Databases for Business Planning
- Gale Business: Entrepreneurship This link opens in a new windowSample business plans, articles, overviews, directories, business topics and types, "how-to" documents.
- PrivCo This link opens in a new windowBusiness and financial data on major, non-publicly traded corporations: family owned, private equity owned, venture backed, and international unlisted companies. Company financials, M&A deals, valuations, venture capital funding, private equity deals, etc.
- DemographicsNow This link opens in a new windowGeographically customized demographic data reports and maps. Identify patterns and trends regarding household expenditures, market penetration and location of goods and services.
- Social Explorer This link opens in a new windowCurrent and historical census data and demographic information: US Census, American Community Survey, religious membership, carbon emissions data, etc. Customizable maps, charts, and reports.
Local Resources for Entrepreneurship
The Nashville and Tennessee areas have excellent resources for entrepreneurs:
- 2022 Annual Report: Nashville Capital NetworkYearly overview of the Nashville Venture Capital marketplace.
- EO (Entrepreneur Organization)Membership organization designed to help business owners from around the world. Pullout program for startups & mid-level companies.
- Jumpstart FoundryAccelerates the growth of fledgling tech-oriented businesses in the Southeast.
- Launch Tennessee: ReportsWhite papers and annual reports of interest to the Tennessee entrepreneur community.
- Nashville Capital NetworkSupport organization for early-stage companies.
Print Resources for Business Planning
Business Plans Handbook: A Compilation of Actual Business Plans Developed by Small Businesses throughout North AmericaCall Number: REF HD 62.7 .B865A basic resource made up almost entirely of actual service, product, high tech, non-profit, food, virtual reality and other sample business plans.
How to Write a Business PlanCall Number: REF HD 30.28 .M3839Also available electronically; see link below
The startup owner's manual : the step-by-step guide for building a great companyCall Number: HD62.5 .B576
Websites for Business Planning
- Business Plans Handbook OnlineGives sample business plans; data in plans is not accurate but gives a good template to follow.
- Edward Lowe FoundationGeared to the business information needs of second stage entrepreneur's. Includes YourEconomy, as well as the Entrepreneur's Resource Center.
- SBDCnetA national information clearinghouse set up to serve the Small Business Development Centers nationwide, this website and clearinghouse provide more sample business plans, information on franchises, e-commerce, procurement, home businesses, inventions, etc
- SCORENonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground; supported by the Small Business Association.
- Small Business AdministrationAn excellent resource for information on starting and running a business aimed at both the beginner and current small business owner. Click on the tab for “Small Business Planner” tab to find guides to writing a business plan and sample plans.
- The Wall Street Journal--Small BusinessThis source includes an online step-by-step guide to developing a mini-plan and provides sample plans, start-up cost and cost-flow-calculators and other resources. Most information is free.
