The following sites will guide you through learning more about many topics, such as how to write a business plan, how to research a particular company or industry, where you can take a course or two to keep up in a certain area, where you can pursue an advanced degree or certification, or how to find discussion forums that may prove helpful for making contacts and getting answers to questions you may have in your research. Research guides to help you access information on a particular topic, from advertising research to women in business. The call numbers listed may not be exact to those in your local library. Please ask your librarian if you have any questions or trouble locating an item. The search engines and Web indexes in this section will identify, locate, and retrieve business and economic development information on the Internet.
Databases are useful research tools when looking for specific information in one subject area.
The databases listed here vary in their topic coverage, ranging from business publications to patents and trademarks. The sites provide information ranging from statistics and legal information to business assistance and directories. The following links are a quick guide to some of the most prominent business and economic development pages related to regions in Massachusetts. MLIN serves as a gateway to libraries in Massachusetts. Links to Massachusetts chambers of commerce.