Which organization is considered best for obtaining data on small companies?

Trade associations are often regarded as the best source for obtaining data on small companies because they typically focus on specific industries and provide members with valuable insights, resources, and data that are particularly relevant to businesses within that sector. These associations frequently conduct research and surveys among their members, which allows them to gather detailed information on trends, revenues, practices, and benchmarks that may not be available from broader sources.

In contrast, while publicly available databases can offer some information about small businesses, they may lack the depth and specificity that trade associations provide. The Bureau of Economic Analysis primarily offers economic data at a macro level, focusing on larger economic indicators rather than the nuanced details of small enterprises. Similarly, stock exchanges primarily serve publicly traded companies, hence they are not directly applicable to the small company sector, which often includes private entities that are not listed and do not report in the same manner.