Creating a List of Companies


These are some of the main sources that will let you create a list of companies that match criteria you specify (such as where they are located, their industries, size, etc.). 

 

Finding Industry Codes

What is an industry code?

SIC and NAICS are classification systems for industries. They allow you to group together companies in a specific industry in a standardized way.  

Where can I find industry codes?

The Census website has SIC and NAICS codes and code definitions.

For example, the NAICS code for alternative energy (e.g., geothermal, ocean wave, solar, wind) is 237130.

Search Tips

six-sided die with question marks on all sidesHey, there are some companies missing!

If you have ever tried to the search for a list of companies and noticed a major player is missing from your list, take a look at how narrow a search you have put together.  As a rule of thumb, start broad and then narrow the results by one data point at a time.

To avoid this problem start broad:

  • Do not limit the location for your first search.
  • Use broad industries and use the appropriate industry code to search for your companies. For example, many databases will have GE Wind listed as a turbine manufacturer (SIC:3511, NAICS:333611) rather than an alternative energy manufacturer.
  • Use more than one resource when creating lists of companies.