Company Information

Getting Started

Start with a general search using your favorite search engine. Most sites will present current news for a business or industry.

  • Company websites.
    Most companies have their own websites.  For larger companies, check for a media section where you'll find press releases and press kits.  Don't underestimate the information that companies publish on their own websites. Just remember that a website is a marketing tool, and most information you'll find on a company website will be positive.
  • Directories and Yellow Pages – Online directory listings often offer numerous filtering options (e.g., by industry and region) and are sometimes even searchable by ZIP code.
  •  Historical information - The Wayback Machine stores screenshots of websites over time. By examining several old screenshots, you can see what a particular website looked like at a specific moment in time, which is helpful when trying to identify a corporate strategy or future plans.
  •  Local economic and business journals, magazines, and newspapers are excellent sources for information about local companies. It's easy to find information on public companies, but a little trickier to find information on private companies. These websites often require registration, and some features are not free; however, a no-charge access level is often available.
  •  National or International trade associations - Statistics, trends, and competitors can often be found by researching the relevant trade association. Trade journals and publications, such as local economic newspapers, also provide information on industry trends and competitors.
  • Business History Research - A guide to resources at the Library of Congress for finding the history of a company.

Online Resources

 

 Compiled by Jane Ellen Innes

Join our mailing list