Entrepreneurship and Marketing in an Engineering World: Get Started

This guide was created to assist in researching a new venture. Use the links to access the best sources for each of these topics:

• Industry Analysis:  Learn about a particular industry.
• Market Research: Identify your target market and locate relevant data.
• Competitive Analysis: Use the resources in this section to analyze competitors and comparable companies.
• Funding & Financial Model: Research investors and other sources of funding. Find benchmarks and other data to create a financial model. 
• Business Plan Examples: Find actual business plans and templates used by many kinds of businesses.
• Find Articles: Search for scholarly and technical articles from thousands of journals.

Do I have access to articles and data off campus?

Yes! You can access nearly all of the proprietary resources online using your identikey. Just use the links from one of the library guides or the catalog and enter your identikey when prompted. The few exceptions are marked with a VPN icon (super easy download from CU OIT here).

What about copyright?

The library collections are subject to these terms of use. If you are planning to use the data solely for your own commercial interests, you should probably rethink that. Violations risk shutting down access for everyone. Ask me if you have any questions!

How do I find it all?

Guides like this one are great places to start. You can also browse though all of the subscription databases in alphabetical order, search the catalog, find research portals by subject, or talk to your librarian.

What if I can't find it online?

You have options!

• If we don't own it but we should, email me.
• If we only have it in print and you need a scan (benchmark ratios, for example) request it through the Illiad system.
• If another library has it and you want to borrow their copy, request through Prospector or Interlibrary Loan (ILL).

What kind of help is available?

• The Business Library team can help you find information and troubleshoot access problems. Try librarian roulette (a.k.a. instant message) for general questions or troubleshooting.
• Questions about your library account? Email libraries@colorado.edu
• OIT can help with laptop problems, software issues, or VPN questions.
• The Writing Center is available for help with writing and presentations. Click here and scroll down for hours and information.