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Resources for Starting & Managing a Business

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Check out our guides to starting & operating a business:

Business Source Complete

Business Source Complete

Includes journals covering business, marketing, management, MIS, POM, accounting, banking, finance, and more. Also includes market research reports, industry reports, country reports, company profiles, and SWOT analyses. Log in with your library card number. Don’t have a library card? Sign up now to get an eCard.

Entrepreneurial Studies Source

Entrepreneurial Studies Source

Get access to information on the latest topics relevant to entrepreneurship and small business. This resource includes business journals, magazines and reference books, as well as case studies and company profiles. Log in with your library card number. Don’t have a library card? Sign up now to get an eCard.

Health Business FullTEXT

Health Business FullTEXT

Publications covering the business of health care administration, including topics such as staffing, health care regulation, health care facilities management, marketing, and finance. Full text coverage for nearly 130 well-known administrative journals such as H&HN: Hospitals & Health Networks, Health Management Technology, Modern Healthcare, and many others. Log in with your library card number. Don’t have a library card? Sign up now to get an eCard.

Regional Business News

Regional Business News

Full-text regional U.S. and Canadian business publications covering business, politics, and economics. Includes nearly 100 publications, including Indiana Business, Crain’s Chicago Business, and more. Log in with your library card number. Don’t have a library card? Sign up now to get an eCard.

SBA learning center header

Small Business Administration

Free online resources on starting & managing a business from the Small Business Administration (SBA), an independent agency of the federal government.

Small Business Source logo

Small Business Source

Read top consumer small business books, including titles from NOLO. Also includes business videos, an advice section, and information on creating business plans. Log in with your library card number. Don’t have a library card? Sign up now to get an eCard.

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Center of Workforce Innovations

A mission-driven, non-profit organization that provides cost-effective solutions to meet the workforce-related needs of its customers.

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Economic Development Corporation - Michigan City

Strives for the long-term viability of Michigan City with a healthy and robust business environment, modern public infrastructure, a stable tax base, outstanding customer service and quality human, technical and financial resources

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Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce

Assists local business as an advocate for strengthening the business climate and promoting quality of life in our community.

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Michigan City Mainstreet Association

A non-profit, social welfare organization dedicated to improving the quality of Michigan City’s Uptown Arts District, striving to create a city center that is a great place to live, work, play, and invest.

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Michigan City Planning & Redevelopment Department

Find zoning, planning, and inspection information, TIF and Urban Enterprise Zone information, application for the Uptown Arts District Facade Improvement Program, and more.

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Northwest Indiana Forum

The regional voice for the business community, promoting a positive business climate through initiatives driving investment and job creation.

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Northwest Indiana SCORE

A nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed nationwide.

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Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center

The ISBDC offers entrepreneurs expert guidance and services for little to no cost. Services provided include one-on-one consulting, strategic planning, market research, loan assistance, and more.

State of Indiana Request for Proposal

Bidding on Indiana State Contracts

Information on bidding on contracts or serving as a vendor for the State of Indiana.

IN.gov logo

Business Owner's Guide to State Government

Includes information on state requirements for starting your business, including licenses and permits, registering business names. Also covers state assistance programs available for businesses.

Indiana Career Connect logo

Indiana Career Connect

List job openings and review resumes from qualified candidates for free, find information on hiring-related tax incentives and credits, and more.

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Indiana Chamber of Commerce

Membership organization that provides a variety of services to member businesses, including business research, training seminars, PR assistance, helplines, and access to EAP and health care solutions. Also lobbies for business-friendly legislation.

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Indiana Economic Development Corporation

Indiana’s lead economic development agency focused on growing and retaining businesses in Indiana. Offers financial assistance, capital access, site selection, economic data, tax credits, and more to qualifying businesses.

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Indiana Department of Revenue Business Education Center

The New and Small Business Education Center explains state laws, the tax-filing process, and services available to help businesses.

Indiana Workforce Development

Indiana Department of Workforce Development

Offers services to employers including staff training grants, tax credits to hire new employees, recruitment assistance, and more.

INBiz, Indiana Secretary of State Business Services Division

Indiana Secretary of State Business Services Division

Register and file business entity forms, get information about launching and growing your business, and file required amendments or reports with the State of Indiana.

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Indiana Small Business Guide to Environmental, Safety, and Health Regulations

Designed to help small businesses understand and comply with regulations that apply to their operations. From the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

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Indiana Tax Forms

Indiana state business tax forms.

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IRS - Tax Information for Businesses

Get access to tax forms and topics of interest to small businesses, including employment taxes, business taxes, Work Opportunity Tax Credits, and disaster assistance for businesses.

Minority Business Development Agency logo

Minority Business Development Agency

Find information on starting, managing, financing, and expanding your minority-owned business. Also includes federal contract opportunities, grants and loans information, and acquisition solutions.

SBA logo

Small Business Administration

Find resources to help you start your business, apply for SBA loan programs, make a business plan, and find local mentoring and support. Also includes online learning and training resources.

ThomasNet logo

ThomasNet

Online directory of industrial suppliers, products, and services.

U.S. Patent office

United States Patent & Trademark Office

Register trademarks and apply for patents for the protection of inventions.

Accounting Coach logo

Accounting Coach

Learn accounting and bookkeeping for free through this series of online tutorials. Fee-based supplementary materials are also available.

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Alison - Free Business & Enterprise Skills Classes

Get the critical skills required of successful entrepreneurs through free, practical courses on business topics.

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Free Management Library Micro-eMBA

Free, self-paced MBA-style program for entrepreneurs. A free nonprofit micro-eMBA is also available.

MIT open courseware logo

MIT Open Courseware

Free online courses from MIT in entrepreneurship, accounting, finance and more.

My Own Business Institute logo

My Own Business Institute

Offers two free 15-part courses for entrepreneurs to start or expand their small or medium-sized businesses. Available through Santa Clara University.

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SBA Learning Center

Free online courses on starting a business, business management, financing, marketing, and more. Offered by the Small Business Administration.

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Gale Legal Forms

Get professionally-written legal forms, available to download in Microsoft Word and PDF formats. Find forms related to incorporation, contracts and agreements, employer/employee, and a wide variety of other business forms.  Also includes a legal terms dictionary, law digest and legal questions & answers. Log in with your library card number. Don’t have a library card? Sign up now to get an eCard.

INBiz, Indiana Secretary of State Business Services Division

Indiana Secretary of State Business Forms

Download Indiana state business forms, including articles of incorporation, registration for a Limited Liability Partnership, UCC forms, trademark applications, and more.

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Indiana Tax Forms

Indiana State business tax forms.

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IRS Small Business Forms and Publications

Get access to business tax forms and publications on topics of interest.

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Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City Business Assistance

EDCMC assists with multiple facets of business development, including tax abatement incentives, a revolving loan fund, tax increment financing, and more.

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Elevate Ventures

Provides venture capital financing to high-potential Indiana startups in their early stages of growth. Also provides guidance and advice to first-time entrepreneurs, and coordinates introductions between a network of fund managers and angel groups across the state.

IEDC logo

IEDC Capital Access Program

A small business credit enhancement program that provides businesses with access to capital by encouraging participating lenders to make loans they may not otherwise make. The CAP-SSBCI allows lenders to consider making slightly riskier loans that might not meet conventional small business lending requirements, by providing matching funds for a designated percentage of the loan.

Additional financial assistance programs are available through the IEDC.

SBA logo

Small Business Administration (SBA)

SBA offers a variety of loan programs, including general small business loans, microloans, real estate and equipment loans, disaster loans, and more.

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Business & Finance Magazines

Stay up to date on the latest news in business & finance with these magazines available at the library:

Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly cover

  • Biz Voice
  • Bloomberg Businessweek
  • Crain’s Chicago Business
  • Entrepreneur
  • Forbes
  • Fortune
  • The Kiplinger Letter – Available in the Reference Department
  • Kiplinger’s Personal Finance
  • Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly
  • Standard & Poor’s The Outlook – Available in the Reference Department
  • Value Line Investment Research – Available at the Reference Desk

Digital Magazines on cloudLibrary NewsStand

Stay entertained and informed with cloudLibrary NewsStand, the world’s largest collection of digital magazines and newspapers delivered directly to your device or web browser! Instantly access 7,000 titles in more than 60 languages. All magazines and newspapers are available 24/7, with no limits to the number you can read. Popular titles include NewsweekFast CompanyForbesEntrepreneurInc.Business TravelerBusiness TodayTradersWorldHome Business, and more! All you need is your library card! Don’t have a library card? Apply at the Circulation Desk or apply for an eCard.

Investing Resources

BigCharts

BigCharts

Investment research Web site that includes interactive charts, quotes, industry analysis, intraday stock screeners, market news, and commentary.

Bloomberg

Bloomberg

Source of business and markets news, data, and analysis.

CNN Business logo

CNN Business

CNN’s exclusive business site with business, markets, technology, media, luxury, personal finance, and more.

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Financial Forecast Center

Forecasts of stock markets, interest rates, currency exchange rates, prices, and economic indicators.

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Finviz

Find leading financial research, analysis, and visualization using this free online stock screener. Offers innovative market maps and various charter modes. Check out quotes, scan and filter stocks, perform technical analysis, follow news stories, and more.

Investopedia logo

Investopedia

The largest financial education website in the world, offering the latest in financial news and information. Covers investing, personal finance, retirement, small businesses, taxes, and more.

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Investor.gov

Online resource to help you invest wisely and avoid fraud. From the SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy.

Kiplinger Letter

The Kiplinger Letter

Print newsletter available in the Business Reference section. Concise weekly forecasts of industries, businesses, companies, and technologies poised for rapid growth and profit. Not available online through the library.

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MarketWatch

MarketWatch provides the latest stock market, financial and business news. Get stock market quotes, personal finance advice, company news and more.

Morningstar logo

Morningstar

Investment resource specialized in fund investing. Offers news, commentary, fund information, tutorial, tools and forums. Find basic research and financial data, read articles, and access stock, fund, ETF and general investing bulletin boards. Additional services available by subscription.

Nasdaq logo

Nasdaq

The Nasdaq Stock Market website, featuring stock quotes, analysis, financials, company news, market information, and investing tools and guides.

New York Stock Exchange logo

New York Stock Exchange

News, current data and other information from official website of the New York Stock Exchange.

Regional Business News

Regional Business News

Full-text regional U.S. and Canadian business publications covering business, politics, and economics. Includes nearly 100 publications, including Indiana Business, Crain’s Chicago Business, and more. Log in with your library card number. Don’t have a library card? Sign up now to get an eCard.

Reuters logo

Reuters

Reuters.com brings you the latest news from around the world, covering breaking news in business, finance, politics, entertainment, technology, video and pictures.

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S&P Dow Jones Indices

Stock market indices and other market metrics, including the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

Standard & Poor's The Outlook

Standard & Poor's The Outlook

Available in print in the Business Reference section. Not available online. Standard & Poor’s weekly investment advisory newsletter for individuals and professional investors. Drawing upon the vast analytical resources of Standard & Poor’s, The Outlook offers solid research on stocks, industries and the economy as well as independent, unbiased recommendations on what securities to buy, hold, or sell.

SEC logo

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

Find Securities and Exchange Commission resources, including free access to public EDGAR filings, proposed and final regulations, staff guidance, and the SEC daily digest.

Value Line logo

Value Line Investment Survey (Print)

Available in print at the Reference Desk. Not available online through the library. A weekly, comprehensive stock analysis newsletter to conduct basic research, formulate sound investment strategies, identify timely opportunities and make smart investment decisions. Newsletters include Value Line Investment Survey, Investment Survey: Small and Mid-Cap Edition, and Value Line Selection & Opinion.

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Wall Street Journal - Market News

Follow the latest Wall Street Journal news on stock markets, finance, banks, hedge funds and private equity, with quotes for stocks, stock indexes and ETFs.

Yahoo Finance

Yahoo! Finance

Get free stock quotes, up-to-date news, portfolio management resources, international market data, and mortgage rates that help you manage your financial life.

Business, Workforce, & Economic Data

BEA logo

Bureau of Economic Analysis

Produces economic accounts statistics used by business decision-makers, government, researchers, and the public to understand the performance of the economy.

Bureau of Labor Statistics logo

Bureau of Labor Statistics

The principal fact-finding agency for the Federal Government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics. Covers employment, inflation, prices, productivity, pay and benefits, workplace injuries, and more.

Census.gov

Data.Census.gov

Source for economic, population, housing, and geographic data. Presented by the United States Census Bureau.

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Economagic: Economic Time Series Page

Free economic times series data for economic research and economic forecasting. Includes custom data charters and Excel files of all series data.

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Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

Economic data, working papers, and research periodicals available from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

federal reserve economic data

Federal Reserve Economic Data

Find data related to money, banking, finance, labor markets, employment, and more.

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GlobalEDGE

Web portal to information and data on global business activities. Created by the International Business Center at Michigan State University.

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Hoosiers by the Numbers

Workforce and business data from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

STATS Indiana

STATS Indiana

Indiana’s official digital data center provides access to statistics from counties, cities, towns, regions, and more on a variety of topics related to business and the economy.

U.S. Department of the Treasury logo

U.S. Department of the Treasury

Get interest rate statistics, economic data tables, and more.

USA dot gov logo

USA.gov

Find data and statistics about the United States, including official statistical information produced by more than 100 agencies of the federal government.

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