Various online resources for data gathering, market research tools, industry information, statistics, and more!
Data Gathering & Market Research
Consumer Research
- Consumer Expenditure Surveys - US Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Consumer Expenditure Surveys (CE) program provides data on expenditures, income, and demographic characteristics of consumers in the United States. The CE program provides these data in tables, LABSTAT database, news releases, reports, and public use microdata files.
- Pew Research Center
Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. We conduct public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis and other data-driven social science research. We do not take policy positions.
- American Time Use Survey - US Bureau of Labor Statistics
The American Time Use Survey (ATUS) measures the amount of time people spend doing various activities, such as paid work, childcare, volunteering, and socializing.
- Census Business Builder
The Census Business Builder (CBB) is a suite of services that provide selected demographic and economic data from the Census Bureau tailored to specific types of users in a simple to access and use format.
- DATA GEMS: How Do I Get Business Data for My Location?
Video Tutorial
- DATA GEMS: How to Create a Business Data Report
Video Tutorial
Industry Trends
- Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade
- The Colorado Office of Economic Development & Industry Trade provides industry trend information for the state of Colorado.
- The Colorado Office of Economic Development & Industry Trade provides industry trend information for the state of Colorado.
- Census Business Builder
- The Census Business Builder (CBB) is a suite of services that provide selected demographic and economic data from the Census Bureau tailored to specific types of users in a simple to access and use format.
- The Census Business Builder (CBB) is a suite of services that provide selected demographic and economic data from the Census Bureau tailored to specific types of users in a simple to access and use format.
- DATA GEMS: How Do I Get Business Data for My Location?
Video Tutorial
- US Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy
- Link to research page to find reports on Small Business.
- Using EDGAR to Research Investments
The EDGAR database provides free public access to corporate information, allowing you to research a public company’s financial information and operations by reviewing the filings the company makes with the SEC. You can also research information provided by mutual funds (including money market funds), exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and variable annuities.
Industry Information
- Edgar Database of Corporate Information
Find all corporate documents that must be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission including annual reports, financials and statement of changes in beneficial ownership.
- Labor Market Information - State of Colorado
Statistics about Colorado's labor force and employment outlook.
- Standard Industrial Classification System
The Federal Government classifies businesses by type using Standard Industrial Classification (SIC). Use this website to search the SIC codes and browse by type of business.
- North American Classification System (NAICS)
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy.
- Hoovers
Corporate profile database.
- Library of Congress - Business & Economics Research Advisor
An ongoing series designed as reference and research guides for subjects related to business and economics intended to serve a wide research audience, as well as to provide useful, quality information and research assistance to the interested public.
Industry Statistics
- BizStats
- Free business statistics and financial ratios. BizStats is the home of free, accurate business statistics - well organized and easy to use.
- Free business statistics and financial ratios. BizStats is the home of free, accurate business statistics - well organized and easy to use.
- Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade
- The Colorado Office of Economic Development & Industry Trade provides industry trend information for the state of Colorado.
- The Colorado Office of Economic Development & Industry Trade provides industry trend information for the state of Colorado.
- Census Business Builder
- The Census Business Builder (CBB) is a suite of services that provide selected demographic and economic data from the Census Bureau tailored to specific types of users in a simple to access and use format.
- The Census Business Builder (CBB) is a suite of services that provide selected demographic and economic data from the Census Bureau tailored to specific types of users in a simple to access and use format.
- DATA GEMS: How Do I Get Business Data for My Location?
Video Tutorial
- US Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy
- Link to research page to find reports on Small Business.
- Link to research page to find reports on Small Business.
- OECD - Industry and Entrepreneurship
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. A variety of statistical sets of industry, entrepreneurship, and trade throughout the world.
- Survey of Current Business
Monthly publication of the US Department of Commerce with reports and statistics on the current business situation and economy of the United States. Includes inventories, sales, and profits by broad industry group, and other industry statistics.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Industry at a Glance
Over 100 industry pages are available.
These pages display a ‘snapshot’ of national data obtained from different BLS surveys and programs. Many programs also produce additional industry detail, including state and regional data
Finding Statistics Online
- Colorado State Demography Office
In addition to census data, this site contains base industry analysis, economic projections, personal income, employment by sector at the state, regional, and county levels.
- Data and Statistics about the U.S.
The United States Census Bureau provides data about the nation’s people and economy. Every 10 years, it conducts the Population and Housing Census, in which every resident in the United States is counted. The agency also gathers data through more than 100 other surveys of households and businesses every one to five years. You can explore the results of the surveys or find popular quick facts.
- Census Data
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
A wide range of statistics available including demographic, housing, economic, and other statistics about American households and individuals.
- Survey of Current Business
Monthly publication of the US Department of Commerce with reports and statistics on the current business situation and economy of the United States. Includes inventories, sales, and profits by broad industry group, and other industry statistics.
- U.S. Census Bureau - Economic Census
Every five years, the U.S. Census Bureau collects extensive statistics about businesses that are essential to understanding the American economy. This official count, better known as the Economic Census, serves as the foundation for the measurement of U.S. businesses and their economic impact.
Funding
Online Resources for Microloans and other funding opportunities
The following resources contain information on grants and loans for small businesses.
- Accion Opportunity Fund
We are committed to supporting small business owners who are often shut out from financing. We're helping their businesses thrive.
- B:Side Capital
We weren't always known as B:Side Capital. However, our mission to foster the economic growth of diverse small businesses remains the same and serves as the foundation for everything we do. For over 30 years, our organization was known as Colorado Lending Source where we established our reputation as a stalwart supporter of banks and small business owners alike. In 2021, we rebranded as B:Side Capital and B:Side Fund to reflect our expanded focus, values, and offerings. Today, our legacy lives on through our mission with renewed energy to reach underserved small businesses.
- Colorado Enterprise Fund
We help Colorado’s small business owners get access to affordable loans and lines of credit with flexible rates and terms.
- Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
We can help you reach new heights with your business, whether you are a for-profit or nonprofit. We even have unique programs for manufacturers, rural businesses, and healthy food grocers.
Using a variety of resources, CHFA's Community Development team partners with lenders and economic developers to provide you with the financing you need for future growth. We know strong communities make strong economies and we are proud to play a role.
- DreamSpring
Funding business dreams, vitalizing communities. DreamSpring is an award-winning nonprofit organization that increases access to credit, makes loans, and provides a community of support to help entrepreneurs realize their dreams.
- Energize Colorado
We are builders and innovators focused on serving Colorado’s smallest businesses including BIPOC, women, veteran, and rural-owned businesses in under-served areas.
- Hello Alice
Hello Alice is a free platform designed for AND by small business owners. We're here to guide and support you at every turn on your adventure in entrepreneurship. We work on behalf of over one million small business owners like you to secure relevant business solutions and funding opportunities for you and your business.
- Small Business Administration
The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands and Guam.
- Climber Loan Fund
The CLIMBER (Colorado Loans to Increase Mainstreet Business Economic Recovery) Loan Fund is a statewide program that provides up to $250 million in working capital loans to Colorado small businesses through 2024. It promotes small business growth, saves jobs, and helps support the Colorado economy.
Lenders, CDFIs, credit unions, and nonprofit lenders can participate and provide loans for their small business customers needing financial assistance.
Small businesses with up to 99 employees may apply for working capital loans between $10,000 and $500,000. Below-market interest rates and a 1-year deferred payment option make the program a secure option for small businesses.
Other Web Resources
Business Licensing and Registration
- Apply for, Renew or Reinstate a Business License - Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Professions and Occupations.
- MyBizColorado - Single site that allows new businesses to register with the Secretary of State as well as register for license, sales tax, wage withholding, and unemployment insurance accounts.
- Business : City and County of Pueblo - Business resources specific to operating in the City & County of Pueblo, including how to obtain a business license.
- Small Business Navigator - The Small Business Navigator is a first point of contact for Colorado entrepreneurs and small-business owners needing support in their business journey. Fluent in English and Spanish, the navigator can also facilitate the use of an interpretation service for clients seeking assistance in the language of their preference.
- Lex Mundi's Guide to Doing Business in Colorado - Free background information compiled by a Lex Mundi member local independent law firms, providing general information about legal and business infrastructures. They do not purport to be comprehensive or to render legal advice.
Business Consulting, Development and Education
- Small Business Online Learning Platform: The State of Colorado's new small business online learning platform providing on-demand courses for small business owners at every stage, from pre-venture through exiting out of ownership. Also available in Spanish.
- Venture Validators - From Colorado State University's Institute for Entrepreneurship, this is a free program, open to all, where aspiring entrepreneurs meet twice a week for two weeks to test out their new business concepts.
- Mi Casa Resource Center - This organization provides workshops, seminars, and business counseling. They sometimes offer a seminar called "Considering a Business?" View their full calendar to view their upcoming opportunities.