The Cassopolis, Mich.-based Edward Lowe Foundation has created an online resource for tracking business activity in individual communities. The Web site, www.youreconomy.org, tracks the evolution of business communities nationwide.

YourEconomy allows users to compare current and historical data to identify trends, and can be used by individuals and groups that work with businesses to support economic growth, including economic development officials. "Today more regions are turning to entrepreneurship as an economic development strategy, but it's hard to know where to focus resources due to a lack of information about business communities," said Edward Lowe Foundation Executive Director Mark Lange in a statement. "We wanted to create a practical tool that allows both researchers and non-researchers to access timely, detailed information and gain insights that apply to their communities."