Patti Smolin
Library resources and knowledgeable librarians can help you find information for writing a business plan, analyzing market demographics, building prospect lists, researching stocks and mutual funds, finding grants and more.
Business Research Tools
Reference Solutions (formerly ReferenceUSA)
Search business and residential listings, including consumer demographics. Build company lists according to location, industry, number of employees, sales volume and more.
Morningstar Investing Center
Access stock, ETF and mutual fund reports and ratings. Compare or screen securities, and find historical prices.
Business Plans Handbook
Read actual business plans from entrepreneurs.
Business Source Elite
Read articles from business journals, research companies and industries, and find SWOT analyses, case studies and market research reports.
More Business Resources
Access even more business research databases, including additional business directories and investment tools.
Nonprofit Resources
Find grants for your nonprofit with resources available to the Library through Candid.
Foundation Directory - Professional (In-Library Use Only)
Find grants and foundations to support your nonprofit based on your area of interest and location. Includes information on grantmakers, past grants and grant recipients. Download or e-mail your search results.
Go to Foundation Directory - Professional (In-Library Use Only) >
GuideStar Pro (In-Library Use Only)
Search 2 million+ nonprofits by name, location, subject area, population served and more. View 990 forms.
More Resources
North Suburban Cook County American Job Center
Free assistance to build your resume, search for jobs, attend a career workshop, prepare for an interview, or find training resources. Located in Wheeling.
Charity Navigator
Search charity evaluations, including rankings on their financial health and transparency.
Candid Learning
Access training, articles, sample documents and eBooks of interest to nonprofits. Free with registration.
ThomasNet
Look up manufacturers, including company profiles, product catalogs and CAD drawings.
FINRA
Find general bond market information including ratings, news, benchmark yields, market activity and performance information from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.