Research Guides: Business: Business websites

Starting a business

First tackle the legal and logistical aspects of starting a business.

U.S. Small Business Administration
A major resource for starting and managing a business. Research business structures, watch video tutorials, explore financing, and get local information.
Oregon Startup Toolkit
Find information specific to state regulations, taxes, and potential funding sources. Learn how to register, file taxes, pay fees, get permits, and grow.
Business USA
Get federal and local start-up, growth, and financing information. Learn how to open your own business!
Starting a Business - OR Secretary of State
This resource lists the steps of starting a business in Oregon in order, which can streamline your research process.

Oregon Business
News articles, 100 Best lists, market analyses, trends, job postings.
Portland Business Journal
Search news and profiles by industry, topic, or region.
Oregon Department of Consumer & Business Services
Get information about finances, insurance, workplace safety and health, and building safety. Matters of insurance, compensation, buildings codes, and public records are found here.

Need demographics (data relating to the population)? Use authoritative data from these sites.

Oregon Demographic Forecast
Get detailed reports for all aspects related to business research: economic, revenue, demographic. Also find census profiles by county supplied and regularly updated by the Office for Economic Analysis.
United States Census Bureau
Surveys/Programs > Economic Census
Surveys/Programs > Industry Statistics Portal
Browse by Topic > Business and Economy > Small Business
Topics > Employment > Labor Force Statistics
Library > Infographics/Visualization tools to enhance reports (cite images!)
US Census QuickFacts
Demographic statistics for states, counties and towns.
Explore US Census Data
Tools, maps, and charts to explore US census data.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Compiled data on prices, employment, costs, wages by area, etc. Main features include: Consumer Price Index (what goods cost), Produce Price Index (what goods cost to make), Occupational Outlook Handbook (position expectations), Regional Overview, and Wages by Area.