There are a number of resources and research strategies for finding business owners. I’ll outline several methods, starting with relatively easy approaches and free sources of information. Then I’ll suggest several harder-to-accomplish tactics that still utilize free sources and I’ll end by mentioning some commercial databases.
This how-to article focuses on small businesses because it’s generally harder to find information about them. However, you may use these sources and methods to find owner information for large private companies as well. In some cases, you might even find the names of officers and others in upper management. Call the company. Unless circumstances preclude this option, the answer could be a phone call away. Look up the number in a local online telephone directory. Or query the company name in a search engine.
Check the company’s Web site. Believe it or not, in this day and age many small businesses do not have a Web site. But it’s always worth checking. Use a search engine to query the company’s name. If you find a Web site, start by following any “about” or “contact” links. Search Better Business Bureau reports. better busines bureau often has information about a company even when it isn’t a member. However, you should note:
The primary contact may not be the owner. The person’s title often accompanies the name.
The timeliness of the information may be an issue. For Reliability Reports, note the date the file was opened. Search the state’s database of registered businesses. All states provide some information about companies registered to do business in their state. Whether the information provided includes the owner’s name depends on the state. It’s hit or miss. Call the local agency responsible for licensing the business. The local (city) government office you call will vary depending on the location. Start by using a search engine to locate the proper authority. Try variations of these queries:
business licenses city, state
licenses inspections city, state
business permits city, state
certificate occupancy city, state
Call the state regulatory agency for the business’s industry or search its online database of licenses or inspections. Businesses in certain industries (restaurant, car dealership) must obtain a license. You may call the regulating agency and request the owner name, or look online for a database of licenses, permits or inspections.
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