Market research for business location

A good place to start is the chamber of commerce in the area where you want to start your business. Small business incubators, if they are in the area, might also help you with the research. The business school of a local university may have already performed some research that you can use, or may conduct it for you, for a fee.

You also might perform some shoe-leather research, visiting stores or businesses in the area, talking to owners about the benefits and pitfalls of the location, even driving around and observing customer traffic flows. This is especially important if you're hoping to open a retail store.

Private market research firms can also help, but their services are not inexpensive.