In order to effectively start, run, and sustain your company, you'll need to understand the industry within which you will be operating. Different industries have different threats and opportunities you'll need to consider: Pending legislation or a difficult regulatory environment? High/low barriers to entry? Major competitors and market concentration? Standard cost structure? All of these are issues you will address via your industry research.
Often industry data is organized by classification system codes established by the U.S. government: NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) or SIC (Standard Industry Classification) codes. Knowing the code(s) for your industry can be extremely useful in your research. For more information on NAICS, visit the Census Bureau NAICS page. For more information on SIC codes, visit the Department of Labor SIC page. Or ask a librarian for help.
U.S. Census Bureau - Business Builder
The Census Business Builder is a suite of services that provides selected data at the county and city level tailored to people looking to start a small business; includes socioeconomic and demographic data, key industry statistics, and even consumer spending data!
U.S. Census Bureau - Economic Census
The Economic Census is the U.S. Government's official five-year measure of American business and the economy. Industry reports are available at the national and state levels; survey includes large, medium and small companies representing all U.S. locations and industries.
U.S. Census Bureau - County Business Patterns
CBP is an annual series that provides subnational economic data by industry. This series includes the number of establishments, employment during the week of March 12, first quarter payroll, and annual payroll.
Valuation Resources - Industry Information
A portal linking to individual industry guides that provide sources for industry information, research, and analysis for more than 400 industries. Guides often include list resources available from trade associations, industry publications, research firms, and other sources addressing subjects such as industry analysis, statistics, trends, and forecasts, financial information and financial ratios, compensation and salary surveys, and business valuation resources. Note: Be aware, industry guides linked to are not always free for full use of the resource.
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Industries at a Glance
A brief overview of the industry, workforce and earnings statistics, industry-specific pricing information and workplace trends.