SCORE Cincinnati

ReferenceUSA is a subscription database that allows you to search, create lists, and download customized sets of company information. It contains over 14 million businesses, nonprofits, and government entities. Limit your search by sales volume, geographic radius, city, street, and more.

For example, one of the first steps in business planning is to identify competitors.  With ReferenceUSA you can search the Greater Cincinnati Metro area and limit by business type using the SIC or NAICS classifications.  You could also create a radius search and identify how many total businesses surround your potential business location.

This database is available remotely by logging in with your library card or by visiting your local branch. Boone, Kenton, and Cincinnati/Hamilton County libraries provide access to ReferenceUSA. (Remember you can get a card from your home county as well as the neighboring counties through a cooperating agreement of SWON libraries.)

I recommend experimenting with searches using the “custom search” feature. Start with geography and business type using the “update count” to narrow your list.  Then click on “view results” to review and save your list.

Please feel free to contact Ann or post your question to this blog. We can easily set up a phone session where I can walk you through the database. –Ann [Resource Counselor, SCORE Chapter 34]

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