Business Research & Resources

Library Databases

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Gale Business: Plan Builder – for anyone who wants to start, manage and optimize a business or nonprofit, the Plan Builder leads you through a step-by-step process to explore your interests, develop your business idea, assess your opportunities, and put your plans in writing.

To set up your personal account, select “Visit the Resource” below, then “Get Started”, and then “First Time Here? Get Started.” To learn more about using this resource, check out this video tutorial.

Gale Legal Forms Library – offers forms you may need for business contracts, loans and lending, human resources, technology, and landlord and vendor agreements. The forms are fill-in-the-blank, downloadable, and continuously updated to reflect the latest laws. In addition, view the LegalLife® Articles for relevant information on starting a business.

Reference Solutions provides accurate data on U.S. businesses and consumers. Features include the ability to create mailing lists, charts, graphs and maps that can be printed or exported. Use it as:

  • A directory for finding people or getting contact information for companies
  • A resource for starting, managing and growing a business, using options for searching by business type, size, location and more
  • A resource to identify target markets and potential customers based on hobbies and interests
  • A resource for jobseekers to find potential employers

LinkedIn Learning – access video courses to learn how to manage time and projects; be more productive with business software and technology; and lead yourself, others, and your business over the span of your career. (Content in this resource was previously provided via Lynda.com.)

Mango Languages – offers specialty courses in conducting business in Latin American Spanish and Mandarin Chinese.


Our databases for newspaper and magazine articles allow you to research business topics and avoid costly subscriptions.

Business Source Premier – search for articles from business publications, and access  market research reports, industry reports, country reports, company profiles and SWOT analyses.  

Regional Business News – search for articles from regional business publications for the US and Canada. Coverage include franchise restaurants, the retail industry, and business planning.

U.S. Major Daily Newspapers Database
Access articles from the 1980s through today with content updated daily.
Includes:

  • Wall Street Journal
  • Washington Post
  • Los Angeles Times
  • Chicago Tribune
  • The New York Times


Local and State Resources

Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce – the mission of the Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce is to promote business opportunities, economic development and community growth.

Scotch Plains Business and Professional Association – a nonprofit organization non-profit organization whose purpose is to assist and enhance the business community in the Township of Scotch Plains through its networking activities and community involvement. Activities include the sponsorship of the Scotch Plains Farmers Market from May through November each year.

SCORE MetroNJ – offers access to experienced volunteers who can help small business professionals start, manage and grow their business throughout Union, Hudson and Essex counties. Services include free and confidential mentoring along with low-cost or no-cost business training.

Union County Economic Development Corporation – a private non-profit economic development corporation that helps small business by making loans, training and mentoring business owners, helping businesses obtain government contracts, and providing accurate and relevant business information.

New Jersey Office of Small Business Advocacy – provides resources for: mentoring assistance; financial assistance; licensing and certification; navigating the regulatory process; labor and workforce issues; procurement assistance; and export assistance. Offers a free Business Helpline, and assistance with the upcoming Ban on Single Use Plastics.


U.S. Census Bureau Resources

The Census Bureau is dedicated to providing current facts and figures about America’s people, places, and economy.

Census QuickFacts – provides statistics for all states and counties, and for cities and towns with a population of 5,000 or more.

Census Business Builder – find data to help you start or grow a business or understand the business landscape for a region.