Recognizing that the success of the region’s economy is inextricably linked to the success of its small businesses, BRAC strives to support the small business community by seeking out and providing resources that help small businesses thrive in the Capital Region.
Available for free to anyone with an East Baton Rouge Parish Library card, ReferenceUSA is an intelligence tool with databases that include over 40 million businesses, 150 million households, and 270 million consumers. The information from the databases can be used to support marketing and business plans, identify consumer and industry trends, and aid in job searches, making it ideal for small business owners.
The database of historical businesses can be used to gain insight into market and industry trends since 2003 and generate business leads, while the U.S. Consumers/Lifestyles Database can be used explore consumer purchasing trends. The U.S. New Businesses database is updated weekly, helping users determine hotspots for economic development. For those who are seeking a job or internship, 2.5 million job postings are listed through the U.S. Jobs/Internships database.
The advanced search and filtering capabilities make it possible to narrow your search by demographic, residential, and financial information. For information on how use ReferenceUSA, you can watch short video tutorials through the East Baton Rouge Parish Library Academy.
To access ReferenceUSA:
- Go to: https://www.ebrpl.com/digitallibrary/allsubjects/business.html
- Select ReferenceUSA
- Enter your library card number
If you do not have an East Baton Rouge Parish Library card, you can easily register for an online library card.
This monthly blog series is intended to engage the small business community and enhance the region’s competitiveness by arming the small business community with information on regional resources and services and communicating important policy issues impacting job creation.
Madison Costanza
As the economic research and policy intern, Madison is responsible for supporting a variety of projects and programs for the economic competitiveness team including monthly reports on economic trends.