Research Guides: Arts Business Plan Research: Overview

Find Market and Industry Reports and Stats

Census Data
A tool that lets you explore U.S. Census data, which includes information about the population, business and economy, and state and local governments.
Census Reporter
Easy access to US Census data, easily create data visualizations with Census data.

Mintel Reports This link opens in a new window
U.S. business-to-consumer market research & psychographics
Restricted to only current SMU students, faculty & staff.
View the Market Research tutorial for more insights.
IBISWorld This link opens in a new window
Trends, statistics, & analysis of U.S. industries
View the Industry Research tutorial for more insights.
Statista This link opens in a new window
Statistics & studies gathered by market researchers, trade organizations, scientific publications, etc
View the Finding Data tutorial for more insights.
Simmons Catalyst This link opens in a new window
Demographic & psychographic data, brand & media consumption
View the Simmons Catalyst Training Research Guide for more insights. Simultaneous users permitted: 35

Business Source Complete This link opens in a new window
Good source for trade magazine and business news articles
View the Company Research and Industry Research tutorials for more insights.
ABI/INFORM Collection This link opens in a new window
Good source for trade magazine and business news articles

Market Demographics

Market Size, Growth, Needs, and Trends

Competition

Major competitors and their locations, strengths, and weaknesses, their goods/services, and pricing
Barriers to entry

Small Business Reference Center This link opens in a new window
This is a great place to start for how-to information on opening and running a business. Look for the example business plans in the start-up kit.

Small Business Administration - Starting a Business
Are you thinking about starting a business of your own? Explore the topics below to learn the aspects of starting a business, plus find information you need to succeed.
Small Business Administration - Write a Business Plan