Business Resources
Industry Research
What is going on in your industry? What are the standards by which you can benchmark your own business? Check these sites to learn more about specific industries.
Hoover's Contacts and Leads
Try Hoover's for some free information about companies including stock news, business outlook, competitors, and top management.
ThomasRegister.com
A good place to find manufacturers of industrial goods and services.
National Restaurant Association
This is a membership based Web site, but it has good statistics for the restaurant industry standards and benchmarks.
Restaurant Report
Great information for restaurants.
Survey Information
A helpful resource on types of surveys and samples.
Washington State Farm Service Industry
The Washington State Web site for farm and agricultural services.
North American Industry Classification Sysyem (NAICS)
The NAICS has replaced the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system. NAICS was developed jointly by U.S., Canada, and Mexico to provide new comparability in statistics about business activity across North America. This Web site allows the user to search the 2007 version NAICS by keyword, including NAICS to SIC/SIC to NAICS capability.
Biz Stats
Compares the profitability of various business types and includes a section dedicated to the importance of "sales per square foot" in retail stores.
Washington State Dept. of Agriculture Green Book
The Washington Department of Agriculture published "The Green Book" as a guide to the direct marketing of farm products. It includes rules, regulations, labeling, advice, and resources for farmers wishing to sell their products to consumers or other businesses.
Business Valuation Guide
Includes articles and valuation charts to help you determine your business' market worth. Check it out!