Companies use Economic Census data to study their industries, look for business markets, evaluate investment opportunities. Economic Census data help businesses compare industries and locations, and provide the official information that many investors expect in a business plan. The Economic Census provides comprehensive detail about the Nation's economic activity, for all geographic areas. Census data about industries, their inputs and outputs, and how they relate to each other, are available nowhere else. Surveys like Monthly Retail Sales provide the timely information needed by markets and policy makers.
Surveys request minimum detail and sample a fraction of the businesses contacted in a census.
Census totals serve as benchmarks to keep surveys accurate. The Economic Census also provides key elements to help update economic indicators like the Gross Domestic Product and the Producer Price Index . The Census Bureau does not cross-reference or share confidential information with regulatory or other agencies. Census forms are even exempt from the Freedom of Information Act. No business competitors can obtain the responses of another company.