Request to have an SBDC business coach help you conduct market research for your company or business idea

Market Research Package

Before launching a new company or product, it’s always a good idea to conduct some market research to validate the concept. Our business advisers can work with you to develop  your own customized market research processes. Plus, they have access to premium information clearinghouses and can compile timely, relevant market information. They can assist you with:

  • Defining Your Ideal Customer
  • Investigating the Competitive Landscape
  • Researching Industry Trends
  • Analyzing Local Market Conditions

Through a partnership with SBDCNet, we are able to produce a broad range of financial, market and demographic research reports customized to your specific business and geographic location. These reports are provided free of charge to prospective or existing small business owners who are receiving business counseling services from their local SBDC Advisor (also a free service).

Our clients may choose to have us run up to 5 of the following types of reports:

Business licenses, permits, and regulations

Resources/Links for local, state and federal licenses, permits and regulations as may apply.

Business Plan Sample

Sample/model business plan for opening and operating a business.

Competitor List

List and/or sources of competitors in a specified location.

Copyright, Patent, and Trademark Information

Each term defined along with information on the filing fees, inventor assistance and contacts. Preliminary patent search available. Not all processes will be appropriate for all businesses. If you know which your client needs, please indicate in the “About the business” section.

Customer Profile

Description of the “Best Customer” for a product or service.

Demographics

Population breakdowns for the specified location.

Financial Ratios

Financial benchmarks from authoritative sources.

GIS Report : Annual Consumer Expenditures (Spreadsheet)

Provides a summary report of consumer expenditures on 97 household products and services along with a demographic overview. Not available for Business to Business (B2B).

GIS Report : Demographics (Spreadsheet)

Statistics of an area including population, age, income, race, sex, employment, housing, and education. This unit includes a Demographic Detail report, Consumer Expenditure report, and Retail Sales Potential report.This study requires only a zip code unless specific statistics are needed about the address requested. Not available for Business to Business (B2B).

GIS Report : Retail Opportunity Gap (Spreadsheet)

Provides retail supply and demand figures as well as an opportunity gap analysis for a specified geography. This study requires a zip code unless an alternative geography is requested. Not available for Business to Business (B2B).

GIS Report: Drive Time Analysis (Spreadsheet & Map)

Defaults to 5, 10, and 15 minute drive times for annual consumer expenditures and demographics. Drive time meaning the time it takes to drive from one location to the target business. This study requires a street address or intersection for mapping purposes. Specific minutes can be requested. Not available for Business to Business (B2B).

GIS Report: Ring Study Analysis (Spreadsheet & Map)

Defaults to a 1, 3, 5 mile radius for annual consumer expenditures and demographics; also indicates competitor business locations. This study requires a street address or intersection for mapping purposes. Specific mileage can be requested. Not available for Business to Business (B2B).

Industry Overview and Trends

Data from authoritative sources reflecting industry conditions and the latest trends.

Invention

Resources for inventors and information on prototypes.

Market Statistics

A breakdown of markets by industry to show size and sales figures.

New Product

Articles on how to bring your product to market.

Psychographic Data

Lifestyle and interests for specific consumer segments. Not available for Business to Business (B2B) enterprises.

Publications List

List of relevant journals, periodicals, etc.

Startup Costs

Initial investment to establish a new business.

Suppliers, Distributors, and Wholesalers

List and/or sources of wholesalers, vendors or manufacturers.

Trade Association List

List of relevant associations and organizations.

Trade Show List

List and/or sources of trade shows of interest.

These no-cost research and advisory services are funded in part by cooperative agreements between the U.S. Small Business Administration and a network of local educational and business institutions who act as host partners for your SBDC.

Please note that it may take up to a month from the time your SBDC business advisor orders your market research reports to receive the reports back from SBDCNet.