Research Guides: West Virginia Business Plan Competition: A Guide: Home

Scope

This guide outlines open access and free business information sources available to all West Virginia Business Competition finalists (i.e. these resources do not require a West Virginia University login). WVU users should reference the Business Research Guide. If you have a valid West Virginia public library card, you can also access statewide library resources by visiting the West Virginia Library Commission Databases and eResources page.

WVInfoDepot.org
WVInfoDepot.org, the West Virginia eLibrary, is an anywhere, anytime library that you can access from your home pc, school library, or mobile device with your West Virginia Public Library Card number. WVInfoDepot.org provides access to millions of magazine and newspaper articles, ebooks, digital images, test preparation, primary source materials and more.
Use: Business Source Elite database.

US Census Information: Demographics, Business Patterns, etc.

American FactFinder
Using the Advanced search within American FactFinder, conduct a search for common demographics (i.e. age, sex, or income). You can narrow your search by geography.

Industry & Market Analysis

Census Business Builder: Small Business Edition
The Census Business Builder (CBB) is built primarily for small business owners who need key data for their business plan or to better understand their potential market.
Census Business Builder: Regional Analyst Edition
Regional Analyst Edition is built primarily for chambers of commerce and regional planning staff who need a broad portrait of the people and businesses in their service area.

Consumer Behavior

Claritas.com (MyBestSegments)
Search by zip code to see abbreviated summary of lifestyle segments, brands purchased, and frequent activities. Claritas MyBestSegments uses a proprietary category system called Claritas PRIZM Premier. Households categorized into Lifestyles using a combination of Census.gov data, consumer surveys, and assorted public and private demographic / consumer information. MyBestSegments is a free version of a subscription Claritas product.