Tools to Start Your Business
Business information tools available at The Seattle Public Library and the web that will help you start your business.
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ABI/Inform Trade and Industry
Current market trends, company benchmarks and financial ratios in business magazines, trade journals and market reports. Answer questions like: •What new technologies are impacting the microbrewery market? •Does the forecast look good for opening a fitness center? •How much does the average daycare charge for tuition in the US?
View ABI/Inform Trade and Industry -
Best Customers
Consumer expenditures for products and services. Identifies the best customers for products and services by age, household income, education and more.
View Best Customers -
Business Plans Handbook
Actual business plans from a wide variety of manufacturing, retail, and service industries. Answer questions like: •Where can I find an example of a pressure washing business plan? •Where can I find a sample market analysis for a martial arts studio? •What equipment do I need to open a children’s hair salon?
View Business Plans Handbook -
Data Axle Reference Solutions
Competitors, prospects, suppliers or partners, searchable by type of business and geography. Answer questions like: •What t-shirt companies are in Rainier Beach? •How many women-owned businesses are in King County? •How much do juice bars typically spend on advertising?
View Data Axle Reference Solutions -
Demographics Now
Demographic information including spending by product, age, income level, level of education and behavioral information. Useful for choosing a business location, locating target customers, and sizing your market. Answer questions like: •How much money do households spend on pet supplies in the West Seattle neighborhood? •What’s the best location for a toy store in Ballard? •How do I compare neighborhood populations and craft marketing strategies to reach those that live there?
View Demographics Now -
Licenses: Seattle Business Licenses
Get a business license tax certificate, renew a business license tax certificate or cancel a business license tax certificate.
View Licenses: Seattle Business Licenses -
Licenses: Washington State Business Licensing Guide
Start here to get licensing requirements for your business.
View Licenses: Washington State Business Licensing Guide -
Licenses: Washington State Professional Licenses
Application process for professional licenses.
View Licenses: Washington State Professional Licenses -
RMA eStatement Studies
Benchmark financial statements and ratios for businesses. Detailed financial data for entrepreneurs and startups to plan and compare against real-world measures. FAQ with ratio definitions. Answer questions like: •Where can I find business ratios for the florist industry? •How do I compare my business financial plan to companies in my industry?
View RMA eStatement Studies -
Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce
Find articles and information on business, construction, real estate, engineering, architecture, and more. •What firms are involved in recent large construction projects downtown Seattle? •What are some upcoming business events happening in Seattle? •What are some of the latest trends in Seattle’s maritime industries?
View Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce