Getting Down to Business: Online Resources for Business Research

Whether you are doing preliminary research for your business plan and scalability or hawking the stock market and looking for insight on your portfolio, Chicago Public Library has a wide range of online resources on business related topics and trends.

No matter what your scope is, there is probably a resource to help you meet your business research goals. Get down to business and get started on your research with these Chicago Public Library online resources.

Directories & Public Records

Check Illinois

Check Illinois is the largest Illinois Public Records database covering several counties including Cook County. This database covers so much more than personal records providing public record information on properties and businesses.

Data Axle Reference Solutions (formerly ReferenceUSA)

Need to research the business and consumer market? Data Axle Reference Solutions can help you pinpoint data for both businesses and consumers to make data informed decisions.

Illinois Public Records

If you aren’t searching for a particular record or are looking for results in more of a list format, try starting with the Illinois Public Records main database as opposed to Check Illinois.

Investing

Morningstar

Looking to dive into stock research? Morningstar has everything you need whether you are new to investing or are well-versed and have a daily routine.

Standard & Poor’s NetAdvantage

Did you know you can access NetAdvantage from any Chicago Public Library public computer? NetAdvantage is a powerful investment and financial tool providing in-depth analysis and market news.

Learning Tools

LinkedIn Learning

Looking to boost your research soft-skills or do you have a specific business-related topic you want to learn more about? LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform with thousands of videos and courses lead by industry professionals. With Business being one of the main content areas, LinkedIn Learning has numerous topics to choose from including categories like Business Analysis and Strategy and Project Management.

ProQuest One Business

Looking for a one-stop-shop? ProQuest One Business gathers business publications like newspapers and magazines, company overviews, and industry reports all within one online database.

These are just a few of the online resources that can help you meet your business research needs. To see all our business relevant online resources, visit the Business & Money online resources page.

Events

Looking for even more business content? Check out our online and in-person Business, Law and Money events.