Company, Industry and Consumer Research for Business Planning: Industry and Market Research

Industry info is critical to business planning--the key is to define your industry and to be aware that many industries are made up of smaller, private companies. And some companies operate within more than one industry. 

In addition to using some of the databases below, remember to ask "Who cares?" about your industry and try to identify trade associations, government agencies and other relevant experts, groups and publications. In addition to some of the general industry databases here, remember that there are many databases that focus on specific industries, such as Sports Business Research Network or Gartner (technology).