The subject of this thesis is the analytical tool to identify companies. The thesis was commissioned by the BusinessPoint of HAMK University of Applied Sciences, which provides business development services made by students. The aim was to explore how to analyze the company's operations, finances, and its development. These data have been built on the basis of an Excel-based analysis tool for teaching of business administration and business use of BusinessPoint.

The theoretical frame is constructed primarily of written sources, due to the good reliability and availability of the material. Internet sources have been used, but only sites that can be regarded as trustworthy. The trade journals, a thesis and Finnvera’s specialist lecture material have also been used as sources. The theory part of thesis aims to provide the necessary background information for the use of the tool.

The research method used in research development was qualitative. The analysis tool has been tested among the specialization students in accountancy and they filled in a feedback form. Feedback questionnaires evaluated the usability, utility and appearance of the tool.

The research led to the creation of an analysis tool to identify companies. Specialization students’ user experiences appreciated the tool’s ease of use, functionality, and informativeness of results. Also saving in time in the analysis process as well as the appearance of the tool received positive feedback.

The subsequent measures will deal with how entrepreneurs benefited from the analysis tool. If necessary, the tool can be developed in the future.