Entrepreneurship Resources

Engaging with different types of resources will help you understand your industry on a deeper level.

Caution

When using resources on this guide, continue to evaluate credibility and relevance for your audience. A resource can be considered credible in one situation but questionable in another, or its quality can suddenly degrade. Additionally, credible resources can still contain problematic content like content marketing, inaccurate opinion pieces, flawed research, or misrepresented evidence.

Professional Organizations

Professional organizations and trade associations promote their industries and provide networking opportunities to members. Their websites offer information and educational materials for professionals in the industry.

The following examples are professional organizations for entrepreneurs:

Entrepreneurs will also want to engage with professional organizations or associations that relate to their target industry. For example, entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry should look at our Hospitality Resources.

Trade Publications

Trade journals or trade magazines provide industry-specific insights, giving prospective professionals an insider’s view of the field.

The following examples are trade publications with a focus on entrepreneurship:

Entrepreneurs should also look at trade publications that relate to their target industry. For example, entrepreneurs in the fashion industry should look at our Fashion Resources.

Popular Magazines

Popular magazines, although aimed at a general audience, can be useful for understanding an industry in a larger context or from a consumer’s point of view.

Popular magazines that may be useful to entrepreneurs include:

Newspapers

Newspapers cover current events relevant to professionals in all fields.

Newspapers with coverage relevant to entrepreneurs include your local paper as well as:

New York Times

UW-Madison students can create a free personal account through the library

Wall Street Journal

UW-Madison students can create a free personal account through the library

Podcasts

Most industries have reputable experts who podcast about their chosen field, providing an insider’s look. These types of information resources vary widely and require vetting, but can be credible.

The following resources may offer useful perspectives on entrepreneurship:

Websites

Here are a few examples of online resources for entrepreneurs:

(European perspective on startups)

Books

Most industries have notable books that insiders find useful or that have had an influence on that industry. Asking insiders is the best way to find out which books are considered essential in your field.

Here are a few examples books relevant to entrepreneurs:

Bad Blood: Secrets And Lies In A Silicon Valley Startup (John Carreyrou)
Dare To Lead: Brave Work, Tough Conversations, Whole Hearts (Brené Brown)
How Big Things Get Done: The Surprising Factors That Determine The Fate Of Every Project, From Home Renovations To Space Exploration And Everything In Between (Bent Flyvbjerg)
The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation To Create Radically Successful Businesses (Eric Ries)
Move Fast & Fix Things: The Trusted Leader’s Guide To Solving Hard Problems (Frances Frei and Anne Morriss)
Shoe Dog: A Memoir By The Creator Of Nike (Philip Knight)
Start Before You’re Ready: The Young Entrepreneur’s Guide To Extraordinary Success In Work And Life (Mick Spencer)

Scholarly Journals

Scholarly journals publish in depth research, usually conducted by professors.

The following resources offer academic perspectives on entrepreneurship: