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Step 1: Determine Your Industry's Official Classification
"The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments." - U.S. Census Bureau
Adopted in 1997, NAICS replaced the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system. However, you will commonly see SIC codes still listed.
- NAICS Code Look-UpEnter the name of your industry in the "2022 NAICS Search" box to learn its code. Or click on "2022 NAICS" under Reference Files to browse by sector.
- SIC Code Look-UpSearch the 1987 version of the SIC manual by keyword or number.
Step 2: Search Databases for Industry Information
UW-Green Bay Libraries provide you access to these resources which specialize in company information. Off-campus access limited to current students, faculty, and staff.
- IBISWorldLibrarian recommended! Search by industry name, NAICS code, or browse to find reports. Navigate report using tabs at the top.
- One Business (ProQuest) This link opens in a new windowNavigate to the Advanced Search page. Then click on Industry Reports in the left sidebar. Type your industry into the search box and then click on the Search button.
- Business Source Complete (EBSCOhost)From the Business Source Complete homepage, click on the Advanced Search. Then under Document Type, select Industry Profile. Type in your industry and click on the Search button.
Click on Company Information at the top of the screen and search for a company name to learn its major industries. Then search for that industry's name (NOT recommended to follow the industry code links.)
Search by industry name, NAICS code, or browse to find reports. Navigate report using side menu.
MarketLine reports - In Business Source, search for industry name. Limit by Source Type: Industry Profiles, Publisher: marketline.
One Business (ProQuest) Industry Reports
- If you are not already there, navigate to the Advanced Search page by clicking the more options button in the top left corner.
- Click on Industry Reports in the left sidebar and enter your industry name in the search box.
- In order to find the most recent reports, you may want to set a Publication Date limiter.
- OPTIONAL: If you are looking for something specific, you can use the checkboxes at the bottom of the page. For example, your professor may have recommended First Research Industry Profiles, which are provided by the well-known company Mergent. Or you may know that you need a report that includes industry risk.
- Click on Abstract/Details for a brief summary of the report, or on Full text - PDF to read the whole thing.
Additional Resources
- Economic Census - U.S. Census BureauConducted in years ending in 2 and 7. Includes data on business establishments and industries.
- Economic Indicators - U.S. Census BureauUpdates on U.S. economic and industrial statistics.
- globalEDGEFind reports, profiles, and data on international business, industry and markets. Michigan State University compiles information from many government agencies (U.S. & international) and non-governmental organizations.