The U.S. Census Bureau has introduced an online data platform to help small business owners choose the type of business they want to open and determine potential locations for their businesses.Census Bureau director John H. Thompson wrote in a blog post published Wednesday the agency built Census Business Builder: Small Business Edition for users to research their preferred type of business through categories such as retail, food services and healthcare.
Users also have access to maps of desired locations with demographic and economic data such as potential clients’ employment, educational attainment and average payroll.
The online tool also offers information on consumer spending provided by third party organizations to the Census Bureau.
“Once you’ve gathered all of the information you want, Census Business Builder generates a detailed report on the characteristics of your desired geography, its residents and businesses,†Thompson notes.
“This critical information can be incorporated into a business plan, a business loan application or shared with others.â€
