Find Books

This section will introduce several "how-to" books on business to help you get started with your research. These books will primarily introduce you to business plan writing. These books will also introduce general business types such as retail and service business models.

Find Books Using Relevant Subject Headings

• Life Sciences Technology – Management.
• Medical Technology – Management.
• Medical Devices Manufacturing.
• Medical Instruments and Apparatus Industry.
• Health Care Technology Industry.
• Medical and Health Care Industry.
• Medical Supplies Industry.
• Technology Design.
• Business planning.
• New business enterprises -- Management.
• Small business -- Management.

 

Google Books 
Google Books is a search feature offered by Google. It enables users to search the full text of approximately 10 million books that Google has scanned and stored in its digital database. It also offers previews of books that are currently still in print.

Worldcat 
A global catalogue of library collections from various libraries around the world. You can search for books on business planning, new enterprises, start-ups, or your specific industry. You can search for all the locations with copies of a specific item, and then locate the item in a nearby library. In Worldcat, you can also view research articles and other digital content directly online.

 

 

illume
A search portal to BC's post-secondary and public library collections (93 libraries). 

Find Business Plans

In the page below you will find examples of successful business plans. Researching your business plan can be a very time-consuming experience, but it is an essential and worthwhile investment. Your business plan will become your most important day to day operating tool. The information resources and strategies in this guide will help you create an effective plan and increase your chances for business success.

Review Sample Plans for Ideas

Most books about starting a business will include examples of business plans, as well as business planning templates. In addition to books, online business resources frequently include sample business plans. Here are a few to get you started.

 

Business Plans

Bplans.com
This site offers a selection of free sample business plans, as well as articles on business planning. Bplans.com also sells business planning software.

• Bplans’s page on Medical & Health Business Plans provides free samples for the industry and lists a section on Medical Equipment Business Plans. Below are a select few with broader scopes: 
  • Medical Equipment Developer Business Plan - Medquip, Inc.
  • Medical Equipment Business Plan – MedNexis, Inc.
  • Medical Software Business Plan – AgaMatrix, Inc.

 

Business Plans Handbook, Gale Publishing
This is a database of actual business plans written by North American entrepreneurs seeking financing for their businesses. Includes examples of many start-up business ideas. Access is available through many BC public libraries, made possible by a generous donation from the Sutherland Foundation. Affiliates of UBC can start here.

• Medical Equipment Producer. (2004). In L. Pearce (Ed.), Business Plans Handbook (Vol. 10, pp. 197-225). Gale. 
• Fletcher, F. (2018). Medical Waste Disposal Services. In D. Craft (Ed.), Business Plans Handbook (Vol. 40, pp. 111-116). Gale. 
• Greenland, P. (2021). Medical/Scientific Writing Business. In D. Craft (Ed.), Business Plans Handbook (Vol. 49, pp. 97-105). Gale. 
• Fletcher, F. (2018). Medical Waste Disposal Services. In D. Craft (Ed.), Business Plans Handbook (Vol. 40, pp. 111-116). Gale.

 

Marketing Plans

Marketing Plan Outline from Government of Canada |This Government of Canada page reviews the components of a marketing plan and why a marketing plan is necessary for your small business. 

BDC Marketing Plan Template | This comprehensive marketing plan template from BDC is for Canadian entrepreneurs specifically and includes all the important sections of a marketing plan, including an executive summary, identification of your target customer, and how you'll measure your sales.

Small Business BC - How to Write a Marketing Plan
This guide shows you how to develop a marketing plan that includes details like how you intend to meet your customers’ needs and communicate the benefits of your products or services to them. When making any decisions about market positioning, pricing, promotions, and sales, your customers should always be top of mind.

Find Capital

In this section you will find links to information on funding for your business. No business can function without money to pay for overhead expenses and production or product costs. It is also unusual for a business founder to have the capital to fully fund their business. The sources in this section will help you consider the best source of funding for your business.

 

Other Suggestions for Obtaining Capital

With proper planning and a few resources to guide you on your way, identifying and securing capital to start and grow your business becomes a much smoother and gentler process. There are several ways to secure the capital needed to fund your business.

Government Funding

This is money that the government gives you to fund your business, based on your application to the funding grant. There are other types of government assistance you might wish to explore here: Business Grants and Financing (link :https://www.canada.ca/en/services/business/grants.html)). Personal Savings: This involves saving your money from your current employment to invest in your business.

Personal Loans

This option means using your personal credit to secure a loan or using your personal credit card for business expenses.

Crowdfunding/Micro-Lending

Crowdfunding and micro-lending are both alternative ways of raising capital that involve having large groups of people pre-buy your product before it is launched or loan you small amounts that you can then use to finance your business.

Private Financing/Equity Financing

This types of financing comes in the form of loans from banks or individuals. It is obtained through your business’ credit availability or through providing equity in your business in exchange for money. This financing involves going into debt or giving up some control of your business.

Below, we have some resources that can help you find funding options for your business:

• Fundica
• Funding and Grants Database
• Innovation Canada

Industry Codes: The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)

At the start of your research, it may not be clear what specific industry you should be examining. A good strategy is to find out if your business idea is classified in an industrial classification system. These systems organize industries by assigning them a numeric code. The most commonly used system is the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Once you know your Industry Classification Code you can use this number to:

• Find industry-specific statistics on government websites or in library databases
• Generate lists of competitors in company directories

Another common classification system is the Standard Industry Code (SIC). NAICS have mostly replaced the SIC, but the SIC is still used by some commercial databases. Finding and using these classification systems to effectively search can be tricky, so don't hesitate to ask a librarian for help.

Start With These Suggestions

Type	Code	Description
NAICS	33911	Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing
NAICS	339110	Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing
NAICS	339112	Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing
NAICS	423450	Medical, Dental, and Hospital Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers
NAICS	541715	Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
NAICS	423450	Medical, Dental, and Hospital Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers
NAICS	339110	Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing

​​

Search or browse all NAICS or SIC codes on the NAICS Association website. Some NAICS codes are different in Canada — you can search by keyword or browse Canadian NAICS codes at Statistics Canada or Canadian Industry Statistics. To search for a SIC code using a NAICS code and vice versa, use the NAICS & SIC Crosswalks.   

For more information about planning your industry research, including identifying your industry codes, check out the video tutorial for Module 3: Planning Your Industry Research.

Library Databases

The Expensive World Of Business Information

Believe it or not, you cannot find everything on Google! Have you ever done an online search and found the perfect industry report only to find that it costs over $5,000? Did you know that libraries pay for many expensive databases that could be helpful in your secondary market research? 

Search engines like Google can only provide direct access to freely available information. Most of the web, including business information, lives in databases behind expensive paywalls. This paywall-protected section of the Internet is known as the deep web. Fortunately, some libraries pay to subscribe to databases so they can provide free access to their patrons — and many business databases can contain useful information such as articles, market research, and company reports.

There are several strategies you can use to access relevant business information on the deep web. First, we urge you to look up what business resources your local public or academic library can provide access to. Each database has its own arrangement, with unique interfaces and search features. It helps to know the structure and search terms of the specific database you are working with in order to retrieve effective results. 

Also, it is important to know that library databases are restricted by specific usage agreements. It can help to consult with a librarian if you have trouble navigating a specific database. They may also be able to help you find comparable information elsewhere. Libraries with robust business collections might have useful e-books, directories and trade journals. As you conduct your secondary market research you will likely need to consult both free and deep web resources.

For more information about how and why to use business databases, check out our video tutorial, Module Four: Conducting Your Industry Research.

 

UBC Library Business Databases

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you may have access to business databases through the David Lam Management Research Library and Canaccord Learning Commons through the links below.

Full Listing By Title or Full Listing By Subject

There are two different ways to identify databases: Use "by title" if you already know the name; otherwise you can search the list "by subject" to find starting places for undertaking market research, finding articles or researching companies. To learn more about how you can access library resources if you are a community user or temporary visitor, check out the UBC Library Community Users & Visitors Guide. Community users and temporary visitors may have additional access restrictions to specific databases because of license agreements.

 

Provincial Library Database Partners

How to access: Check out the database list and note the License Participants to find out which institutions have access. Otherwise, contact your local post-secondary library to see what they offer.

BC Electronic Library Network (ELN) Research Databases

ELN licenses databases with partner academic libraries. These include LexisNexis, Canadian Newsstream, Hoovers, CBCA Business, ABI/INFORM Complete and others that may be of interest to business researchers.

 

ABI/INFORM Collection

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.

Created by ProQuest this database contains full-text articles from over 1,000 business magazines and journals that track business conditions, trends, management techniques, corporate strategies, and industry-specific topics.

• Addressing BC’s growing bio health sector: Life sciences BC connects skilled talent for BC life sciences success. (2022, Jan 18). Business Wire Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection.
• Canada pharmaceuticals & healthcare report - Q1 2021. (2021). London: Fitch Solutions Group Limited. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection.
• Canada medical devices report - Q4 2020. (2020). London: Fitch Solutions Group Limited. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection.
• Canada pharmaceuticals & healthcare report - Q4 2020. (2020). London: Fitch Solutions Group Limited. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection. 
• Global life science analytics market by component, by application, by end user, by delivery mode, by type, by region, industry analysis and forecast, 2020 - 2026: The global life science analytics market size is expected to reach $12. 5 billion by 2026, rising at a market growth of 8% CAGR during the forecast period. life science and healthcare groups can put their data into prompt, significant usage with artificial intelligence (AI) analytics platforms. (2020, Dec 23). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection.
• Global telehealth market by 2027 | know about emerging growth with top players like giffen solutions, inc., capsule technologies, inc., chiron health, cisco, biotricity, A&D company, limited and more - says data bridge market research. (2020, Aug 20). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database.
• Global medical device testing market report 2020-2025: Increased requirement for PPE kits and N95 masks driving growth. (2020, Sep 29). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database.

 

Mergent Online

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.

Provides access to US and international public company data. This database also contains data on companies that were acquired, went bankrupt, liquidated or merged out of existence from 1995 forward. Users can compare companies and export data into programs like Excel.

 

BCC Research Centre

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource. Otherwise, contact your local library to see if they provide access.

Publishes 250 reports annually that are complete with market intelligence, five-year forecasts, statistical and analytical data, key players, market share, industry structure and dynamics, and technological shifts and trends.

• (2022, February). Medical Equipment Maintenance Global Market Report 2022. BCC Research. Retrieved from BCC Research database. 
• (2022, February).Medical Device Technologies Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2021-2028. BCC Research. Retrieved from BCC Research database. 
• (2021, June). Global Markets for Emerging Medical Device Technologies. BCC Research. Retrieved from BCC Research database.
• (2019, September). Latest Innovations in Medical Device Technologies. BCC Research.  Retrieved from BCC Research database.
• (2018, March). Medical Devices: Technologies and Global Markets. BCC Research.  Retrieved from BCC Research database.
• (2017, November). Medical Device Security: Technologies and Global Markets. BCC Research. Retrieved from BCC Research database.

 

Business Source Ultimate

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource. Otherwise, contact your local library to see if they provide access.

Includes financial data, books, videos, company profiles, SWOT analyses, industry profiles, country reports, market research reports and case studies. Also includes information on industry trends, forecasts, outlooks, competitors, how to run a specific business and much more.

• Bhamra, R., Hicks, C., Small, A., & García-Villarreal, E. (2022). Value, product delivery strategies and operational performance in the medical technology industry. International Journal of Production Economics, 245, N.PAG. 
• Hardy, S., & Ko, W. (2020). Industry Surveys: Life Sciences Tools & Services. Industry Survey: Life Sciences Tools & Services, 1–37.
• ALREJA, R. (2020). How 3D Printing is Changing the Medical Device Field: Being able to manufacture these devices to conform to a patient’s anatomy is a game changer. Quality, 59(3), 18–19. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate.
• IJzerman, M., Koffijberg, H., Fenwick, E., Krahn, M., & IJzerman, M. J. (2017). Emerging Use of Early Health Technology Assessment in Medical Product Development: A Scoping Review of the Literature. PharmacoEconomics, 35(7), 727–740. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate.
• Taylor, M. (2016). Funding, Success for Life Science Startups is On the Rise. Laboratory Equipment, 53(6), 10–13.

   

 

First Research Industry Profiles

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, or faculty you can access many of these reports through ABI/INFORM and/or Business Market Research Collection (Proquest).

Covers over 900 industry segments. Updated on a quarterly basis, these industry profiles contain critical analysis, statistics and forecasts to help you engage key prospects, coach key clients, and deepen customer relationships. You can search for reports by NAICS, SIC or keyword or browse by category.

• Medical equipment & supply wholesalers - quarterly update 3/7/2022. (2022). Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection; Business Market Research Collection.
• Medical device testing market worth $12.5 billion by 2027- exclusive report covering pre and post COVID-19 market analysis by meticulous research®. (2020, Oct 13). PR Newswire Europe Including UK Disclose. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles database.
• Medical device contract manufacturing market to reach US $133.11 billion by 2028 - global insights on trends, size, growth drivers, COVID-19 impact analysis, top players, opportunities and future outlook: Adroit market research: The geographically, asia-pacific will witness the fasted growth at a CAGR 12.0% over the forecast period 2018 to 2028. (2020, Aug 27). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles database.
• Medical equipment & supplies manufacturing - quarterly update 3/25/2019. (2019). Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection; Business Market Research Collection. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles database.
• Electromedical & X-ray apparatus manufacturing - quarterly update 12/3/2018. (2018). Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection; Business Market Research Collection. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles database.

 

IBISWorld Industry Reports

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.

IBISWorld research is an independent, professional publisher of high-quality market research reports. These reports analyze the underlying structure and external forces that drive an industry.

• DellaCamera, Christopher. (2021, November). Medical Device Manufacturing in Canada. IBISWorld Canada Industry Report. Retrieved from IbisWorld Industry Reports.
• Koronios, Eva. (2020, March). Medical Instrument & Supply Manufacturing in Canada. IBISWorld Canada Industry Report. Retrieved from IbisWorld Industry Reports.
• Curran, Jack. (2019, November). Medical Device Manufacturing in the US. IBISWorld US Industry Report. Retrieved from IbisWorld Industry Reports.
• Ozelkan, Ediz. (2019, March). Medical Device Manufacturing in Canada. IBISWorld Canada Industry Report. Retrieved from IbisWorld Industry Reports.

 

Marketresearch.com/Freedonia Focus

How to access: Check your local public or academic library to see about access. If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.

While you can search this website only some Canadian libraries provide full-text access to the market research reports on industries and demographics for North American industries. They can range from 50 to 400+ pages in length, and contain charts, tables, and graphs, and key facts. Marketresearch.com has varied industry coverage and includes US and international information.

• Kalorama Information. (2019, November). Blockchain Technologies in Healthcare. Market Research Academic. Retrieved from Marketresearch.com Academic database.
• Kalorama Information. (2018, March). Medical Devices: World Market Analysis by Country. Market Research Academic. Retrieved from Marketresearch.com Academic database.
• Kalorama Information. (2018, November). The Global Market for Medical Devices, 9th Edition (40+ Specific Device Markets and 50 Country Markets Forecasted to 2023). Market Research Academic. Retrieved from Marketresearch.com Academic database.

 

Business Market Research Collection (Proquest)

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.

Business Market Research Collection brings together four sources to help students more easily conduct the research they need to produce business plans, marketing plans, startup plans, market growth analysis, and strategic and financial plans. Includes access to: Hoover's Company Profiles, OxResearch, Barnes Reports, and the older Snapshots Series, which includes market research overviews on over 40 industries and 40 countries to 2008.

• Scientific & technical instruments manufacturing - quarterly update 3/8/2021. (2021). Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from Business Market Research Collection.
• Medical equipment & supply wholesalers - quarterly update 1/4/2021. (2021). Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from Business Market Research Collection Retrieved from Business Market Research Collection.
• Medical equipment & supply wholesalers - quarterly update 10/26/2020. (2020). Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from Business Market Research Collection.

 

Statista

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.

A simple to use statistics portal that integrates statistics from thousands of sources, on topics related to business, media, public policy, health and others. Statistics can be exported in PPT, XLS, PDF, and PNG formats. Some basic content available for free.

• Mikulic, M. (2020, October 16). Medical technology industry - Statistics & Facts. Statista. Retrieved from Statista database.
• Medical equipment & supply wholesalers - quarterly update 10/26/2020. (2020). Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from Business Market Research Collection database.
• Mikulic, M. (2020, January 08). Life sciences industry growth SCORE U.S. by CLUSTER 2018. Retrieved from Statista database.
• Stewart, C. (2019, March 7). Percentage of life science organizations using or planning to use select technologies to impact patient experiences as of 2018. Retrieved from Statista database.

 

WARC: World Advertising Research Center

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.

WARC has case studies from major companies and advertising agencies, as well as articles from leading advertising journals and unpublished papers. It also includes company profiles, advertising spending statistics, and demographic and economic data.

• Taylor, Ross. (2020, January). How to Design Healthcare Apps That Improve People’s Lives, by Thinking Differently. Admap Magazine. Retrieved from WARC: World Advertising Research Center database.
• King, D’Arcy. (2018, February). Using Technology to Drive Behavioural Change in Healthcare. WARC. Retrieved from WARC: World Advertising Research Center database.
• Mabey, Mike & Herrlich, Ariel. (2017, May). From Prototype to Patient Life: Connecting Functional Attributes with Emotional Benefits. WARC. Retrieved from WARC: World Advertising Research Center database.
• Collecting Patient Satisfaction Moment-to-Moment Using Smartwatch Technology. (2016). WARC. Retrieved from WARC: World Advertising Research Center database.

 

Newspapers and News Sources - UBC Library Research Guide

How to access: The guide can be viewed through the link below. Individual resources and databases will have different access requirements.

UBC Library has an excellent collection of current and historical newspapers from B.C., Canada, and around the world. UBC affiliates will have access to these resources.

• The big switch: COVID-19 triggers surge of diversification in local manufacturing sector. (2020). The Windsor Star (Online). Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream
• Canada's struggle to get COVID-19 medical gear shows why we need to make our own, minister says. (2020). The Toronto Star (Online). Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream.

Industry News

In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.

 

Associations

Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.

BC Associations

• Accelerate Okanagan Technology Association
• ACETECH
• Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) 
• BC Technology Industry Association
• LifeSciences British Columbia
• Medical Device Development Centre (MDDC)
• Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST) 
• Society for Technical Communication (STC) Canada; West Coast Chapter
• Vancouver Island Advanced Technology Centre (VIATeC) 

National and Provincial Associations

• BIOTECanada
• BioAlberta
• BIOQUEBÉC (French only)
• BioNova
• Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA) 
• Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) 
• Innovative Medicines Canada
• Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) 
• Food, Health & Consumer Health Products of Canada
• Life Science Association of Manitoba
• Live Sciences Ontario
• Medtech Canada
• Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries
• Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization
• PEI BioAlliance
• Women in Communications and Technology

 

Magazines & Trade Journals

Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for business planning. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.

BC Tech | BCTech is a key source of local information, where you can find B.C. high-tech companies and their major suppliers all in one place. The editorial stories cover the tech sector, with industry-focused features as well as profiles of high-tech leaders and pioneers.

BIV Book of Lists |  Top 100 high-tech companies in B.C. Contact your local library to see if they have a copy.

Canadian Healthcare Technology | A print and digital magazine providing analyses and opinions from healthcare and technology experts.

EDN | Electronics, Design, Strategy News is an American publication that covers hot topics and design innovation in the electronics industry along with business strategy.

IT World Canada | Online source of in depth IT coverage addressing Canadian specific industry challenges and innovation.

JMIR Publications | A free online database to Open Access journals. JMIR Publications helps scientists to disseminate innovations, ideas, protocols, and research results to the widest possible audience. This includes not only other researchers, but also patients/consumers and other knowledge users.

LifeSciences British Columbia | LifeSciences British Columbia is the official annual publication of LifeSciences B.C., the industry association representing B.C.'s life science community. Editorial content is focused on B.C.'s diverse biotechnology sectors, from basic research to pharmaceuticals to genomics to medical devices and more.

 

Consultant & Other Websites

MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.

PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.

• PricewaterhouseCoopers. (2020, October 2). Canadian-based digital health startups stand to benefit in a post-COVID world according to PwC Canada and CB Insights. Retrieved from https://www.pwc.com/ca/en/media/release/canadian-based-digital-health-startups-stand-to-benefit-in-a-post-covid-world.html
• PricewaterhouseCoopers. (n.d.). Global top health industry issues: Defining the healthcare of the future. Retrieved from https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/healthcare/pdf/global-top-health-industry-iss…
• PricewaterhouseCoopers. (n.d.). Forging a path for healthtech in Canada means getting all stakeholders on the same page: PwC Canada. Retrieved from https://www.pwc.com/ca/en/industries/technology/forging-a-path-for-healthtech-in-canada.htm
• PricewaterhouseCoopers. (2015, October). The Life Sciences Sector in BC: Economic Impact Now and in the Future. Retrieved from http://www.lifesciencesbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/LifeSciences-BC-Sector-Report-FINAL-1.pdf

Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.

• Biology and Life Sciences
• Medical Equipment Manufacturing

Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre | This free resource created by the Vancouver Public Library is an online and in-person resource that helps newcomers to Canada find information to get a job, explore different careers or start a business.

• Fastest Growing Industries: Biotechnology & Life Sciences

 

TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.

Government Websites

In this section we have gathered some of the most reliable freely available online government and employment websites for you to use in your research.

 

Canadian Websites

BC Stats | Current reports and statistics from British Columbia's central statistical agency including labour market information, economic statistics and bankruptcies. Start by searching their Industry section and narrowing by industry type or go to the Business, Industry & Trade page to skim all the different business-related topics.

• Life Sciences British Columbia - Industry News
  • BC Life Sciences Update 2021: Building on a foundation of innovation
• Life Sciences in British Columbia: Sector Profile - June 2020
• High Technology - The definition for High Technology is broad. Look specifically at the Life Sciences in British Columbia: Sector Profile (June 2020) document.

 

Statistics Canada Data | Formerly known as CANSIM, Statistics Canada's key socioeconomic database is updated daily. It is free to search the data tables.

 

Canadian Industry Statistics (CIS) - Industry Canada | CIS analyses industry data on many economic indicators using the most recent data from Statistics Canada. CIS looks at industry trends and financial information, such as GDP, Labour Productivity, Manufacturing and Trade data.

• Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing - 33911
• Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering and Life Sciences - 54171

 

Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada
Provides market research, industry statistics, licensing information for intellectual property, and information about doing business internationally. The Industry Canada site features interactive applications such as customizable trade reports, cost calculators, and online business planning guides. You can also search broad Canadian industry statistics.

• Technology industries
• Development or production of medical devices for human health, by industry and enterprise size
• Private non-profit organization in-house research and development expenditures, by field of research and development (x 1,000,000)
• Canadian life science industries
• Medical device industry profile

 

The Daily - Statistics Canada
The premier source for Canadian statistical information, including census information. Search 'The Daily' releases by subject to identify corresponding census tables, latest news, and publications. Similarly, you can browse by data source, including surveys & questionnaires relevant to your market research, which also link to census tables, latest news and publications.

• Use of advanced or emerging technologies by industry and enterprise size

 

WorkBC | Find current employment outlooks, labour market information, relevant links, and a geographic representation of the BC workforce. Start by searching your Industry Profile.

• Biological technologists and technicians (NOC 2221)

 

US & International Websites

Small Business Administration: Free Small Business Data
This site is created and managed by the US Small Business Administration (SBA) and provides a list of free sources of information that you can use to obtain data about markets in the US.

 

Blogs & Forums

Informal Information Sources to Help You Stay Current 

In this section we have gathered some of the most popular peer-to-peer information sources, such as blogs, discussion forums and other social media resources. Industry information is always changing - for the latest news, current issues and popular opinions - try following one or more of these sources. In addition, blogs and forums usually give you the opportunity to join the conversation, either by posting comments, questions or opinions of your own. 

High Technology Blogs & Podcasts:

TradeSecrets - a blog from Nature Biotechnology
A blog from the Nature Biotechnology journal, which is a monthly journal covering the science and business of biotechnology.

Tech Crunch
TechCrunch is a group edited blog dedicated to profiling startups, particularly in the web 2.0 sector, as well as, reviewing new internet products, and breaking tech news.

• How to blow through capital at an incredible rate

Women2.0
Women2.0 aims to increase the number of female founders of technology startups. Women 2.0 enables entrepreneurs with the network, resources and knowledge to take your startup from idea to launch.

• How to Fundraise (Straight from the VC’s Mouths)
• How the Right Investors Can Make All the Difference

The Tech Entrepreneur Podcast
A selection of downloadable podcasts discussing strategies and issues facing high technology startups.

 

Regulations

 

Learn More About Compliance Issues

When it comes to starting a business, one of the first decisions you need to make is the legal structure of your business - sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability partnership, or limited company. You'll also need to register your business and you'll need to be aware of many municipal, provincial or federal regulations. The websites in this section will help you.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada - Permits and Licenses Search

Search for the permits and licenses applicable to your industry and location to meet all federal, provincial and municipal regulations.

 

General Business Resources

BizPaL
This is the one-stop website to assist Canadian businesses that are just starting up, or expanding into new areas. BizPaL asks you a short series of questions about the nature and scope of your current or proposed business. Based on your answers, BizPaL provides you with a customized list of government permits and licences that you may require to operate your business. All of the information that you provide is kept anonymous, and you may save or print your results for future reference.

Canada Revenue Agency - Business
This section of the Canadian federal tax agency's website contains important taxation and documentation requirements that businesses operating in Canada must adhere to.

• Keeping records
• Business Number (BN) registration
• Business expenses

Small Business BC (SBBC)
SBBC is a great place to start for information on BC specific regulations and guidelines, for whatever stage you are in your business development. This is a great post on the topic.

The Province of British Columbia
Provides information on programs and resources available to small business owners in British Columbia. Includes information on taxes and industry regulations. Start with the Permits, Licences & Registrations section.

Tips on Company Research
 

An in-depth investigation and analysis of your competition is one of the most important components of a comprehensive market analysis. A competitive analysis allows you to assess your competitors' strengths and weaknesses in the marketplace, and to implement effective strategies to improve your competitive advantage. Here are some research strategies for doing your competitive analysis:

• Company directories can be used to create lists of competitors by industry, product line, size, etc.
• Doing a company name search in a general research database is an excellent way to learn more about your competitor’s products, services, prices, and media coverage.
• If your competitors are public companies, learn more about them by reading their financials and annual reports.
• News archives provide a range of competitive information on both public and private companies.
• Patents are a good way to learn about the technical and design features of a competitor's products. You can refer to this UBC Library Research Guide, created by UBC Engineering Librarians, if you are looking for patent information. Most of the resources listed are freely available.

For information on primary and secondary market research, as well as common sources for secondary market research, watch our video tutorial Module One: Introduction To Market Research.

Finding information on public companies is considerably easier than finding information on privately-held companies. Information on public companies is readily available online, or at your local library. Another good starting point is the list of resources in the next section of this Accelerator Guide: Find Competitors. Unlike public companies, private companies are not required to file with the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR). Searching for private company information is considerably more difficult and will require a lot of patience, and a healthy dose of creativity. 

Find Competitors

Learning About Competitors

To create a list of competitors and find basic information about them (e.g. number of employees, contact information) you will need to consult business directories. Many directories are available online for free, while others are fee-based commercial databases. You can find directories that are particular to an industry or geography. Your local library will likely have a good collection of directories that you can consult in person.

For further information about secondary market research, see our video tutorial Module Two: Secondary Market Research for Industry Analysis.

If you know of some public companies in your industry, then annual reports can provide a great deal of useful financial information including sales volume, revenue increases, and total market share. You can search the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) for Canadian Company filings. If the competitor you are researching does business in the US, then you search the Security and Exchange Commissions equivalent, EDGAR, which provides free public access to corporate information including financial information and operations by reviewing registration statements, prospectuses and periodic reports filed on Forms 10-K and 10-Q. You also can find information about recent corporate events reported on Form 8-K that a company does not have to disclose to investors. You can use advanced search features to search by Standard Industry Classification (SIC) codes.

 

Free Business Directories

 

CanadaOne - Canadian Business Directory
CanadaOne has a directory of over 20,000 Canadian businesses.

• Tackling the next big tech frontier in healthcare

Federal Corporations Data Online 
Free searchable database of federally incorporated/registered companies.

Frasers
A comprehensive industrial directory and search tool, with information on products and services provided by Canadian industrial wholesalers, manufacturers, and distributors. You can search by product name, company name, or brand name.

• Medical Equipment Suppliers

D&B Hoovers
Provides information on 18 million US and international companies, both public and private. D&B Hoovers' reports are generated quickly, and are easy to read. A fair amount of information is provided for free, but much more is available with a paid subscription. If you know the company name or ticker symbol of any of the key players in your industry, try searching for their Hoovers records to find key information. Use the link above for free information or contact your local library to see if they provide access. Affiliates of UBC may have access. 

• Scientific & Technical Instruments Manufacturing Industry Insights From D&B Hoovers- Industry Analysis
• Electronic Component Wholesaler Industry Insights From D&B Hoovers - Industry Analysis

Contact Canada: Canadian Medical Technologies Products & Industry Guide 

This directory compiled by Medtech Canada provides a directory of companies in the Canadian Medical Technologies industry. Start your search by narrowing the category and location. You can also search for associations and other information related to your field.

Proprietary Business Directories

Business in Vancouver, Book of Lists
Comprehensive collection of BC business data compiled annually as the popular BIV Book of Lists. Provides data on over 1000 companies including: websites, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, top executives' names, company age, revenues, profits and much more. UBC affiliates and in-person community researchers can obtain access to a print version (here are details on how to locate it) or you can get your own online subscription.

• Business in Vancouver: Life Sciences BC 2021

 

Mergent Online
Provides access to detailed information on US and international companies. Data can be compared and exported into software applications such as Excel. Affiliates of UBC can learn more and get access.

 

The Blue Book of Canadian Business
Detailed profiles for over 60 Canadian corporations, including missions/values, history, operations, social responsibility and executive biographies. Also contains directory type information for 2,500 Canadian companies, a ranking of the top 500 companies and a list of the top 400 Canadian stocks. UBC affiliates and in-person community researchers can obtain access to a print version of this periodical (here are details on how to locate it at UBC in Vancouver).

 

Reference Canada
Provides information on more than one million businesses throughout Canada. Includes name, address, phone number, contacts, number of employees, annual sales volumes, line of business, and credit rating. Vancouver Public Library subscribes to this online directory so check with your local library about access.

 

UBC Library Business Databases

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you may have access to business databases through the David Lam Management Research Library and Canaccord Learning Commons through the links below.

Full Listing By Title or Full Listing By Subject

There are two different ways to identify databases: Use "by title" if you already know the name; otherwise you can search the list "by subject" to find starting places for undertaking market research, finding articles or researching companies. To learn more about how you can access library resources if you are a community user or temporary visitor, check out the UBC Library Community Users & Visitors Guide. Community users and temporary visitors may have additional access restrictions to specific databases because of license agreements.

 

Mapping Your Competitors

Online maps such as Google Maps or Bing Maps and popular directories such as Yelp are a fast way to locate nearby competitors, and to get a better sense of the region your business operates within. Try searching for the name of your product or industry and narrowing your results by focusing the map on a specific location, such as a city or neighborhood.

SimplyAnalytics

This is an Internet-based mapping application that enables users to develop interactive thematic maps and reports using thousands of demographic, business, and marketing data variables. Check your local public or academic library for access. UBC affiliates can learn more and get access.

 

Trade Shows

Attending trade shows is an excellent way to learn more about your competitors. Contact local associations or read trade publications to find out what trade shows are coming to your community.

• Medtech Conference | This national association includes information about the medical technology industry, industry guidelines and resources. This conference is an opportunity to network and hear from innovators.
• e-Health Conference and Tradeshow | An annual conference and tradeshow that provides  learning and networking opportunities for organizations and people working to make a difference in Canadian health through information and technology.

Find Financial Benchmarks

One thing you will need to do in the financials section of your business plan is discuss how you will price your products and/or services, and how this compares to your competitors. You will need to develop a financial plan that includes your projected revenues and net income. The following resources will help you find financial information on competitors in your industry.

 

Free Tools for Finding Financial Info

EDGAR
Filings with the US Securities & Exchange Commission by companies listed on US exchanges. 10-K Forms include detailed information on company history, structure, financial statements, and other relevant data.

 

SEDAR
A collection of corporate filings that are required by securities regulators, from companies operating in Canada. This website is an excellent source for information about a company's plans, competitive environment, markets, products, and assets. SEDAR is the Canadian equivalent of EDGAR.

 

Finding Benchmarks & Ratios

Ratios are tools that allow you to plan and assess your company's progress over time, and to compare it to other companies in the same industry. There are diferent kinds of ratios, including operating ratios, financial ratios, performance indicators, and benchmarks.

 

Financial Performance Data (formerly SME Benchmarking Tool)
Tool for benchmarking your financial reports with others in your sector. Website also includes a collection of financial data and annual reports of various Canadian companies. For instructions on using the Financial Performance Data click here. To create a report using Financial Performance data click here.

TIP: Remember to search using your NAICS code (eg. 334)

 

Financial Performance Indicators for Canadian Business
Offers current financial ratios by industry, based on data provided by Statistics Canada. The indicators are designed to serve as financial performance benchmarks against which individual firms and industries can be compared. Affiliates of UBC, UNBC, UVic and SFU have access through Abacus Dataverse. If you are visiting, please contact your local library about access.

 

 

Proprietary Tools For Finding Financial Info

UBC Company Research Guide
This research guide was created by UBC business librarians. Follow this link to go directly to the section of the guide that features various UBC Library electronic resources that are recommended for searching for financial information on competitors, such as credit rankings, stock prices and investment analyst reports. You can explore the navigation on the right-hand side to find more recommended research sources on the general topic of company research.

 

Library Resources

Access to the following sources may be available through your local public or academic library. For information on how to obtain a library card, and for additional information on using libraries in BC, please visit our Getting Access to Library Resources page.

 

Mergent Online
Provides access to detailed information on US and international companies. Data can be compared and exported into software applications such as Excel. Affiliates of UBC can learn more and get access.

 

Tools For Calculating Your Own Financials

• Financial Ratio Calculators - Business Development Canada
• Financial Ratios Calculator: Debt to Equity and Other Ratios - Canada One
• Business Calculators - GoForth Institute

Market Share & Size

Both market size and market share held by competitors are key factors when assessing the competitive environment. Keep in mind that there is no single source of market size and market share data. Market information is usually pieced together from various sources and is not often readily available for niche or emerging industries. One strategy is to combine a competitor's name or a comparable, established industry with the term market share in article databases or read market research reports. You will need to identify and describe your market – who your customers are and what the demand is for your products and services.

 

UBC Library Business Databases

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you may have access to business databases through the David Lam Management Research Library and Canaccord Learning Commons through the links below.

Full Listing By Title or Full Listing By Subject

There are two different ways to identify databases: Use "by title" if you already know the name; otherwise you can search the list "by subject" to find starting places for undertaking market research, finding articles or researching companies. To learn more about how you can access library resources if you are a community user or temporary visitor, check out the UBC Library Community Users & Visitors Guide. Community users and temporary visitors may have additional access restrictions to specific databases because of license agreements.

 

Other Library Resources

Library Resources

Access to the following sources may be available through your local public or academic library. For information on how to obtain a library card, and for additional information on using libraries in BC, please visit our Getting Access to Library Resources page.

 

ABI/INFORM Collection

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.

Created by ProQuest this database contains full-text articles from over 1,000 business magazines and journals that track business conditions, trends, management techniques, corporate strategies, and industry-specific topics.

• Canada medical devices report - Q1 2021. (2021). London: Fitch Solutions Group Limited. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection.
• Canada medical devices report - Q4 2020. (2020). London: Fitch Solutions Group Limited. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection.
• Medical affairs outsourcing market size US$ 2.65 bn by 2026: Acumen research and consulting, recently published report on titled "medical affairs outsourcing market size, share, growth, trends and forecast, 2019-2026". (2020, Jan 28). PR Newswire. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database.
• Wearable medical device market size, share & trends analysis report by product type, by site, by application and segment forecasts, 2020 - 2027: Wearable medical device market size, share & trends analysis report by product type (diagnostic, therapeutic, respiratory), by site (Strap/Clip/Bracelet, handheld), by application, and segment forecasts, 2020 - 2027. (2020, Feb 27). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database.
• Medical device contract manufacturing market size to reach revenues of over USD 132 billion by 2026 - arizton. (2021, Mar 17). PR Newswire. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database.
• Global smart medical devices market to reach $30.7 billion by 2027: Project details: - StrategyR - A trademark of global industry analysts, inc. - project edition: 5. - influencer pool: 872. - MarketGlass™ platform - our influencer driven interactive research platform draws from unique perspectives of participating executives from featured companies. (2021, Mar 22). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database.
• Life sciences market and life science products market 2020 by size estimation, industry statistics, prominent players, key findings, development trends, investment opportunities and revenue expectation till 2026. (2020, Feb 26). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection Database.
• Life science analytics market expected to reach US$ 39,200.9 mn by 2026, states TMR: U.S is a leading country of life science analytics market, accounting for 86% share of the market in north america. (2019, Jan 18). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database.

 

Business Source Ultimate

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource. Otherwise, contact your local library to see if they provide access.

Includes financial data, books, videos, company profiles, SWOT analyses, industry profiles, country reports, market research reports and case studies. Also includes information on industry trends, forecasts, outlooks, competitors, how to run a specific business and much more.

• Hardy, S., & Ko, W. (2020). Industry Surveys: Life Sciences Tools & Services. Industry Survey: Life Sciences Tools & Services, 1–38.
• Sweeney, C. (2019). Connected devices drive medical innovations. Rubber & Plastics News, 49(10), 14. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate.
• Unsal, O., & Rayfield, B. (2019). Institutional investors and medical innovation. Quarterly Review of Economics & Finance, 74, 190–205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.qref.2019.01.013

 

IBISWorld Industry Reports

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.

IBISWorld research is an independent, professional publisher of high-quality market research reports. These reports analyze the underlying structure and external forces that drive an industry.

• DellaCamera, Christopher. (2021, November). Medical Device Manufacturing in Canada. IBISWorld Canada Industry Report. Retrieved from IbisWorld database.
• Koronios, E. 2020, March). Medical Instrument & Supply Manufacturing in Canada. IBISWorld Canada Industry Report. Retrieved from IBISWorld database.
• Koronios, E. (2020, July). Medical Device Manufacturing in Canada. IBISWorld Industry Report. Retrieved from IBISWorld database.
• Kanda, S. (2020, December). Medical Supplies Wholesaling in Canada. IBISWorld Industry Report. Retrieved fro IBISWorld Database.
• Curran, J. (2020, November). Medical Instrument & Supply Manufacturing in the US. IBISWorld Industry Report. Retrieved from IBISWorld database.
• Koronios, E. (2020, March). Medical Instrument & Supply Manufacturing in Canada. IBISWorld Industry Report. Retrieved from IBISWorld database.
• Ozelkan, E. (2019, March). Medical Device Manufacturing in Canada. IBISWorld Canada Industry Report. Retrieved from IBISWorld database.

 

Marketresearch.com/Freedonia Focus

How to access: Check your local public or academic library to see about access. If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.

While you can search this website only some Canadian libraries provide full-text access to the market research reports on industries and demographics for North American industries. They can range from 50 to 400+ pages in length, and contain charts, tables, and graphs, and key facts. Marketresearch.com has varied industry coverage and includes US and international information.

• Kalorama Information. (2018, March). Medical Devices: World Market Analysis by Country. Market Research Academic. Retrieved from Market Research Academic database. 
• Kalorama Information. (2018, November). The Global Market for Medical Devices, 9th Edition (40+ Specific Device Markets and 50 Country Markets Forecasted to 2023). Market Research Academic. Retrieved from Market Research Academic database. 
• Kalorama Information. (2017, August). Big Data in Healthcare 2017. Market Research Academic. Retrieved from Market Research Academic database.

Demographic Data

The resources listed in this section will help you identify population characteristics, and help you develop your customer profile. This research will also help you identify geographic areas where the largest number of your potential customers live. This can be very useful when determining a location for your business, and also when formulating your marketing strategy. Don't forget that trade associations and trade journals collect information about customers and can be great information sources for this area of your research.

 

Canadian Household Spending - Statistics Canada
Statistics Canada is the national statistical office. The agency ensures Canadians have the key information on Canada's economy, society and environment that they require to function effectively as citizens and decision makers.

This table provides statistical information about household expenditures by Canadians broken down into a variety of categories. You can refine the table by region. You can view the full list of data tables here. 

 

Census Profile - Statistics Canada
Provides Canadian community profiles from the latest Census of Canada. These profiles are very useful for comparing statistics on different municipalities or regional districts. Includes details on family characteristics, primary language, mobility, educational attainment, marital status, labour force activity, earnings, and mode of transportation to work.

 

Socio-Economic Profiles - BC Stats
The socio-economic profiles consist of charts and tables for the various regional districts, health areas, college regions and school districts. Each region contains a map, demographic profile, economic hardship, labour market structure, education concerns, crime, health problems, children at risk, and youth at risk. The profiles are presented in a format that allows comparison to other regions in the province and to BC overall.

Your Target Market

Library Resources

Access to the following sources may be available through your local public or academic library. For information on how to obtain a library card, and for additional information on using libraries in BC, please visit our Getting Access to Library Resources page.

Marketresearch.com/Freedonia Focus

How to access: Check your local public or academic library to see about access. If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.

While you can search this website only some Canadian libraries provide full-text access to the market research reports on industries and demographics for North American industries. They can range from 50 to 400+ pages in length, and contain charts, tables, and graphs, and key facts. Marketresearch.com has varied industry coverage and includes US and international information.

• Kalorama Information. (2021, April). The Global Market for Medical Devices, 11th Edition. Market Research Academic. Retrieved from Market Research Academic database. 
• Kalorama Information. (2018, March). Medical Devices: World Market Analysis by Country. Market Research Academic. Retrieved from Market Research Academic database. 
• Kalorama Information. (2018, November). The Global Market for Medical Devices, 9th Edition (40+ Specific Device Markets and 50 Country Markets Forecasted to 2023). Market Research Academic. Retrieved from Market Research Academic database. 
• Kalorama Information. (2017, August). Big Data in Healthcare 2017. Market Research Academic. Retrieved from Market Research Academic database.
• Kalorama Information. (2015, July). mhealth Markets Worldwide: Forecasts to 2020. Retrieved from Marketresearch.com Academic database.

eMarketer

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource. Or, contact your local public or academic library for their access details.

Global market research and trend analysis database that focuses on Internet, e-business, online marketing, media, and emerging technologies.

• Petrock, Victoria. (2020, April 6). How COVID-19 Is Fast-Tracking Emerging Tech: Innovations Show Renewed Promise During Pandemic. Retrieved from eMarketer database.
• Finley, Dane. (2020, December 30). Digital health startups to watch. Retrieved from eMarketer database.
• Finley, D. (2020, October 08). Digital health startups to watch: An inside look at the top US startups transforming healthcare through AI, telehealth, and medical devices. Retrieved eMarketer database.

Passport GMID (formerly Global Market Information Database)

How to access: Check your local public or academic library to see about access. If you are a UBC student, staff or faculty member you can access this resource. Please note this is not available for walk-in library users.

Passport GMID, produced by Euromonitor, is an integrated information system providing business intelligence on country economies and demographics, consumers, lifestyles, companies and industries. 

• (2021, July 20). Medical and Surgical Equipment in Canada: ISIC 3311. Retrieved from Passport GMID database.
• (2021, February 26). Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment in Canada. Retrieved from Passport GMID database.
• (2020, June 23). Coronavirus Impact: How Manufacturing and Service Sectors Adapt to the “New Normal.” Passport. Retrieved from Passport GMID database.
• (2019, March 23). Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment Global Industry Overview. Passport. Retrieved from Passport GMID database.
• (2018, February 14). Top Countries to Drive Medical Device Manufacturing. Passport. Retrieved from Passport GMID database.

WARC: World Advertising Research Center

How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.

WARC has case studies from major companies and advertising agencies, as well as articles from leading advertising journals and unpublished papers. It also includes company profiles, advertising spending statistics, and demographic and economic data.

• Yao, Richard. (2020, January) Wellness 2020: As the Market Expands, Brands Need to Take Notice. Admap Magazine. Retrieved from WARC: World Advertising Research Center database.
• Taylor, Ross. (2020, January) How to Design Healthcare Apps That Improve People's Lives, By Thinking Differently. Admap Magazine. Retrieved from WARC: World Advertising Research Center database.
• Gatyas, Gary. (2019, April). Tech Adoption Lags Across the Healthcare Spectrum. ANA, Forward. Retrieved from WARC: World Advertising Research Center database.
• Mabey, M., & Herrlich, A. (2017, May). From Prototype to Patient Life: Connecting Functional Attributes With Emotional Benefits. WARC. Retrieved from WARC: World Advertising Research Center database.

 

Public Opinion Polls

Ipsos
Links to Canadian, U.S. and international polls. Includes polls on consumer goods.

• Preparing for the future of the operating room: Robotics
• The Future of Healthcare Diagnostics

Roper Center for Public Opinion
Preserves the data from polls conducted by many leading survey organizations for the use of researchers, students, and journalists. Includes a section on how to analyze polls. Only for those affiliated with UBC.

 

Primary Research

The main point of this guide is to introduce you to a wide range of secondary market research resources but keep in mind there is great value in analyzing other information including:

• Advertising, blogs and sales brochures
• Your personal network and employees
• Direct observation, focus groups and interviews with potential customers

The Daily - Statistics Canada
The premier source for Canadian statistical information, including census information. Search 'The Daily' releases by subject to identify corresponding census tables, latest news, and publications. Similarly, you can browse by data source, including surveys & questionnaires relevant to your market research, which also link to census tables, latest news and publications.

• Use of advanced or emerging technologies by industry and enterprise size