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

• Flowers--Handbooks, manuals, etc.
• Flowers--Marketing.
• Cut flower industry.
• Cut flower industry--Economic aspects.
• Cut flower industry--Marketing.
• Nurseries (Horticulture)--Management.
• Nursery stock--Management.
• Flower arrangement.
• Business planning.
• Greenhouse management.
• New business enterprises--Vocational guidance.
• 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.

• Florist Business Plan 
• Garden Nursery Business Plan

 

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.

• Florist - The Perfect Bloom, Inc. 
• Retail Florist - Designs by Linda. Inc. 
• Greenhouse and Flower Shop - Little Greenie Shop 
• Gift Basket Service - Bensonville Basket Co.
• Producer and Supplier of Plants and Flowers - Bountyfull Farms
• Horticultural Therapy Providers - Medella Therapeutic Horticulture, LLC

 

SCORE
SCORE is a non profit association helping small businesses. Their library includes templates for business plans, SWOT analysis, financial projections and more.

 

Business Plan Template And Cash Flow Forecasting Tool
Our friends at Small Business BC provide two valuable tools in one download: the first is a well-structured business plan template that will help communicate what you plan to do, and how you plan to do it, while the second is a spreadsheet you can fill in to, among other things, project costs and expenses using common line items. These tools will set you on your way to being able to present your business plan to funders. 

 

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.

TIP: You can often find business plans as well as tips and tricks for marketing in the cut flower industry on the websites of large commercial flower suppliers. Check out this Florist Marketing Plan from Mayesh. 

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.

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

​​

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.

• The U.S. floral gifting market to grow at a CAGR of 6.13% during the forecast period.: In-depth Analysis and Data-driven Insights on the Impact of COVID-19 Included in this U. S. Floral Gifting Market Report. The U. S. floral gifting market to grow at a CAGR of 6. 13% during the forecast period. (2022, February 10). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database. 

• The US Floral Gifting Market Size to Reach $17.02 Billion by 2027. FTD Companies, 1-800-Flowers.com, Teleflora, and From You Flowers Dominates the Market – Arizton: The floral gifting market in the U.S. was valued at $11.91 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $17.02 billion by 2027. (2022, February 9). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database. 

• U.S. Floral Gifting Market to Reach Revenues of Over $17 Billion by 2025 - Arizton. (2020, June 2). PR Newswire. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database. 

• Smart, A. (2022, February 12). Flower supply chain issues prompt some B.C. buyers to look local. The Canadian Press. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database. 
• (2021). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Floral designers. Washington: U.S. Superintendent of Documents. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database. 

• Eley, J., and Nilsson, P. (2021, May 4). Pandemic helps online flower market to bloom: Retail & consumer. Financial Times. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database. 

• Szklarski, C. (2020, Feb 14). Flower-lovers tackle waste, push industry towards sustainable measures. The Canadian Press. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database. 
• Larson, P. D. (2021, Feb 12). Valentine's day: COVID-19 wilted the flower industry, but sustainability still a thorny issue. The Canadian Press. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database.
• (2022, Feb 10). Supporting flower growers to strengthen market access and spur future growth. PR Newswire. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database. 

• Nursery Planters and Pots Market Size ($1,956.21Mn by 2028) Growth Forecast at 3.2% CAGR During 2021 to 2028 COVID Impact and Global Analysis by TheInsightPartners.com: The Nursery Planters and Pots Market Size and Growth impelled by growing demand for nursery planters and pots from the residential sector, growth of greenhouse and nursery industries. (2021, October 13). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database.

• Government of Canada supports growth for Canada's nursery and landscape industry. (2022, Mar 21). PR Newswire. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database. 
• Nursery Industry Takes A Breath. (2020). Western Fruit Grower, 140(11), 13-14. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM 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.

 

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.

• (2021). A Florist Helps to Maximize Value, Match Mood. Special Events Galore, 21(7), 8. 
• (2021). Delivery apps expand reach to meet customer demands. (2021). FRPT- Infrastructure Snapshot, 1. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database. 
• Marchese, J. (2021). Proper Refrigeration Required for Preservation of Fresh Cut Flowers. Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News, 272(2), 18–19. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database. 
• Conti, S. (2022). Dries Van Noten on the Power of Flowers: The designer has teamed with Mytheresa on a capsule collection inspired by India’s Holi festival, and spring blooms. WWD: Women’s Wear Daily, 13. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database. 
• (2022). Trends in Getting Gift Sales Flourishing at Florists. Souvenirs, Gifts, & Novelties, 61(2), 62–64. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database. 
• King, R. (2020). The founder of wedding florist startup Poppy on going into business for yourself. Fortune.Com. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database. 
• Parks, C. (2021). A Blossoming Industry. Bloomberg Businessweek, 4706, 59–61. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database. 
• Konjoian, P., & Dolce, J. (2021). How Can the Horticulture Industry Thrive in a Post-Pandemic Environment? GPN: Greenhouse Product News, 31(6), 14–15. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database.
• Barnes Reports: Nursery, Garden Center & Farm Supply Stores (NAICS 44422). (2019). United States Nursery, Garden Center & Farm Supply Stores Industry Report, 1–196. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database.

 

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.

• (2021) Florists- Quarterly Update 11/1/2021. Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles database.
• (2021) Florists- Quarterly Update 5/17/2021. Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles database.
• (2022) Nursery and Floriculture Production - Quarterly Update 2/21/2022. First Research Industry Profiles. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles database.
• (2021) Nursery and Floriculture Production- Quarterly Update 11/15/2021. First Research Industry Profiles. Retrieved from Business Market Research Collection.
• Szklarski, C. (2020, Feb 14). Flower-lovers tackle waste, push industry towards sustainable measures. The Canadian Press. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles database.
• Translated by Content Engine, L. L. C. (2021, Oct 03). Flower sales abroad grew 38% being the largest buyers the U.S., Netherlands and Canada. CE Noticias Financieras 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.

• Buchko, M. Florists in Canada. (2021, December). Canada Industry (NAICS) Report 43511CA | Retail Trade in Canada. Retrieved from IBIS World Industry Reports database.
• Rose, A. (2021, October). Florists in the US. US Industry (NAICS) Report 43511 | Retail Trade. Retrieved from IBIS World Industry Reports database.
• McGrath, S. (2021, April). Flower and Nursery Stock Wholesaling in Canada. Canada Industry (NAICS) Report 41113CA | Wholesale Trade in Canada. Retrieved from IBIS World Industry Reports database.
• Thomas, B. (2021, July). Flower and Nursery Stock Wholesaling in the US. US Industry (NAICS) Report 42493 | Wholesale Trade. Retrieved from IBIS World Industry Reports database.
• Buchko, M. (2020, December). Plant & Flower Growing in Canada. Canada Industry (NAICS) Report 11142CA | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting. Retrieved from IBIS World Industry Reports database.
• Madigan, J. (2021, August). Plant & Flower Growing in the US. US Industry (NAICS) Report 11142 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting. Retrieved from IBIS World Industry Reports database.
• Thomas, B. (2020, November). Online Flower Shops in the US. US Specialized Industry (NAICS) Report OD5069 | Online Retail Trade. Retrieved from IBIS World Industry Reports database.
• Khaustovich, V. (2021, July). Landscape Design in the US. US Industry (NAICS) Report 54132 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services. Retrieved from IBIS World Industry Reports 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.

• (2021) Florists- Quarterly Update 11/1/2021. Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from Business Market Research Collection. 
• (2021) Florists- Quarterly Update 5/17/2021. Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from Business Market Research Collection. 
• (2022) Nursery and Floriculture Production - Quarterly Update 2/21/2022. First Research Industry Profiles. Retrieved from Business Market Research Collection. 
• (2021) Nursery and Floriculture Production- Quarterly Update 11/15/2021. First Research Industry Profiles. 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.

• Tighe, D. (2021, April 1). Number of florists in Canada in December 2020, by employment size. StatCan. Retrieved from Statista database.
• Tighe, D. (2021, April 1). Number of florists in Canada by region 2020. StatCan. Retrieved from Statista database.
• Simionato, C. (2022, January 14). Number of cut flowers produced in Canada from 2015-2020, by province. StatCan. Retrieved from Statista database.
• Simionato, C. (2022, January 14). Sales of flowers and plants in Canada from 2010 to 2020. StatCan. Retrieved from Statista database.
• Simionato, C. (2022, January 14). Sales of flowers and plants in Canada in 2020, by channel. StatCan. Retrieved from Statista database.
• Simionato, C. (2021, April 14). Sales of cut flowers in Canada from 2010 to 2020 (in million Canadian dollars)*. StatCan. Retrieved from Statista database.
• Smith, P. (2022, February 8). Monthly retail sales of miscellaneous store retailers in Canada from 2018 to 2021. StatCan. Retrieved from Statista database.
• Tighe, D. (2021, June 10). Canadian plant nursery product sales by distribution channel 2020. StatCan. Retrieved from Statista database.
• Tighe, D. (2021, June 11). Sales of garden nursery products in Canada from 2010-2020. StatCan. Retrieved from Statista database.
• Simionato, C. (2022, February 8).Number of nursery stores and garden centers in Canada as of June 2021, by region. StatCan. 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.

• (2021). Nippon Flower Council: Belated Congratulations With Flowers. SABRE Awards. Retrieved from WARC: World Advertising Research Center database. 
• Whiteside, S. (2018). 1-800-Flowers’ emotional marketing driver: Sympathy. WARC Event Reports. Retrieved from WARC: World Advertising Research Center database. 
• (2018, November 7). 1-800-Flowers finds unique emotional territory. WARC. Retrieved from WARC: World Advertising Research Center database.
• Whiteside, S. (2017, March). 1-800-Flowers explores conversational commerce. WARC Event Reports. 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.

• (2022, Jan 15). Artful arrangements: Floral designers team up with artists to chase away winter blues. The Spectator. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database. 
• Harris, A. (2020, November 28.) West Vancouver-based florist making industry more environmentally aware. The Vancouver Sun. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database. 
• Sklarski, C. (2020, February 14). Flower lovers tackle waste, push industry toward sustainable measures. The Canadian Press. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database.
• Floral fun: ART. (2021, Jun 14). The Globe and Mail. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database. 
• (2022, May 4). Florist warns not to procrastinate on Mother’s Day blooms. Saanich News. Retrieved from NexisUni Database. 
• Zacharias, C. (2022, Jan 22). Popular Ontario mail-order nursery pivots: Unprecedented demand for perennials forces a reset. Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database.
• Dutt, C. (2020, Apr 18). Growers, nurseries uprooted by COVID-19; pandemic delays opening of nurseries and greenhouses across the region, but stores allowed to open. Telegraph-Journal. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database.
• Young entrepreneurs plant seeds of ideas in Lakefield: Youth program encourages horticulture-based small businesses. (2020, Jul 20). Peterborough Examiner. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database.

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.

British Columbia Associations 

United Flower Growers | The Burnaby-based United Flower Growers co-operative includes growers from Vancouver Island to east of the Fraser Valley, and supplies BC floral products to retailers and wholesalers from California to Manitoba. The co-op holds the largest flower auction in North America; order flowers through their flower marketplace or purchase direct from their growers.

BC Floral Art Society | Housed in New Westminster, the BC Floral Art Society promotes and advances floral design and art in British Columbia. They regularly hold workshops and demonstrations of floral art techniques and design, and have a mentorship program available to new members.

British Columbia Landscape and Nursery Association | The BC Landscape & Nursery Association is an industry organization comprised of over 500 BC nursery growers, landscape professionals, retail garden centres and more. They promote high standards within horticulture in British Columbia, as well as the overall relevance of horticulture to healthy stewardship and beautification of rural and urban spaces. Check out the wares of their member companies available in their Buyers Guide or conduct an Online Plant Search for a specific plant. 

Canadian Associations

Canadian Academy of Floral Art | CAFA celebrates the exceptional talents of Canadian floral designers as artists, honouring and promoting their artistic achievements. They offer a student program and mentorship to those seeking to join the association and participate in its events. 

Flowers Canada Growers | Flowers Canada is the national trade association of the floral industry, representing over 1,600 growers, import/exporters, and distributors of cut flowers. Its goal is to improve and strengthen the unity of the floriculture industry across Canada. They also collect and publish several resources for growers and florists alike; check out their Retail Guide and Flower University training videos. 

Canadian Institute of Floral Design | CIFD is the largest independent, professional floral design college in Canada. Their intensive three-week Professional Floral Design Program provides hands-on instruction in all aspects of the floriculture and floristry industries, and many graduates have gone on to open retail stores, floral studios, and wholesale floral outlets. Take a look at their educational partners here. 

Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance | COHA’s mission is to advocate for and provide support for Canada’s growing ornamental horticulture industry at the national level. They achieve this goal by fighting for governmental recognition of the value and benefits of the industry and educating public servants about its environmental and economic importance. They also produce innovative research and reports on the economic impact of the industry. Read their Impact of Ornamental Horticulture on Canada’s Economy report here.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association | CNLA is a nationwide nursery and landscape association comprised of nine provincial associations (including BCLNA) and thousands of member companies. They work on initiatives, workshops, and campaigns that contribute to a “prosperous, professional, and ethical industry valued and recognized by the public.” They produce several reports, including a summary of Pesticide Regulations Across Canada and the Vineland Innovation Reports focusing on innovation in the viticulture and horticulture sectors. 

International Associations

Society of American Florists | SAF’s goal is to promote and connect a thriving floral industry by facilitating connections between industry professionals, equipping professionals with resources, and sharing relevant data and knowledge on the future of the industry. Check out their Trends and Statistics page, which includes consumer research, trends on flower imports, and more. 

Wholesale Florist and Florist Supplier Association | Dedicated to the floral wholesale business and its suppliers, WFFSA aims to help wholesale florists with logistical, operational, and marketing challenges. They also have their pulse on the finger of events and news within the industry; check out their blog feed. 

International Society for Horticultural Science | The ISHS promotes and encourages research and education into all branches of horticultural science. They are responsible for multiple publications and scientific journals at the cutting edge of horticultural science, including eJHS and Principles of Modern Fruit Science; investigate these original research articles and reviews here. 

International Association of Horticultural Producers | The AIPH “promotes the place of plants in peoples’ lives” by hosting expositions on horticulture, providing training, and publish reports on the state of the international horticultural industry, biosecurity, and the food chain. Read their latest International Plant Health Survey, or look into their statistics on flower and plant production.

TIP: Use ASAE Gateway to Associations Directory to search for an association by name, interest area, or international geographic location (including Canada and BC). You can also search using a combination of various fields.

 

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.

• Florists’ Review | Florists’ Review brings global floral industry news, events, and trends to your inbox. They publish 12 issues a year, both in print and digitally, Recent stories have included the future of sustainable floristry, freelancing, and their popular “In Bloom” column. 
• The Professional Florist | Published by the Great Lakes Floral Association, The Professional Florist is packed with insightful articles, key information, educational opportunities, and essential news for anyone in the retail floral industry. They publish 6 digital issues per year, which include information and events specific to the Great Lakes area as well as designer spotlights and technology updates. 
• Floriology Magazine | Published bi-monthly by the Floriology Institute, Floriology Magazine aims to strengthen and build community within the floral industry. They share innovative approaches, practical insights, and best practices for florists; every issue contains educational features, which in the past have featured foundational basics or cutting-edge designs and trends. Both digital and print subscriptions are available. 
• Floral Management Magazine | The official publication of the Society of American Florists, Floral Management aligns with SAF’s mission of promoting and connecting a thriving floral industry. Topics include industry innovations, and the magazine often has special issues focused on trends and issues within the industry, such as sustainability and CSR. Subscription is free with a SAF membership, but it is possible to subscribe without the membership as well. 
• Nursery Management | Published 12 times per year in both print and digital formats, Nursery Management publishes cover stories on seasonal varietals and popular types of flowers and plants used in floriculture and horticulture, as well as research into breeding plant and flower varietals. They also include sections on disease control, industry news, and a travelogue. 
• Greenhouse Grower | This online subscription-based magazine represents and writes for a community of plant growers, suppliers, and industry professionals. They feature a range of reports and writing on crop development, research, and news in the broadly-based industry. 
• Greenhouse Management and Production | Greenhouse Management and Production features a wide range of articles geared toward for-profit greenhouse growers and industry professionals, including feature articles on individual growers, industry trends, and Q&As about growing specific plant varietals. 
• Greenhouse Canada | Greenhouse Canada is the only national business magazine published exclusively for commercial greenhouse growers in Canada. Their content focuses on issues and challenges unique to Canada’s seasons and growing conditions. 

TIP: Try searching Ulrichs Periodical Directory to develop a list of important trade publications in your industry.

 

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.

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.

• Florists Profile
• Nursery Owners and Managers Profile
• Botanists Profile

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.

Blogs, Podcasts, and Forums

Blogs 

We Love Florists | This floristry resource connects florists to resources such as wholesalers and suppliers of floral materials. They also have a blog covering topics from growing your social media following as a florist to growing trends in the floral design business.

Real Floral Business | Alison Ellis knows that “floralpreneurs” often get into the business because they love styling flowers, not because they are experts in making sales or pricing arrangements. She started Real Floral Business to teach those skills and help florists run profitable businesses, both through her paid course and her free courses, and to dispense knowledge she gained over 20+ years in the business. 

Floret Farms Blog | One of the United States’ top “farmer florists”, Floret’s Flower Farm Journal interviews florists about their business practices and signature arrangements and shares behind-the-scenes updates on growing flowers meant for floral design. Floret also offers workshops on design, and several free flower guides.

Green Wedding Shoes | Many florists do the bulk of their business in wedding flowers, and this blog reflects that fact, combining a keen artistic eye with the practicality of the business. In addition to collecting the eye-catching floral designs of real weddings from around the world, the blog also features engagement photos, anniversary photos, styled floral photoshoots, and more. 

Greenhouse Blog | The Greenhouse Blog, from greenhouse building company GGS Structures, produces regular content that covers a variety of topics from marketing your greenhouse products to technology to floriculture tips for greenhousing. 

Podcasts

Mornings with Mayesh | Yvonne Ashton and floral designer friends get together monthly to record conversations with florists and farmers. They talk about design and answer listeners’ questions as well as chatting with floral design experts. Recent guests include David Austin of David Austin Roses and Teresa J. Speight, author of Black Flora. 

Slow Flowers Podcast | American flower growers, florists, eco-couture floral designers, and farmers share their journeys in making sustainable, conscious choices about how to conduct their business and their efforts to “green” the industry overall. 

The Flower Podcast | The Flower Podcast features trendsetters in the floristry business, floral creatives, growers, and photographers for a holistic look at the floral industry. They also have a YouTube channel with topics ranging from processing certain types of cut flowers to 

Botanical Brouhaha | Botanical Brouhaha caters to floral designers and prospective florists who want practical tips and insider information about all aspects of running a florist shop. Each week sees an interview with a new floral designer who talks about their experience in navigating the industry, developing their own unique style, and the passions and initiative underlying their design. Recent guests include Ginny Early of Enemies of the Average and Susan McLeary, aka Passionflower Sue.

The Grower and the Economist | Grower Peter Konjoian and economist Michelle Klieger team up to help small and medium growers increase profitability and meet the challenges of a rapidly transforming food and plant landscape through conversation and interview. Recent episodes have featured a discussion on the benefits of permaculture and closed-loop systems, as well as expert Keith Bemerer talking with the hosts about greenhouse designs.

Fresh Takes on Tech | Hosted by Vonnie Estes, the vice president of the International Fresh Produce Association, this podcast explores the problems, solutions, and ideas that are shaping the future of the fresh produce and floral supply industries. Recent episodes have included conversations about how robotics and AI are revolutionizing agriculture, and the organic sub-ecosystem. 

 

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.

• TIP: Even when the exact industry you are looking for is not mentioned by name on BC Stats, you can look at their Small Business Profile to get a feel for the overall landscape of small business in the province. Here’s their Small Business Profile 2021.

 

Government of Canada - Business and Industry | The Government of Canada's comprehensive page for business and industry guides you through important information on starting a business. You will find necessary permits and information on tax and regulation, as well as advice on how to protect your intellectual property through copyright or trademark, a primer for selling to the federal government, information on importing and exporting goods, and advice on managing and protecting your business operations. 

• Starting a business 
• Overview of federal government Services for Small Business

 

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.

• 4531 or 45311: Florists
• 45399: All other miscellaneous store retailers 
• 11142: Nursery and floriculture production
• 1114: Greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture production

 

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.

 

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.

• Expected changes in spending habits during the recovery period
• Production and sale of greenhouse flowers and plants

 

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

• Theatre, fashion, exhibit, and other creative designers
• Retail Trade Industry Profile
• Artisans and craftspersons (NOC 5244)
• Nursery and greenhouse workers (NOC 8432)
• Managers in horticulture (NOC 0822)

 

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada | Provides information and programs for those who raise animals or who grow plants for food, feed or industrial use. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's web resource features a comprehensive collection of agricultural information including economic forecasts and statistics, policies and acts, incentive programs and other services.

• Supporting Flower Growers to Strengthen Market Access and Spur Future Growth
• Statistical Overview of the Canadian Ornamental Industry 2020

 

Open Government Canada | Canada’s Open Government initiative makes government more accessible to everyone. 30,000 pieces of data and digital records are available to the public through the Open Government license, including contracts, business records, and datasets on myriad industries. 

• Channels of distribution for horticulture product sales and resales

 

City of Vancouver’s Open Data Portal

How to access: The guide can be viewed through the link above and is free to use.

The Government of Canada routinely collects vast quantities and kinds of information on a diverse spectrum of topics. Now the City of Vancouver is making this information available to the public in a single concise searchable portal called Open Data 101. This data is accessible to the public and structured in an easy to understand format.

 

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.

AgEcon Search: Research in Agricultural and Applied Economics
AgEcon Search collects, indexes, and electronically distributes full text copies of scholarly research in the broadly defined field of agricultural economics including sub disciplines such as agribusiness, food supply, natural resource economics, environmental economics, policy issues, agricultural trade, and economic development.

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.

• Provincial sales tax information for florists and floral businesses in B.C. 
• Provincial sales tax information for nurseries and garden stores in B.C.

TIP: The Province of British Columbia also aggregates production information for several agricultural sub-industries. Check out the Greenhouse Floriculture production information and the Floriculture and Nursery factsheet.

 

BC Business Registry

British Columbia's online Business Registry is a self-serve application allowing small business owners to complete provincial registrations or incorporations of their business, file name requests on behalf of their business, and store maintenance filings required by British Columbia. Anyone with a BC Registries account may also search for existing businesses and clients, providing access to business information and filings for co-operatives, benefit companies, sole proprietorships, and general partnerships. Use the Business Structures Wizard to help you!

 

Industry Specific Information

Phytosanitary Import Requirements for Fresh and Dried Branches, Cut Flowers and Other Plant Parts for Ornamental Purposes | Per the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, this directive “provides the phytosanitary import requirements for all fresh and dried branches, roots, cones, foliage, flowers, lichens and mosses for ornamental purposes.”

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.

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.

• Floral Suppliers
• Greenhouse Suppliers
• Nursery Suppliers
• Horticulture 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. 

• Greenhouse, Nursery, and Floriculture Production
• Miscellaneous Nondurable Goods Merchant Wholesalers Industry

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.

 

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.

Toronto Flower Show at Canada Blooms | Canada’s largest flower and garden festival celebrates the best of Canadian gardening and floral design. Seeing 200,000 visitors annually, the show features the best designs, products, and services of an array of amateur and professional participants. 

Floriexpo | Floriexpo is North America’s largest business-to-business event exclusively for the floral industry. It focuses on connecting floral suppliers to buyers, providing industry education, and addressing industry needs. Florists can source flowers, accessories, and supplies, and learn the latest industry trends. 

World Floral Expo | This world floral trade show features growers, wholesalers, florists, and other trading companies from the horticulture, floriculture, and landscape industries. Its 50+ exhibitors will give you new insights into fresh cut flowers and the businesses formed around them. 

Grow West Coast Horticulture Trade Show | Western Canada’s premier horticulture trade show, which aims to showcase the work of landscape professionals, architects, municipalities, garden centre, wholesale and retail nurseries, and greenhouse growers from across Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest as a whole. 

Canadian Greenhouse Conference | The Canadian Greenhouse Conference serves as a connection point between growers, suppliers, and research partners, and features products, research, and education for commercial growers as well as those involved in the floriculture, vegetable, and berry industries. 

 

10Times.com | The largest worldwide online directory of trade fairs, business exhibitions, trade shows, conferences, and seminars for various industries. Search for trade shows by industry, country, date, organizer, or venue.

 

 

 

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. You can use 453110 for Florists, 453998 for Miscellaneous Retail, or 424930 for suppliers and merchant wholesales of cut flowers and florists’ supplies.

 

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.

• The U.S. floral gifting market to grow at a CAGR of 6.13% during the forecast period.: In-depth Analysis and Data-driven Insights on the Impact of COVID-19 Included in this U. S. Floral Gifting Market Report. The U. S. floral gifting market to grow at a CAGR of 6. 13% during the forecast period. (2022, February 10). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database. 

• Floriculture market 2022 size, share, growth | trends, recent developments, company profiles, key suppliers, production capacity, revenue & gross margin, market drivers, opportunities, challenges and forecast 2028 | market reports world: Global floriculture market size is estimated to be worth US$ 50040 million in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of US$ 58030 million by 2028 with a CAGR of 2.5% during the review period. (2022, Apr 04). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database.
• Global cut flowers industry: Global cut flowers market to reach $41.1 billion by 2027. amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for cut flowers estimated at US$29. 2 billion in the year 2020, is projected to reach a revised size of US$41. (2020, Aug 24). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database. 

• The US Floral Gifting Market Size to Reach $17.02 Billion by 2027. FTD Companies, 1-800-Flowers.com, Teleflora, and From You Flowers Dominates the Market – Arizton: The floral gifting market in the U.S. was valued at $11.91 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $17.02 billion by 2027. (2022, February 9). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database. 

• U.S. Floral Gifting Market to Reach Revenues of Over $17 Billion by 2025 - Arizton. (2020, June 2). PR Newswire. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database. 

• Eley, J., and Nilsson, P. (2021, May 4). Pandemic helps online flower market to bloom: Retail & consumer. Financial Times. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database. 

• Nursery Planters and Pots Market Size ($1,956.21Mn by 2028) Growth Forecast at 3.2% CAGR During 2021 to 2028 COVID Impact and Global Analysis by TheInsightPartners.com: The Nursery Planters and Pots Market Size and Growth impelled by growing demand for nursery planters and pots from the residential sector, growth of greenhouse and nursery industries. (2021, October 13). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database.

• Government of Canada supports growth for Canada's nursery and landscape industry. (2022, Mar 21). PR Newswire. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database. 
• Greenhouse, nursery, and flowers global market report 2021: COVID 19 impact and recovery to 2030: Major companies in the greenhouse, nursery, and flowers market include Color Spot Nurseries; Coasta Farms; Altman Plants; Kurt Weiss Greenhouses and Rocket Farms. The global greenhouse, nursery, and flowers market is expected to grow from $369. (2021, Jan 21). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database. 
• Outlook on the greenhouse, nursery and flowers global market to 2030 - identify growth segments for investment. (2021, Apr 02). NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Collection database. 
• The global greenhouse horticulture market is expected to grow by $ 9.41 bn during 2021-2025, progressing at a CAGR of 7.25% during the forecast period: Global greenhouse horticulture market 2021-2025 the analyst has been monitoring the greenhouse horticulture market and it is poised to grow by $ 9.41 bn during 2021-2025, progressing at a CAGR of 7. (2021, Oct 15). 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.

• (2021). Delivery apps expand reach to meet customer demands. (2021). FRPT- Infrastructure Snapshot, 1. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database. 
• King, R. (2020). The founder of wedding florist startup Poppy on going into business for yourself. Fortune.Com. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database. 
• Parks, C. (2021). A Blossoming Industry. Bloomberg Businessweek, 4706, 59–61. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database. 
• Konjoian, P., & Dolce, J. (2021). How Can the Horticulture Industry Thrive in a Post-Pandemic Environment? GPN: Greenhouse Product News, 31(6), 14–15. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate 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.

• Buchko, M. Florists in Canada. (2021, December). Canada Industry (NAICS) Report 43511CA | Retail Trade in Canada. Retrieved from IBIS World Industry Reports database.
• Rose, A. (2021, October). Florists in the US. US Industry (NAICS) Report 43511 | Retail Trade. Retrieved from IBIS World Industry Reports database.
• McGrath, S. (2021, April). Flower and Nursery Stock Wholesaling in Canada. Canada Industry (NAICS) Report 41113CA | Wholesale Trade in Canada. Retrieved from IBIS World Industry Reports database.
• Thomas, B. (2021, July). Flower and Nursery Stock Wholesaling in the US. US Industry (NAICS) Report 42493 | Wholesale Trade. Retrieved from IBIS World Industry Reports database.
• Buchko, M. (2020, December). Plant & Flower Growing in Canada. Canada Industry (NAICS) Report 11142CA | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting. Retrieved from IBIS World Industry Reports database.
• Madigan, J. (2021, August). Plant & Flower Growing in the US. US Industry (NAICS) Report 11142 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting. Retrieved from IBIS World Industry Reports database.
• Thomas, B. (2020, November). Online Flower Shops in the US. US Specialized Industry (NAICS) Report OD5069 | Online Retail Trade. Retrieved from IBIS World Industry Reports database.
• Khaustovich, V. (2021, July). Landscape Design in the US. US Industry (NAICS) Report 54132 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services. Retrieved from IBIS World Industry Reports 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.

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

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.

• (2022, February 9). Most wanted gifts for Valentine’s Day According to US Adults, Jan 2022 (% of respondents). YouGov. Retrieved from eMarketer database. 
• (2022, February 7). Planned purchases for Valentine’s Day 2022 According to US Adults, Jan 2022 (% of respondents, Jan 2022). Numerator. Retrieved from eMarketer database. 
• Obolenskaya, C. (2022, April 29). Q&A: Gift-giving year-round with FTD. Retrieved from eMarketer. eMarketer database. 
• Carnahan, D. (2021, May 7). Brands let consumers opt out of Mother’s Day promotions. eMarketer. Retrieved from 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. 

• Euromonitor International. (n.d). Imports (cif) of Live Trees, Plants, Bulbs, Roots, Cut Flowers. [Data set]. 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.

• (2018). It’s Never Too Late: Always the Perfect Gift with 1-800-Flowers. MMA Smarties. Retrieved from WARC: World Advertising Research Center database. 
• Whiteside, S. (2018). 1-800-Flowers’ emotional marketing driver: Sympathy. WARC Event Reports. Retrieved from WARC: World Advertising Research Center database. 
• (2018, November 7). 1-800-Flowers finds unique emotional territory. WARC. Retrieved from WARC: World Advertising Research Center database.
• Whiteside, S. (2017, March). 1-800-Flowers explores conversational commerce. WARC Event Reports. 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.

• (Search Ipsos for relevant sources that are specific to learning about customer behavior in this industry, if there’s nothing please delete.)

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.