A Case Study of Census Business Builder

What’s the point of data if you can’t get to it easily any time you need it?

From household surveys like the American Community Survey to business programs like the Economic Census, the U.S. Census Bureau produces billions of estimates each year but helping everyone navigate all this data is also a core part of its mission.

The data are invaluable to a diverse mix of users, from grant writers applying for funding to improve their community to entrepreneurs who need trusted data about their markets to build business plans.

Many users said it was frustrating that data they need is often scattered across a dozen federal statistical agencies and other providers instead of located in one place.

But it’s not enough to just produce info. The Census Bureau must also make it easy to access by all types of users. So, it has developed and continues to develop data tools tailored to the needs of all users — no matter their online prowess.

How does it develop these data tools? What role do users play in creating them?

Take the Census Business Builder (CBB) for example.

First released in 2015, CBB was designed to make it easier for small business owners and entrepreneurs to access key data they need for their research. The tool provides interactive maps and downloadable reports users can easily incorporate into their research.

Two driving principles behind CBB are “agile development” and “customer focused.” These principles have not only guided the evolution of CBB but the development of other Census Bureau data tools, too.

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