Entrepreneurship Resources: Getting Started

In this guide, you'll find resources for doing research in entrepreneurship classes, especially ENTR 100: Entrepreneurship & Innovation.

You can get research help from a librarian in the following ways:

• Email form:https://library.stthomas.edu/ask/email/
• Live chat: use the widget in the lower right corner of this page
• Text: (651) 504-1324

Research Consultations: Research Help by Appointment

Research Consultations are scheduled one-on-one meetings with a subject librarian. You can also schedule a consultation for a small group. Consultations usually last 30-45 minutes and are scheduled at a mutually convenient time. Contact a business librarian to schedule a consultation.

As you begin your research, ask yourself:

• What do you already know?
• What do you NEED to know?
• Do you need to identify companies and competitors?
• Do you need to understand an industry?
• Do you need background information on a product or service?
• What specific terms and/or phrases are unique to the industry?

Think about "who cares" enough to compile, analyze and publish data on a particular business topic. Library databases contain articles from trade publications, peer-reviewed contents, analyst reports, and other value-added or vetted information. In addition, consider the following sources:
 

• Trade associations
• Government agencies at the Federal, State and Local levels
• Market research firms/consulting firms
• Local media

Small businesses are usually private companies. A private company is a company that's not traded on any stock exchange. Generally, private companies do not have to file documents with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC.)

Finding information on private companies can be quite challenging. If the company is very small and/or private, it may be necessary to piece the information together from many sources.