The best small business library collection in Alberta

Recipient of the Library Association of Alberta, Award of Excellence, 2001

One of the key resources available to Alberta entrepreneurs seeking to turn their business dreams into business reality is The Business Link. You'll discover an extensive resource collection at your fingertips, either in print, video or electronic format, for you to:

• find business information
• get inspiration
• develop your business idea
• identify suppliers and distributors
• examine markets and trends
• research ways to market your product
• identify or evaluate your competition
• prepare your business plan
• learn how to start-up and operate specific businesses

Knowledge is your competitive advantage

Sometimes, the world of business information can seem overwhelming. How can you sift through all the information available to you?

At The Business Link, our staff are committed to doing their best to help you locate the information you need. If you want information on the latest trends in your industry or need data for your business or marketing plan, call 1-800-272-9675. We will be happy to serve you; if the staff can't find what you're looking for, they will try to direct you to a source elsewhere for assistance.

The Business Link's publications catalogue is available on-line, so you can search to see what's available on the subject you're interested in:

• books on starting a business
• information on operating a home-based business
• statistical information on industries, markets
• demographic information on communities
• directories of companies, exporters, manufacturers and distributors
• sources of government assistance for business
• information on exporting and importing
• guides on specific countries
• magazines on business and specific industries
• buyers guides
• on-line databases, CD ROMs
• videos about business and related topics (viewing equipment is available)
• audio tapes on business and related topics
• Quality Council of Alberta reference collection of books and videos.

To help you navigate your way through the maze of information, a number of Pathfinders have been prepared which list materials available on a particular topic, such as "marketing" or "exporting".

Computer stations are also accessible to the public, depending upon availability, so you can surf the Internet, check out various databases, or use software to develop a business plan.

Research Services

If you are outside of the Edmonton area, or are unable to visit The Business Link in person, The Business Link staff will help you locate the business related information, industry statistics, company information or products you require or by referring you to an appropriate source of information.

Contact The Business Link Research Services directly at 780-422-7780 or through our toll-free number 1-800-272-9675.