FORWARD FEST Leveraging the Library: Valuable Resources for Market Research

Put this session on your Holds List, and “check out” some great resources from your local libraries

When taking your business from idea to reality, you’ll likely have a lot of questions that need answered in order to get your business off to a strong start. For example: What do you need to know about patents for the product you’re trying to create? What legal resources are available? What can local demographics tell you about potential customers? How strong is the industry you’re looking to enter? Who are potential competitors?

Luckily, there are FREE databases, resources, and specialized experts available to help you answer these and many other questions – all found in your local libraries! Want to learn more? Put this session on your Holds List, and “check out” some great resources from your local libraries.

Learning objectives:

Understand Key Market Research Tools – Participants will learn how to effectively use library-provided tools such as Data Axel, Business Plans Handbook, Census Business Builder, Simmons, and IBIS for conducting market research on new or expanding businesses. Explore Intellectual Property Fundamentals – Attendees will gain a basic understanding of intellectual property types and what resources are available on UW-Madison’s campus to learn more. Identify Resources – Attendees will leave with knowledge of free and accessible library resources to help them with market research and to be able to identify next steps in their research process.