Small Business Resources
The Nonprofit and Business Resource Center provides access to reliable tools, databases, and community organizations that support entrepreneurs, small business owners, startups, and individuals exploring new business opportunities. Whether you are launching a business, conducting market research, or developing a business plan, these resources can help support your goals.
Databases
OCPL provides access to a range of informative databases for business research, including Gale’s extensive collection, which features resources such as:
- Business Insights
- Provides company profiles, industry reports, market research, and financial data to support business planning and analysis.
- Entrepreneurship
- Offers guidance for starting and managing a business, including sample business plans, funding resources, and best practices.
- Legal Forms
- Supplies a wide selection of customizable legal documents for business, real estate, and personal use, along with step-by-step instructions.
Morningstar Investment Research Center
- Provides in-depth investment data, research, and analysis tools to help users evaluate stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, and other financial products for informed investing decisions.
- Provides comprehensive business and consumer data to support market research, sales prospecting, and business planning, including detailed company profiles, contact information, and industry insights.
Additional databases can be accessed by selecting the Business category on our Research Databases page.
Local Resources
City of Syracuse Department of Neighborhood & Business Development
- Resources and support programs for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and neighborhood development initiatives.
- Their Financial Empowerment Center offers free, one-on-one financial counseling to help Syracuse residents manage debt, build credit, create budgets, and improve overall financial stability.
- Free mentoring, workshops, and business resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Department of State - Division of Corporations
- Online tool used to search and view official records for business entities registered in New York, including corporations, LLCs, and other filings, such as status, formation details, and document history.
Empire State Development (ESD)
- Supports business growth in New York State through incentives, grants, and programs designed to encourage economic development and job creation.
- A regional innovation and entrepreneurship hub supporting startups, technology development, and business growth opportunities.
- Offers free, confidential advising and training to help small businesses start, grow, and succeed across Central New York, including support with planning, financing, and marketing.
Onondaga County One Stop Shop Program
- Supports MWBEs and DBEs with certification assistance, training, and contracting resources to help businesses access and compete for public and private opportunities.
- Provides free counseling, training, and networking support to help women entrepreneurs in Central New York start, grow, and strengthen their businesses
Websites
- Access demographic, economic, and business data useful for market research and business planning
U.S. Small Business Administration
- Information on business planning, funding opportunities, training, and small business support services.
IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center
- Provides tax information, forms, and guidance to help small business owners and independent workers understand and meet federal tax requirements.