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Databases
Online resources offered by AERN fall into two categories. First, the Business Plan Pro software provides access to a collection of over 500 business plans for you to examine and copy, and the powerful software helps you to create your own plan. Second, your AERN center can show you how to take advantage of the business databases contained within the Alabama Virtual Library; these databases are freely available to every Alabama citizen. Look below for more details.
Business Plan Pro
This software, loaded on the computers at the AERN centers, offers access to over 500 business plans continually updated over the Internet. The software will also help you create your own business plan.
Read a description at the publisher's website.
Visit the publisher's website to see what types of businesses are covered and view sample plans. (For sample plans, see the "Sample plan previews" box.)
Alabama Virtual Library
The Alabama Virtual Library (AVL) is a collection of databases covering many subject areas, including business. Databases are suitable for all age groups. Business databases include Business Source Premier and Business & Company Resource Center. The Alabama Virtual Library is funded by the Alabama State Legislature and is available free to all Alabama residents. You can sign up for access at your local public library, where they will issue you a card with a password. You can read more about the databases offered at the AVL website at http://www.avl.lib.al.us/about/.
Use the handy link in the left column of any page of the AERN website to go to the Alabama Virtual Library!
Business Source Premier
Business Source Premier contains the articles from thousands of business magazines and journals, many of which are written for specific types of industries and businesses. Look at articles on your type of business to learn more about competitors, suppliers, customers, and more. Get new ideas and suggestions from other small business owners.
View a tutorial on Business Source Premier
Watch a sample searchBusiness & Company Resource Center
Business & Company Resource Center contains articles, as well as the full text of several business reference sources and many other types of business information sources. For example, you can use Business & Company Resource Center to find trade associations for your industry.
Watch a sample search