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How to Write a Business Plan

Find data about your industry to include in your business plan

Mentoring and Advice

Need extra help? We can put you in touch with a SCORE Mentor or legal help to get answers. 

What's my Industry?

Learning the industry you will be operating within and its structure, drivers, and its major players will inform your business making decisions. But what is an industry?

According to Investopedia​:

An industry is a group of companies that are related based on their primary business activities. In modern economies, there are dozens of industry classifications, which are typically grouped into larger categories called sectors. Individual companies are generally classified into an industry based on their largest sources of revenue. 

Most Industries have a number associated with them either a NAICS or SIC:

Web Resources for Finding Industry Data

Tip: Check trade/professional associations for you target industry.  If you want a comprehensive list of professional associations check the Gale Directory Library linked in the next box.  

Library Resources for Finding Industry Information

From your home or office: You can use these library resources to find industry reports and data.

In Library Use Only: Take a trip to your local branch to use these resources to find in depth industry analyses and reports.