Business and Financial Research
Mount Prospect Public Library has a wide selection of business resources in print and online. Contact the Business Librarian for assistance with special research questions.
Mount Prospect Entrepreneurs Initiative
The Mount Prospect Entrepreneurs Initiative (MPEI) is a collaboration between the Village of Mount Prospect, Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce, Mount Prospect Downtown Merchants Association and the Mount Prospect Public Library focused on helping new or prospective businesses in Mount Prospect by providing a package of innovative economic development resources.
Listen to MPEI podcasts, featuring seasoned, successful business owners in Mount Prospect discussing their experiences and sharing advice.
Entrepreneurship booklist – Available to checkout from the library, titles to inspire and offer practical information.
Databases
Subscription databases are accessible from within the Library or if noted, at home or remotely with a registered MPPL library card. View all business databases.
Business Research
- Reference Solutions (formerly ReferenceUSA) – Business directory, residential listings, demographics and health care listings. Records can be downloaded for mailing/contact lists.
- Business Source Complete – Contains market research reports, case studies, industry profiles, SWOT analyses and more.
- Industry Select – Research U.S. manufacturers in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.
- Business eBooks – Online reference book collection, including the Business Plans Handbook.
- LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) – Learn software, creative, and business skills to achieve your personal and professional goals. Join today to get access to thousands of courses.
- O’Reilly for Public Libraries – Technology and business-related e-books, videos, tutorials, personalized learning tools, and certifications for career advancement.
- AtoZdatabases – Directory of 65 million business and executive profiles, over 240 million resident profiles, and more.
Financial Information
- Morningstar Investment Research Center – Provides access to information on stocks and mutual funds for potential investors and researchers.
- Value Line – Online investment research service including stocks and mutual funds.
- Weiss Financial Ratings Series Online – Find ratings for banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and Medigap plans.
Government Resources for Business
- State of Illinois Business Resources – Information about operating a business in Illinois including licenses, permits, and certifications.
- Small Business Assistance – Find a local Small Business Development Center.
- Census Business Builder – Online tool from the U.S. Census Bureau allows users to customize census data in order to inform business planning.
- Small Business Administration – Resources from the U.S. Small Business Administration to support small business development.
- EDGAR (SEC Filings & Forms) – Free access to documents required of all public companies by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
- Library of Congress Small Business Hub – Research guide for small businesses, from the Library of Congress.
- USA.gov – Information for small business from the federal government.
Company Research
- LLC/Corporation Search – Look up the name and status of LLCs and Corporations in the state of Illinois.
- AnnualReports.com – Search annual reports by company name, stock exchange, industry or industry sector.
- Thomas Register of American Manufacturers – Online directory of suppliers and buyers.
Entrepreneurship & Small Business Resources
- Mount Prospect Entrepreneurs Initiative (MPEI) – Local initiative of the Village of Mount Prospect and the Mount Prospect Public Library to support entrepreneurs.
- Illinois Small Business Development Center at Harper College – Learning opportunities and one-on-one advising appointments for small business from Harper College.
- Women’s Business Development Center – Business advising, mentoring, and more services for emerging and established businesses, including support for veteran-owned businesses.
- Illinois Entrepreneurship Network – Resources from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, including COVID-19 assistance programs.
- FindLaw for Business – Legal information for businesses from Thomson Reuters.
- SCORE – One-on-one mentoring and other resources for small businesses.
- Thomas Register of American Manufacturers – Online directory of suppliers and buyers.
- SAM.gov – Contract opportunities with the federal government.
Local Business Organizations
- SCORE (North Cook and Lake County) – One-on-one mentoring from experienced business owners and other learning opportunities.
- National Association of Women Business Owners (Chicago Chapter)
- Women’s Business Development Center – Business advising, mentoring, and more services for emerging and established businesses, including support for veteran-owned businesses.
- Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce
- Mount Prospect Downtown Merchants Association
Financial Information
Investment Tools
- Dinkytown.net – Free online calculators for personal and business finance.
- FINRA investment Tools & Calculators – Online tools for investors from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
- FINRA Broker Check – Professional background information about brokers and brokerage firms.
- SEC Investor Information – Information for individual investors from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
News and Numbers
- Investopedia – Financial news and reference articles.
- Yahoo! Finance – Stock quotes, market updates, and business news.
- Market Watch – Financial news and market updates.
- FINRA Market Data Center – Company information and market data.
- Crain’s Chicago Business – Also available in print in the library.
Financial Literacy
- MoneyGeek.com – Personal finance website with answers to many common questions.
- Consumer.gov – Information from the federal government on managing money, effectively using credit, and avoiding scams. En Español: Consumidor.gov
- Save and Invest – Financial guidance from the FINRA Foundation.
- Money Smart Week – Archived webinars coordinated by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago addressing a variety of personal finance topics
