Business Library

Whether you are starting, operating, or growing your business in the Fort Bend County area, our business research librarian can help you find the information you need to be successful. Our business information services include access to our business library in midtown Houston -- a comprehensive research and reference library offering extensive online and print business tools and resources -- and general reference assistance in conducting industry and market research. Reference services include help and direction in collecting industry or market statistics needed for a business or marketing plan, researching specific market or industry trends, and identifying competitors, suppliers or potential customers.

Customized research services are provided exclusively to SBDC clients. Through our professional business librarian, we access on-line business reference sources to research, collate and present clients with information including in-depth industry and market research, detailed reports on competition, ring study capabilities for comprehensive site analyses, and access to specialized databases for targeted market research.

Visit our library in midtown Houston at 2302 Fannin, Suite 200. Click here for directions. Library Hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please call (713) 752-8415 to verify hours for the week.

Or, ask a question via email at sbdclibrary@uh.edu. Our professional business librarian will send an email response.

Or, stop by any of our three locations in the Fort Bend County area for assistance:

University of Houston Fort Bend County
Small Business Development Center - Missouri City
2440 Texas Parkway, Suite 220
Missouri City, Texas 77489
M-F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Hours
(281) 499-9787 - Phone
(281) 499-6513 - Fax

University of Houston Fort Bend County
Small Business Development Center - Rosenberg
117 Lane Drive, Suite 31
Rosenberg, Texas 77471
(281) 341-5027 - Phone
(281) 342 - 2639 - Fax

University of Houston Fort Bend County
Small Business Development Center - Katy
1773 Westborough, Suite 226
Katy, Texas 77449
(281) 717-1140 - Phone
(281) 717-1141 - Fax

Link to additional business information resources at these websites:

http://www.entrepreneur.com/ – articles and startup information on several businesses
http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/-- SBA start-up information
http://www.houstontx.gov/onestop/ -- Getting Started Packet

Business and Market Research

http://www.census.gov/ – U.S. Bureau of the Census – extensive statistical data
http://www.econdata.net/ –Links to regional statistical data
www.adage.com/americandemographics - Demographic articles
http://www.maritzreserach.com/ –American consumer surveys
http://www.emarketer.com/ –Stats on e-commerce
http://www.internetnews.com/ –Internet stats
http://www.zapdata.com/ – Prospect lists, company research, industry reports
http://www.buyusa.com/ –Find non-U.S. importers and buyers seeking U.S. sources of supply

Business Plans

http://www.bplans.com/
www.businessplans.org/
www133.americanexpress.com/
www.planware.org/

City of Houston/County/State Information

City of Houston -- http://www.houstontx.gov/

City of Katy -- http://ci.katy/tx.us/

City of Missouri City -- http://www.miwwouricitytx.gov

City of Richmond -- http://www.richmond.tx.us

City of Rosenberg -- http://www/ci.rosenberg.tx.us/

City of Stafford -- http://www.cityofstafford.com/government_department/govt/htm

Harris County -- http://www.co.harris.tx.us/

Fort Bend County -- http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us/

Galveston County -- http://www.co.galveston.tx.us/

Montgomery County -- http://www.co.montgomery.tx.us/