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

• Handicraft
• Handicraft--Management.
• Handicraft--Marketing.
• Selling--Handicraft.
• Handicraft -- Selling.
• Handicraft industries
• Handicraft industries -- Management
• Art -- Business Aspects
• 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.

• Scrapbooking Store Business Plan
• Custom Jewelry Business Plan
• Gift basket Business Plan
• Stained Glass Gallery Business Plan
• Custom Quilt Art Business Plan 
• Decorative Pottery Business Plan
• Pottery Studio Business Plan
• Custom Pottery Business Plan
• Home Accessories and Gifts Business Plan
• Specialty Gifts Business Plan
• Gifts and Collectibles Retail Shop Business Plan

TIP: Indigenous craftspeople and artisans can find many tailored business planning resources that center the place-based nature of their work online, such as in the Indigenous Business Planning Workbook by BusinessLink Indigenous Services or the Aboriginal Entrepreneur Toolkit from the Native Women’s Association of Canada. These resources also include marketing information.

 

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.

• Soap Making Business Plan - Felson’s Homemade Soaps, Inc. 
• Art Glass Studio Business Plan- Phyllis Farmington Art Glass
• Concrete Art Business Plan- Concrete Creations by Carly
• Craft Glass Jewelry Business Plan- Colorful Creations
• Jewelry Making Business Plan- Liberty Lewis Designs, LLC. 
• Arts and Crafts Company Business Plan- 3 Sister Crafts
• Woodburning Business Plan - Carlson Creative Woodcraft
• Handmade Knitted Items Business Plan - Mama Knit Shop 
• Cross- Stitch Business Plan - Anika Esperanza Designs 
• Etsy Shop Business Plan- Keychain Kaleidoscope LLC
• Laser Engraving Business Plan- Breckenridge Laser Works
• Handmade Greeting Card Company Business Plan- Heartsongs
• Custom Jewelry/ Gift Box Business Plan - Boxes by Benny, Inc. 
• Retail Art Furnishings Business Plan- Wood Designs Gallery

 

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.

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 type 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

TIP: Indigenous entrepreneurs can check out Indigenous- and First Nations-specific funding opportunities from the Government of Canada on its Funding for Indigenous Business webpage, or check out government projects like the Indigenous Community Business Fund.

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.

• (2022, Oct 28) Arts and crafts market size & shares by 2028 | revenue, cost analysis, gross margins, future investment | segmentation by types, applications | key players, market dynamics.. NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database. 
• (2022, Aug 23). Arts and crafts market worth USD 70234.67 million by 2027 | growth, size, shares, revenue, types, applications, key players, top countries, growing factors, key dynamics. . NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database. 
• (2021, Nov 23). The global K-12 arts and crafts material market is expected to grow by $ 512.64 mn during 2021-2025, progressing at a CAGR of 2.64% during the forecast period: Global K-12 arts and crafts material market 2021-2025 the analyst has been monitoring the K-12 arts and crafts material market and it is poised to grow by $ 512. 64 mn during 2021-2025, progressing at a CAGR of 2. NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database. 
• (2021, Jan 29). Arts & crafts supplies market research report - global forecast to 2025 - cumulative impact of COVID-19: Arts & crafts supplies market research report - global forecast to 2025 - cumulative impact of COVID-19 market statistics: The report provides market sizing and forecast across five major currencies - USD, EUR GBP, JPY, and AUD. . NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database. 
• (2022, February 10). Glass (flat, pressed & blown) and glass product (containers, packaging, bottles and tableware) manufacturing industry (U.S.) analytics, extensive financial benchmarks, metrics and revenue forecasts to 2028, NAIC 327200. Houston: Plunkett Research, Ltd. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database. 
• (2022, February 11). Specialized miscellaneous durable goods (including sporting goods, toys & games, jewelry and recyclables) distribution industry (U.S.) analytics, extensive financial benchmarks, metrics and revenue forecasts to 2028, NAIC 423900. Houston: Plunkett Research, Ltd. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database.
• (2022, Oct 21).Canada: Minister Vandal announces nearly $200,000 through CanNor to support the growth and expansion of two Yukon small businesses. Asia News Monitor Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database. 
• Adhikari, R. (2021, Jun 30). Alina Prajapati: Transforming the pottery business.. New Business Age. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database. 
• (2022, Sep 14). United States : U.S. Department of Commerce invests $4.6 million in American Rescue Plan funds to support tourism-related business growth in the Lummi Nation. MENA Report Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database. 
• Harvey, Y. (2020, Nov 17). 'Our people have lost considerable income': Almonte indigenous business urges support for virtual marketplace. The Canadian Press. 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.

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.

• TBRC. (2022, May). Finished Wood Products Market Global Briefing 2022. [Report Code MKB146G.] Retrieved from BCC Research Centre. 
• TBRC (2020, November). Clay Product and Refractory Manufacturing Investment Competitor Outlook 2020: COVID-19 Impact and Recovery. [Report Code MKB390C]. Retrieved from BCC Research Centre database.
• BCC Publishing (2017, May). Transparent Ceramics: Technologies and Global Markets. [Report Code AVM115B]. Retrieved from BCC Research Centre 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.

• Templeton, L. (2021). African Design and Crafts Highlighted At Les Arts Décoratifs Exhibition. WWD: Women’s Wear Daily, 14. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database.
• Miller, R. K., & Washington, K. (2019). CHAPTER 3: ARTS & CRAFTS: 3.1: Market Assessment. Leisure Market Research Handbook, 31. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database.
• Miller, R. K., & Washington, K. (2019). CHAPTER 3: ARTS & CRAFTS: 3.3: Online Marketplace. Leisure Market Research Handbook, 32. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database.
• Miller, R. K., & Washington, K. (2019). CHAPTER 3: ARTS & CRAFTS: 3.5: Crafts Fairs and Festivals. Leisure Market Research Handbook, 33. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database.
• Blue Star Press Expands Millennial Lotería Brand, Arts and Crafts Titles. (2022). Publishers Weekly, 269(37), 41–42. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database.
• MarketLine Company Profile: Etsy Inc. (2022). In Etsy, Inc. MarketLine Company Profile (pp. 1–19). Retrieved from Business Source Complete database.
• (2021). Learning high-impact tricks of the trade from artisan microbusinesses: Social examples of collaborative entrepreneurial capital conversions in the UK. Strategic Direction, 37(4), 3–5. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database.
• Bertoni, S. (2021). How Etsy Is Giving AI To Its Army Of 5 Million Artisan-Entrepreneurs To Build The Anti-Amazon. Forbes.Com. Retrieved from Business Source Ultimate database. 
• Elvekrok, I., & Tobiassen, A. E. (2020). Using a Magnifying Glass to Examine Network Formation Among Artisan Entrepreneurs. Proceedings of the European Conference on Innovation & Entrepreneurship, 242–250. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database.
• Wilkerson, J. M. (2021). Resolving the Artisan Entrepreneur’s Oppositional Identity With Venturing in a Declining City Context. American Journal of Management, 21(4), 30–43.
• Solomon, S. J., & Mathias, B. D. (2020). The artisans’ dilemma: Artisan entrepreneurship and the challenge of firm growth. Journal of Business Venturing, 35(5). Retrieved from Business Source Complete database.
• Manfredi Latilla, V., Frattini, F., Messeni Petruzzelli, A., & Berner, M. (2019). Knowledge management and knowledge transfer in arts and crafts organizations: evidence from an exploratory multiple case-study analysis. Journal of Knowledge Management, 23(7), 1335–1354. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database.
• Weiskott, M. (2017). Arts and Crafts, a Reliable Super Category. Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 16–26. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database.
• Krupets, Y., & Epanova, Y. (2021). Developing craft business in Russia: capitals and tactics of young cultural entrepreneurs. Cultural Trends, 1–15. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database.
• Harel, R., Schwartz, D., & Kaufmann, D. (2019). Open Innovation in Small Businesses in the Industry and Craft Sectors. International Journal of Innovation Management, 23(4). Retrieved from Business Source Complete 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.

• (2022) Jewelry Manufacturing - Quarterly Update 8/22/2022. Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles.
• (2022) Jewelry Manufacturing - Quarterly Update 5/30/2022. Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles.

 

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.

• McGrath, S. (2022, June). Soap & Cleaning Compound Manufacturing in Canada / CANADA INDUSTRY (NAICS) REPORT 32561CA / MANUFACTURING IN CANADA. IBISWorld. Retrieved from IBISWorld database.
• Kanda, S. (2021, August). Household Furniture Manufacturing in Canada \ CANADA INDUSTRY (NAICS) REPORT 33712CA / MANUFACTURING IN CANADA. IBISWorld. Retrieved from IBISWorld database.
• Moreno, A. (2022, October). Jewelry Manufacturing in the US. US INDUSTRY (NAICS) REPORT 33991 / MANUFACTURING. IBISWorld. Retrieved from IBISWorld database.
• Guirguis, J. (2022, June). Candle Manufacturing in the US. US SPECIALIZED INDUSTRY REPORT 4260 / CONSUMER GOODS AND SERVICES. IBISWorld. Retrieved from IBISWorld database.
• Dalal, M. (2022, September). Paper Products Manufacturing in the US. US INDUSTRY (NAICS) REPORT 32229b / MANUFACTURING. IBISWorld. Retrieved from IBISWorld database
• Kanda, S. (2021, September). Toy, Doll, and Game Manufacturing in Canada. CANADA INDUSTRY (NAICS) REPORT 33993CA / MANUFACTURING IN CANADA. IBISWorld. Retrieved from IBISWorld database.
• DellaCamera, C. (2022, February). Small Specialty Retail Stores in Canada. CANADA INDUSTRY (NAICS) REPORT 45399aCA / RETAIL TRADE IN CANADA. IBISWorld. 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.

• Freedonia Focus Reports. (2021, March). Furniture: United States. Marketresearch.com Academic. Retrieved from Marketresearch.com Academic database.
• Freedonia Focus Reports. (2019, April). E-Commerce: Canada. Marketresearch.com Academic. Retrieved from Marketresearch.com Academic database.
• Freedonia Focus Reports. (2020, June). E-Commerce: United States. Marketresearch.com 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.

• (2022) Jewelry Manufacturing - Quarterly Update 8/22/2022. Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles.
• (2022) Jewelry Manufacturing - Quarterly Update 5/30/2022. Fort Mill, South Carolina: Mergent. Retrieved from First Research Industry Profiles.
• (2022). A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc. Fort Mill: Mergent. Retrieved from Business Market Research Collection database. 

 

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. (2022, January 14). Value of the arts and crafts market worldwide from 2017 to 2024. Value Market Research. Retrieved from Statista database.
• Tighe, D. (2022, March 10). Retail sales of arts and crafts in the U.S. from 2019 to 2021. Toy Industry Association. Retrieved from Statista database.
• Tighe, D. (2021, November 29). Canadian consumer Christmas shopping attitudes 2021. Retail Council of Canada. Retrieved from Statista database. 
• Statista Research Department. (2015, August 26). U.S. consumers' degree of quality association with "craft" 2015. Harris Poll. Retrieved from Statista database. 
• Statista Research Department. (2014, August 25). Retail sales value of the gardening decoration and indoor crafts market in North America* from 2008 to 2016. HKExnews. Retrieved from Statista database. 
• Statista Research Department. (2013, November 25). Reasons given by Aborginal peoples for making art, crafts or clothing in Canada in 2012, by identity. StatCan. Retrieved from Statista database. 
• Statista Research Department. (2013, November 25). Reasons given by Aborginal peoples for making art, crafts or clothing in Canada in 2012, by identity. StatCan. Retrieved from Statista database. 
• Statista Research Department. (2013, November 25). Reasons given by Aborginal peoples for making art, crafts or clothing in Canada in 2012, 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.

• (2022). American Express: #BackingWomenArtisans. SABRE Awards. Retrieved from WARC database.
• Nair, K. (2022, September 15). “Marketing needs marketing”: The curious case of Tony’s Chocolonely. Publicis Groupe. Retrieved from WARC database. 
• (2022, November). What we know about cultural insight. WARC Best Practice. Retrieved from WARC database.
• (2022, February). The WARC Guide to Communicating Value. WARC Best Practice. Retrieved from WARC database.
• (2021, April). A casual flirtation or a committed relationship? Assessing the post-pandemic stickiness of product subscriptions. Research on WARC. Retrieved from WARC database.
• Klein, M. (2021, October 15). Overlook the cliches of the creator economy. Zine. Retrieved from WARC database.
• Kim, T., Kim, H, and Kim, Y. (2019). How do brands’ Facebook posts induce consumers’ e-word-of-mouth behavior? Informational versus emotional message strategy: A computational analysis. Journal of Advertising Research, 59(4). Retrieved from WARC database.
• Giles, A. (2017) The future of retailing: never mind the quality, feel the personalisation. Market Leader. Retrieved from WARC database. 
• (2018). Stonemill Slow Crafted Bakehouse: Slow Crafted Enjoyment. Institute of Communication Agencies, Silver, CASSIES. Retrieved from WARC database. 
• (2016).Haagen-Dazs: Crafted. SABRE Awards: New Product. Retrieved from WARC database.
• (2015, October 12). Amazon offers ‘handmade’ goods. WARC. Retrieved from WARC 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, Nov 12). Unique finds await at christmas markets. Toronto Star. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database. 
• (2022). 'Conscious beauty': Jennilee Cardinal-Schultz offers sustainable approach to cosmetics at Green Tree Beauty. The Star-Phoenix. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database. 
• 2021, Dec 02). 'Our first year was a whirlwind': The maker's mark, selling artisan crafts in Newmarket, marks first anniversary. Era - Banner. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database. 
• (2021, Oct 10). Art from the heart: Mary Commanda crafts custom dreamcatchers and, in the process, shares her knowledge of Indigenous culture. Toronto Star. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database. 
• Crawford, T. (2022). Holiday events in Metro Vancouver: Concerts, crafts fairs, light displays and more. The Vancouver Sun. Retrieved from Canadian Newsstream database. 
• Pruden, J. G. (2021). Globe craft club: From knitting to miniatures to paper flowers, catch up on all our lessons: Revisit the crafts we've learned in livestreamed events with feature writer Jana G. Pruden and special guests, including embroidery, making notebooks and painting with watercolours. The Globe and Mail. 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.

BC Associations

• Craft Council of British Columbia | The Craft Council of British Columbia is a membership based charitable organization that works to increase the public profile of craft in BC and Canada through the support of local artists at various stages of their careers. Check out the member services and resources for artists sections.
• Alter Arts Society | The Alter Arts Society builds community and connects artists from around British Columbia. Check out their makespace in Quadra Village if you’re located in Victoria, or enjoy their festival and partake of local artists’ and artisans’ handmade goods and art. 
• British Columbia Arts Council | Established in 1995, the British Columbia Arts Council supports arts and culture throughout British Columbia through community engagement and collaboration with promising local artists. Visit the funding and FAQ pages to learn more about what they do. 

Canadian Associations

• Canadian Crafts Federation | The Canadian Crafts Federation works to represent and promote provincial and territorial craft councils on both the national and international stage. Check out their resources section, which has not only research and data on the state of the craft sector in Canada but educational resources for refining and honing your craft. 
• Canada Council for the Arts | The Canada Council for the Arts is a government run organization that offers financial support tp professional Canadian artists through grants, endowments and prizes. Visit their initiatives page to get information on recent programs to promote arts and crafts in Canada,or their research library to investigate the state of arts and crafts businesses in Canada, including information on public funding for Indigenous artists and evaluations of digital strategies in the craft sector.  
• Citizens of Craft | Citizens of Craft values the handmade, the authentic, and the unapologetically local. They maintain a calendar of crafting events across Canada as well as directories of educational institutions and places to showcase craft for members. 

 

International Associations

• American Craft Council | The American Craft Council promotes investment in creative and maker economies, and amplifies artists’ stories from across the United States on its blog and through advocacy. Check out their forum, which promotes conversation about all manner of handicraft.
• National Council for the Ceramic Arts | NCECA “advances creation, teaching and learning through clay in the contemporary world.” They accomplish this through providing multiple fellowships, some of which are specifically reserved for Indigenous and multicultural folks, and holding a yearly conference at which members can exhibit or present their work. 
• Worldwide Craft Council | The World Crafts Council (WCC AISBL) is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation to promote fellowship, foster economic development through income generating craft related activities, and organize workshops, conferences, seminars and more for the craftspeople of the world. 

 

TIP: Although these organizations focus on the overarching designation of “arts and handicrafts”, you can also search for associations for your specific craft- be it woodworking, ceramics, soapmaking, or metallurgy- by using a combination of keywords such as “ceramics”, “council”, and “British Columbia” or “Canada”. You’ll find even more organizations than the ones listed here, such as the Potters’ Guild of BC and the Vancouver Island Woodworkers’ Guild. The more specific you get in your search terms, the more local councils you will find!

 

 

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.

• Studio Magazine | The only national magazine dedicated to fine arts and crafts in Canada, Studio Magazine collects essays from artisans and craftspeople as well as editorials and reviews. Get 2 issues in print when you subscribe, or browse their collection of pieces online. 
• Workshop Magazine | Workshop is a small, independent magazine that bills itself as both a magazine and a community. It focuses on small maker/creator businesses in its online feature pieces- check out titles such as “53 Content Creation Ideas for Maker Businesses” or “How to Make Instagram Reels that Work”, or browse dedicated sections for specific information on planning, creating, and selling your business. 
• Digits and Threads | Digits and Threads is a national magazine discussing all things Canadian fiber and textile art. It helps Canadian artisans delve deeper into sourcing product and getting to know their industry, and has a fair amount of Indigenous-focused articles celebrating the place-based context in which these fine crafts exist. Read their feature articles online or join them to get access to their monthly online studio hours. 
• Craft Focus Magazine | Craft Focus is a trade publication for the arts, crafts, and hobby industry, devoted to helping makers and artisan source product for their craft businesses. They’ll help you find a supplier for any craft, and their bimonthly magazine features not only ways to source but trends and new designs. Download the magazine online. 
• American Craft Magazine | An American based magazine that is published 6 times per year. Many of the articles require a membership, but there are several online editions available, as well as free content.
• Makezine | A free online web 'zine' that features blogs, videos, craft ideas. They also have a print and digital magazine that is published 6 times a year and supports the intersection of the maker movement and technology.
• furniturelink | Canadian online publication that focuses on contemporary furniture design and sustainable manufacturing in Canada and beyond. 
• Working it Out Together | Working It Out Together collect Indigenous voices in design, arts, crafts, fashion and more; it is dedicated to capturing this growing wave of consciousness toward Indigeous perspectives. Check out their issues online; the latest at the time of this writing, Issue No. 16, explores Indigenous craft and fashion from Indigenous Fashion Week 2022 in Toronto.

• Canadian Woodworking Magazine | Canadian Woodworking features tips, plans, tool reviews, and articles focused exclusively on woodworking. Published 6 times per year.

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.

• Visual Arts Industry Profile
• Design Industry Profile 
• Personal Care Products Industry Profile 
• Stone, Concrete, Ceramics, and Glass Industry Profile
• Artists

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.

ArtScape | Artscape is a Toronto-based Canadian organization that engages in creative placemaking, supporting artists and building space and community to facilitate creative entrepreneurship development. As part of this mission, they aggregate statistics on the cultural and arts sectors in Canada and provide development programs for Canadian creative entrepreneurs and artists, including residencies. 

CARFAC | CARFAC offers myriad tools for Canadian artists who want to make money from their art, including advice on copyrighting visual work, information on Indigenous protocols, and a platform that artists can use to create a verifiable and authoritative record of their work called Imprimo. Check out these tools -and more- on their website. 

BC Alliance for Arts and Culture | The BC Alliance for Arts and Culture lists several individual members available for consultation in the arts, crafts, and cultural heritage sectors. 

 

Blogs & Podcasts

Blogs

• Artterra | Artterra works exclusively with Canadian small business owners- artists and artisans who they promote on their blog and in their online shop. Their growing blog includes information on starting eco-friendly art businesses and calls for Canadian small business owners and artists to work with them to make art and craft more sustainable. 
• CCBC Shop Blog | The official blog of the Canadian Craft Business Council, the Shop Blog educates artists about different materials and their properties for the purposes of craft, including metalworking, woodworking, and clay ceramics. 
• Create and Thrive | A frequently updated craft blog from Australia that includes lots of how-to information on how to turn your crafting hobby into a business. The blog also includes a podcast and how-to courses.
• Creative Income Blog | This blog covers all aspects of starting and maintaining a successful craft business, such as creating invoices, blogging for exposure, and pricing goods. Craft bloggers and designers regularly bring their expertise to guest blog posts, so that readers can learn about a variety of business models and tips from many voices.
• Craft Professional | An up-to-date blog which combines the author`s personal experience as a jewelry maker with her training as a career counselor. Blog posts offer useful first-hand information and the site also includes access to a free newsletter.
• Craft Business Blog | This blog offers advice on how to make money from your crafts business, including information on crafting (excuse the pun) your business’ story and specific resources on different craft business sectors such as soapmaking. It includes access to a free craft business Q&A sheet. 
• Fine Furniture Maker Blog | Updated a few times a month, this blog is run by Rowden Atelier furniture school, While it does have many posts related to their school, there is also good information on construction and industry tips. 

 

Podcasts  

• Your Handmade Business | Your Handmade Business, hosted by Isaac Watson, is a podcast dedicated to maker businesses that aims to help makers, artists, craftspeople, and artisans see the big picture of their business. Each episode tackles an important (and sometimes uncomfortable) topic about running a handmade business and features myriad perspectives and voices. Check out episodes on avoiding craft show missed connections and on getting holiday press. 
• Etsy Conversations Podcast | The Etsy Conversations Podcast Blog features stories from Etsy sellers and small businesses on topics from print-on-demand to finding success with niche digital products. It’s a great resource for anyone hoping to sell their wares on the online marketplace. 
• Craft Industry Alliance Podcast | The Craft Industry Alliance podcast helps artisans and crafters develop the skills it takes to build a successful creative business. Every episode features a different creative entrepreneur who has gone through the challenges and tribulations of running a creative business, and features their story on how they made it through. 
• Business of Craft | Host Leanne Pressly interviews business leaders and entrepreneurs of fiber arts, fabric, sewing and other creative companies so listeners can learn to craft a better business. 
• Craft to Career | Host Elizabeth Schappell uncovers craft industry knowledge that will help listeners answer the questions, “How do I turn my craft into a career? How do I create my dream job, working from home, and doing what I love? How do I grow my Instagram following? How do I earn money with my craft?” Although the show is heavily focused on quilting as a craft, its lessons are applicable across the craft sector; check out episodes on working with dream collaborators and using past experience in your current venture
• The Craft Seller Success Podcast | Found both on Apple Podcasts and its own website, this podcast aims to help artisans, makers, and craftspersons sell their crafts in whatever venue they choose. It features practical advice for selling in each episode, including coming up with product keywords, Etsy SEO, and shipping and delivery. 
• The Craft of Crafting in Canada | This episode of the Eh Sayers podcast celebrates the age-old craft of crafting with one’s hands. Maegen Black, director of the Canadian Crafts Federation discusses the arts and crafts movement across Canada in this episode that is sure to give artisans and craftspeople an informed view of its future. 

 

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.

 

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. 

 

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.

• 32223: Stationery product manufacturing
• 32561: Soap and cleaning compound manufacturing
• 3272: Glass and glass product manufacturing
• 32711: Pottery, ceramics, and plumbing fixture manufacturing
• 33991: Jewelry and silverware manufacturing
• 32311: Printing

 

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.

• (2022). Business Licenses. City of Vancouver. Retrieved from City of Vancouver’s Open Data Portal.

 

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

 

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

• Artisans and craftspersons (NOC 5244)
• Cabinetmakers (NOC 7272)
• Carpenters (NOC 7271)
• Painters, sculptors, and other visual artists (NOC 5196)

 

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.

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.

 

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!

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.

• Ambleside Stained Glass
• Best Woodcraft, Ltd.
• A&G’s Crafts and Woodworking 
• Blue Cheese Pottery
• Country Rose Soap Co., Ltd.

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.

• Crafts Suppliers
• Arts and Crafts Suppliers
• Artisan 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. 

• Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers

naturally:wood - Forestry Innovation Investment (FII) Product Directory
Use the FII Product Directory to locate British Columbia forest products and the manufacturers who provide them.

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.

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.

CCBC Craft Shows Guide

The Crafts Council of British Columbia has produced the largest and most comprehensive listing of craft shows in British Columbia. This listing also includes craft shows from across Canada.

Circle Craft

Circle Craft is a co-op for artisans in British Columbia. They hold an annual Christmas Market, and have a permanent gallery on Granville Island in Vancouver.

The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE)

The PNE holds annual consumer and trade shows including the Vancouver Mini Maker Faire and the Vancouver Gift Expo. 

 

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. 27215 for Glass Product Manufacturing- refer to our NAICS table in Industry Information for more NAICS codes!)

 

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.

 

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.

• (2022, Oct 28) Arts and crafts market size & shares by 2028 | revenue, cost analysis, gross margins, future investment | segmentation by types, applications | key players, market dynamics.. NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database. 
• (2022, Aug 23). Arts and crafts market worth USD 70234.67 million by 2027 | growth, size, shares, revenue, types, applications, key players, top countries, growing factors, key dynamics. . NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database. 
• (2021, Nov 23). The global K-12 arts and crafts material market is expected to grow by $ 512.64 mn during 2021-2025, progressing at a CAGR of 2.64% during the forecast period: Global K-12 arts and crafts material market 2021-2025 the analyst has been monitoring the K-12 arts and crafts material market and it is poised to grow by $ 512. 64 mn during 2021-2025, progressing at a CAGR of 2. NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database. 
• (2021, Jan 29). Arts & crafts supplies market research report - global forecast to 2025 - cumulative impact of COVID-19: Arts & crafts supplies market research report - global forecast to 2025 - cumulative impact of COVID-19 market statistics: The report provides market sizing and forecast across five major currencies - USD, EUR GBP, JPY, and AUD. . NASDAQ OMX's News Release Distribution Channel Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database. 
• (2022, February 10). Glass (flat, pressed & blown) and glass product (containers, packaging, bottles and tableware) manufacturing industry (U.S.) analytics, extensive financial benchmarks, metrics and revenue forecasts to 2028, NAIC 327200. Houston: Plunkett Research, Ltd. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database. 
• (2022, February 11). Specialized miscellaneous durable goods (including sporting goods, toys & games, jewelry and recyclables) distribution industry (U.S.) analytics, extensive financial benchmarks, metrics and revenue forecasts to 2028, NAIC 423900. Houston: Plunkett Research, Ltd. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM database.

 

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.

• TBRC (2020, November). Clay Product and Refractory Manufacturing Investment Competitor Outlook 2020: COVID-19 Impact and Recovery. [Report Code MKB390C]. Retrieved from BCC Research Centre database.
• BCC Publishing (2017, May). Transparent Ceramics: Technologies and Global Markets. [Report Code AVM115B]. Retrieved from BCC Research Centre 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.

• Miller, R. K., & Washington, K. (2019). CHAPTER 3: ARTS & CRAFTS: 3.1: Market Assessment. Leisure Market Research Handbook, 31. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database.
• Miller, R. K., & Washington, K. (2019). CHAPTER 3: ARTS & CRAFTS: 3.3: Online Marketplace. Leisure Market Research Handbook, 32. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database.
• MarketLine Company Profile: Etsy Inc. (2022). In Etsy, Inc. MarketLine Company Profile (pp. 1–19). Retrieved from Business Source Complete 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.

• McGrath, S. (2022, June). Soap & Cleaning Compound Manufacturing in Canada / CANADA INDUSTRY (NAICS) REPORT 32561CA / MANUFACTURING IN CANADA. IBISWorld. Retrieved from IBISWorld database.
• Moreno, A. (2022, October). Jewelry Manufacturing in the US. US INDUSTRY (NAICS) REPORT 33991 / MANUFACTURING. IBISWorld. Retrieved from IBISWorld database.
• Guirguis, J. (2022, June). Candle Manufacturing in the US. US SPECIALIZED INDUSTRY REPORT 4260 / CONSUMER GOODS AND SERVICES. IBISWorld. Retrieved from IBISWorld database.
• Dalal, M. (2022, September). Paper Products Manufacturing in the US. US INDUSTRY (NAICS) REPORT 32229b / MANUFACTURING. IBISWorld. Retrieved from IBISWorld database
• Kanda, S. (2021, September). Toy, Doll, and Game Manufacturing in Canada. CANADA INDUSTRY (NAICS) REPORT 33993CA / MANUFACTURING IN CANADA. IBISWorld. Retrieved from IBISWorld database.
• DellaCamera, C. (2022, February). Small Specialty Retail Stores in Canada. CANADA INDUSTRY (NAICS) REPORT 45399aCA / RETAIL TRADE IN CANADA. IBISWorld. 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.

• Freedonia Focus Reports. (2019, April). E-Commerce: Canada. Marketresearch.com Academic. Retrieved from Marketresearch.com Academic database.
• Freedonia Focus Reports. (2020, June). E-Commerce: United States. Marketresearch.com Academic. Retrieved from Marketresearch.com Academic 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.

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. 

• Arts and Crafts in Canada. (2022, September 12). Datagraphic. Passport GMID. Retrieved from Passport GMID database.
• Arts and Crafts in World. (2022, September). Datagraphic. Passport GMID. Retrieved from Passport GMID 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.

 

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

• Household spending, Canadian regions and provinces

 

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.

• Consumer Price Index, October 2022
• Trade of culture and sports products, 2020

 

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.

• Freedonia Focus Reports. (2021, March). Furniture: United States. Marketresearch.com Academic. Retrieved from Marketresearch.com Academic database.
• Freedonia Focus Reports. (2019, April). E-Commerce: Canada. Marketresearch.com Academic. Retrieved from Marketresearch.com Academic database.
• Freedonia Focus Reports. (2020, June). E-Commerce: United States. Marketresearch.com Academic. 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.

• Obolenskaya, C. (2022, April 29). Q&A: Gift-Giving Year-Round with FTD.. eMarketer. Retrieved from eMarketer database. 
• Lebow, S. (2022, September 2). What’s next in ecommerce growth? eMarketer. Retrieved from eMarketer database. 
• Frankland, J. (2022, June 30). Most consumers want brands to personalize their marketing communication. eMarketer. Retrieved from eMarketer 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.

• Nair, K. (2022, September 15). “Marketing needs marketing”: The curious case of Tony’s Chocolonely. Publicis Groupe. Retrieved from WARC database. 
• (2022, November). What we know about cultural insight. WARC Best Practice. Retrieved from WARC database.
• (2022, February). The WARC Guide to Communicating Value. WARC Best Practice. Retrieved from WARC database.
• (2021, April). A casual flirtation or a committed relationship? Assessing the post-pandemic stickiness of product subscriptions. Research on WARC. Retrieved from WARC database.
• Kim, T., Kim, H, and Kim, Y. (2019). How do brands’ Facebook posts induce consumers’ e-word-of-mouth behavior? Informational versus emotional message strategy: A computational analysis. Journal of Advertising Research, 59(4). Retrieved from WARC database.

 

Public Opinion Polls

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

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.