Business and Economic Resources

Business, economics, and finance are complex subjects that can require a substantial amount of research to understand. Luckily, several resources on the Internet can easily introduce novices to these concepts and apprise long-term followers of new developments. In addition, these resources can provide insight into national and international trade practices. Whether you want to start a new business or understand how a specific industry affects the economy, the following resources will allow you to determine how commerce affects the world. Glance at general overviews or read publications detailing minute statistics for a clear picture of modern-day business around the globe.

Academic Resources

• Global Business Libraries for Academics: A collection of business libraries from North and Central America, the Asia-Pacific region, and Europe provides an invaluable resource for business researchers.

Business Associations

• American Bankers Association: This organization acts on behalf of two million people involved in the banking industry and diligently works towards economic growth and job creation within the United States.
• American Business Women's Association: The American Business Women's Association provides resources and support for women to excel in a variety of industries.

The Business of Banking

• Consumer News From the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency: This organization is in charge of chartering, regulating, and supervising national banks. News bulletins advise consumers of their activities and show them how the office protects assets.
• Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation: The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation provides a search engine that allows researchers to find pertinent financial statements from banking institutions.

Researching Specific Businesses

• EDGAR Company Filings: The United States Securities and Exchange Commission offers company look-up tools.
• The World's Biggest Public Companies: Forbes provides this list of the most massive commercial enterprises in the world.

General Business Websites

• Bureau of Consumer Protection Business Center's Legal Resources: These resources include reports, cases, laws, rules, and guidelines to help businesses operate legally within the United States.
Small Business Facts and Data: The Small Business Entrepreneurship Council discusses the impact of small businesses on the economy and trade practices.
• Business Education: The Consumer Product Safety Commission educates business owners on how to maximize product safety and also provides injury statistics.

E-Business Websites

• The United States Small Business Administration's E-Commerce Resources: This information guides business owners in their quest to start and maintain a company that flourishes in an online market.
• Emerging Role of Banks in E-Commerce (PDF): The Federal Reserve Bank of New York discusses how banks work within the e-commerce model.
E-Commerce, Retail, and Consumerism Resources: The University of Tennessee at Knoxville provides a list of resources regarding e-commerce research, marketing, and statistics.
• E-Commerce and Development: Key Trends and Issues (PDF): The World Trade Organization teaches readers how e-commerce affects the global market.

Economics and Statistics Resources

• Economic Indicators: The Council of Economic Advisers publishes monthly reports detailing gross domestic product, business activity, international statistics, and other pertinent points about the economy.
• Archive of Economic Indicators: The United States Government Printing Office provides an archive of monthly reports on economic indicators for the past 20 years.
• International Economics Departments and Research Centers: The Massachusetts Institute for Social and Economic Research offers contact information for economics institutions and resources around the world.

Information for Entrepreneurs

• Better Business for Businesses: The Better Business Bureau provides tool kits, guides, and resources for companies to achieve great reputations in marketplace.
• Preparing Your Business for Global E-Commerce: The United States of America's Department of Commerce offers a guide that prepares entrepreneurs for operating an online business that reaches all corners of the globe.

Investment and Financing

• Bonds: The United States Securities and Exchange Commission describes how bonds work and provide resources for investors.
• How to Invest: The Motley Fool offers a wealth of information on getting started with investing.
• The National Bureau of Economic Research: Working papers and publications about economics can be found here.

Tax Information

• Tax Information for Businesses: The Internal Revenue Service provides an easy-to-read guide on tax issues for business owners.
• Small Business Taxes: The Internal Revenue Service offers a virtual workshop for small business owners to understand taxes.

United States and Foreign Trade Resources

• Trade Statistics: The International Trade Administration offers a wide array of data on United States and sub-national trade. Exporting information, including companies and tariffs, is also included.
• United States Trade Goods by Country: Goods that the United States provides to countries are listed in this easy-to-navigate information sheet.
• United States Department of Commerce Bureau of Economic Analysis: The U.S. Census Bureau updates information about international trade in goods and services with each newsletter.
• International Trade General Resources: General information about foreign trade and the agencies that govern it can be found here.
• United States International Trade: Trends and Forecasts (PDF): The Congressional Research Service provides a sample sheet of trends and forecasts in foreign trade that can be anticipated.

Wages, Pay, and Salaries

• Bureau of Labor and Statistics Wage Overview: The United States Department of Labor lists wages based on occupation and the area of employment.
• Average and Median Wage Data for United States Citizens: The Social Security Administration charts net compensation for workers each year.
• Minimum Wage By State: CNN Money provides an interactive illustration that highlights minimum wage amounts for every state in the nation.
Living Wage Calculator: The Department of Urban Studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) showcases its collection of data regarding the minimum wage and the so-called "living wage," including how it's calculated and how these numbers often fail to meet the basic needs of wage earners.