IPA Business Library

Welcome to the IPA Business Library. This site contains a business glossary, useful industry data, various magazine articles written by IPA professionals and the most current IPA Small Business Research Board (IPA SBRB) findings.

Currently with more than 450 of a wide variety business terms, we are continually adding to our database. We hope that visitors find this glossary helpful and we look to maintain the most updated terminology. This section provides definitions of words, terms, phases and acronyms frequently used or referenced in the business environment. Please note that different definitions may be appropriate in a particular context.

Magazine articles written by IPA professionals provide useful information and guidance to help advance your business practices.

The IPA Small Business Research Board (IPA SBRB) monitors the opinions of small business owners and managers on a wide variety of topics related to their own business as well as national and international issues that may impact their operations. It’s the source for small business opinions. Based on our survey data, we publish the IPA Small Business Confidence Index (IPA SBCI). Participants in IPA SBRB studies provide feedback on significant issues and allow for real-time insight into the state of small businesses nationwide. The universe of participants is developed from among more than 100,000 small businesses throughout the United States that have been served by IPA and its affiliates since its inception in 1991.