department of the Census website lists facts and figures about demographic information for households and businesses in the United States.

U.S. Small Business Administration
www.sba.gov

The U.S. SBA website provides information on business loans, business planning, an online question and answer bulletin board, and other valuable resources.

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Print Resources

The St. Charles City-County Library District has books in the collection devoted to starting a small business. If you are looking to start a business but are still trying to narrow down your idea, try searching the catalog with subject or title keyword using one or more of the following terms:

  • new business enterprises
  • Click here to begin searching the library's catalog.
    Following the link to the library's catalog will take you out of the Business & Public Management web pages and into the main library pages.

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    Click here to return to Starting a Business.

    Please email questions and comments to Trevor Rees: trees@stchlibrary.org.


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    Last Update - 12/28/07