Business & Investments

​​​​There are a number of tools at your disposal - from online resources to small business seminars - if you are a small business owner or interested in becoming one. Visit our online calendar​ to find the next event.

Business & Investments Research Sources

Access business & investment research with your library account from home with online resources provided by VBPL. Such as the following resources:

    • DemographicsNow - Conduct market research with U.S. demographic data.
    • Data Axle Reference Solutions - Search for companies and people in the United States.  
    • Financial Ratings Series - Accurate, independent information and ratings for banks, insurance companies and credit unions, with additional investment ratings for stocks and mutual funds.  When asked for your account number, type VBPL then your account number. NOTE: VBCPS students, type VBPLS0 then your VBCPS Student ID number.
    • Standard & Poor’s NetAdvantage - Analysis and rankings on companies, industries, mutual funds and other investments.

Your Library Means Business

Thinking of buying, selling or expanding a business? No matter what phase of business ownership you’re in, Virginia Beach Public Library has resources and staff to assist you, free of charge.

Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative - Use these self-paced, online classes to learn how to think like an entrepreneur as you prepare to launch a small business venture or plan a career path. Take your passion into the business world. (ELI is the equivalent of 3 college credits).

Join VBPL’s Small Business Librarian, Dorothy Williams, at The HIVE a business resource center on Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. Get personalized information, guidance in using free business research tools and more. To schedule an appointment with Dorothy, please call (757) 385-0150. Also, visit www.VBgov.com/research to search alphabetically or by subject for topics including:

    • Business & industry research
    • E-books and audiobooks on business
    • Locating company business ratings
    • Determining business locations for wider customer base
    • Learning management and hiring practices
    • Starting a home business
    • Marketing your business
    • Business Plans
    • Competitor information
    • Legal forms

For additional assistance, call (757) 385-0150 or email library@vbgov.com.

Contact Information