Organic Farming Guide

Organic Farming Guide

Welcome to the Organic Farming Guide

What is the Organic Farming Industry?

The Canadian organic farming industry produces and exports organic food including fruits and vegetables, grain, meat, and seafood products. Organic crop cultivation “relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles” instead of more harmful products such as fertilizers and pesticides, for example (IFOAM). The Canadian organic farming industry promotes sustainability and healthy eating.

Field of brown wheat
Photo by Tomasz Filipek on Unsplash

This guide can offer a launching point as you embark on your secondary market research for your business idea. Work through the questions and resources to develop strategies for accessing reliable business information as part of your planning process. While doing your own primary market research will ensure you get the exact data you need, it is usually very time consuming and expensive. Believe us -- it is well worth your time to learn how to find publicly available statistics and data first. We'll point you to as many freely available, online sources that we can find, but keep in mind that there are many resources available at your local public, college or research library. 

Guide Outline

This Accelerator Guide is organized into four sections designed to help you focus your research. Each section will highlight what goals you'll achieve, as well as questions to get you thinking about the kind of information you'll likely need. In no time you will be an expert DIY researcher! You'll need to use the menu on the left to explore each section but here is an outline you can follow.

  1. Getting Started has introductory materials like how-to books, sample business plans and general start-up information.
  2. Industry Info has sources outlining the current status, outlook, and trends for your particular industry or sector and more.
  3. Competitive Info has sources for outlining your competitive market, including potential competitors and market share.
  4. Customer Info has sources that will help you develop your market analysis and learn about the demographics of your target market and your customers' needs.

Need Other Help?

If you're looking for in-person help be sure to check out the BC Business Support Directory for help in your specific community. If this is your first time doing secondary market research you might want to follow our step-by-step Business Research Basics. In the Learn Business Basics section of this website you will find curated lists of resources on many business topics from marketing, top business planning to a wide selection of free web-based tools to help you with your business development.

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Getting Started

Getting Started

Getting Started

  Start Right

  • Review general resources about the organic farming industry
  • Read books related to your industry and business planning
  • Review sample business plans for ideas
  • Find capital

  Checklist

  • Are there books about running a business in this industry?
  • What does a comparable business or marketing plan look like?
  • What funding or financing opportunities might be available to me?
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Find Books

Find Books

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

  • Organic farming.
  • Ecological agriculture.
  • Organic agriculture.
  • Organic crops.
  • Organic cultivation.
  • Organic production of crops.
  • Organiculture. 
  • Regenerative agriculture. 
  • Organic dairy farming.
  • Organic floriculture.
  • Organic viticulture.
  • Organic farming -- Canada.
  • Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Canada.
  • Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Canada.
  • Farm management.
  • 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.

Search for an item in libraries near you:
WorldCat.org >>

illume

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

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Find Business Plans

Find Business Plans

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.

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.

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.

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Find Capital

Find Capital

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.

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Loan Programs | Financing options for agriculture, agribusiness, and agri-food. 

Advance Payments Program (APP) | A federal loan guarantee program which provides agricultural producers with easy access to low-interest cash advances. 

AgriInvest | One of the Business Risk Management programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) five-year, $3 billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the agriculture and agri-food sector.

Canadian Agricultural Loans Act (CALA) Program | A loan guarantee program designed to increase the availability of loans to farmers and agricultural co-operatives. 

Funding Tools

AgPal Program | Search for programs and resources to help with business management, farming, innovation and community support. For funding opportunities, select “Financial support, credit, income stability” under topic filters on the left side.

Government of BC Agricultural & Seafood Programs | A list of funding opportunities and programs compiled by the Government of British Columbia.

Government of Canada Agricultural Programs & Services | A list of programs and services compiled by the Canadian government that support innovation, sustainable farming, business development, risk management, trade and market development.

Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) | A non-profit organization in Ontario that delivers funding programs and services for agriculture and agri-food industry. 

Tools to Manage Farm Risk & Finance | A collection of tools compiled by the Government of Canada that help farmers manage risk.

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:

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Find Industry Info

Find Industry Info

Find Industry Info

  Conduct Your Industry Research

  • Find information specific to your industry to help you succeed
  • Write your industry overview
  • Start your market analysis

  Checklist

  • What are NAICS or SIC codes for the organic farming industry?
  • What are the risks, trends, opportunities and outlooks for the organic farming industry?
  • What is the forecast for the organic farming industry? What trade associations, magazines, agencies and websites are connected with the organic farming industry?
  • Have there been regulatory or technological changes in the organic farming industry that could affect my business?

TIP: Make a note of any questions you have, the resources in this section can help you answer these and complete the checklist.

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Industry Codes (NAICS)

Industry Codes (NAICS)

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

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

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

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

Start With These Suggestions

Type

Code

Description 
NAICS

11

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
NAICS

1111

Oilseed and Grain Farming
NAICS

1112

Vegetable and Melon Farming
NAICS

1113

Fruit and Tree Nut Farming
NAICS

1114

Greenhouse, Nursery and Floriculture Production
NAICS

1119

Other Crop Farming
NAICS

1121

Cattle Ranching and Farming
NAICS

1122

Hog and Pig Farming
NAICS

1123

Poultry and Egg Production
NAICS

1124

Sheep and Goat Farming
NAICS

1125

Aquaculture
NAICS

1129

Other Animal Production

SIC

01

Agricultural Production - Crops

SIC 

011

Cash Grains

SIC

013

Field Crops, Except Cash Grains

SIC

016

Vegetables and Melons

SIC

017

Fruits and Tree Nuts

SIC

018

Horticulture Specialties

SIC

019

General Farms, Primarily Crop

SIC

02

Agricultural Production - Livestock and Animal Specialties

SIC

021

Livestock, Except Dairy and Poultry

SIC

024

Dairy Farms

SIC 

025

Poultry and Eggs

SIC

027

Animal Specialities

SIC

029

General Farms, Primarily Livestock and Animal Specialties

​​

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.

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Library Databases

Library Databases

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.

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.

  • The Business Research Centre. (2023, February). ESG Trends In Agricultural Industry [Report Code ENV058A]. Retrieved from BCC Research Centre database.
  • The Business Research Centre. (2022, September). IoT-Based Smart Agriculture: Global Markets [Report Code IAS189A]. Retrieved from BCC Research Centre database.
  • McWilliams, A. (2019, November). Organic Foods and Beverages: Global markets (Report Code FOD067B). BCC Research. 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.

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.

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. (2024, May). Vegetable farming in Canada: Industry report 11120CA. IBISWorld. Retrieved from IBISWorld Industry Reports. 
  • Ruthven, Z. (2024, May). Plant & Flower Growing in Canada: Industry report 11142CA. IBISWorld. Retrieved from IBISWorld Industry Reports. 
  • McErlaine, B. (2024, March). Fruit & Nut Farming in Canada: Industry report 11135CA. IBISWorld. Retrieved from IBISWorld Industry Reports. 
  • Buchko, M. (2023, November). Wheat Farming in Canada: Industry report 11114CA. IBISWorld. Retrieved from IBISWorld Industry Reports. 

Marketresearch.com/Freedonia Focus

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

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

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.

  • Hoover’s Company Records. (2024, April 1). Village Farms International, Inc. 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.

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.

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.

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Industry News

Industry News

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.

Canadian Associations

  • Organic BC | A network of organic certifiers, farmers, processors and consumers in British Columbia offering various resources—including a forum, job board, and video series—that promote environmentally conscious production.
  • BC Farmers’ Markets | A BC organization committed to helping farmers’ markets grow and thrive.
  • BC Farmers’ Institute | An agricultural support network that connects institutes providing information, workshops, and agricultural education events.
  • Young Agrarians | A grassroots initiative made up of agriculturalists and media conspirators intent on growing food sustainably. 
  • Canada Organic Trade Association | COTA's mission is to promote and protect the growth of organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public, and the economy. 
  • Organic Federation of Canada (OFC) | The OFC promotes industry growth and promotes the adoption of organic standards. 
  • Canadian Organic Growers (COG) | COG provides education, advocacy and leadership to help build an agricultural system that empowers farmers and consumers, enhances human health, builds community and mitigates climate change while increasing Canadian food sovereignty.
  • FarmFolk CityFolk | By fostering connections between farmers and eaters, influencing policy, and offering workshops, FarmFolk CityFolk helps build strong, sustainable, and resilient food systems in BC.
  • Farm Management Canada | The only national organization dedicated exclusively to the development and delivery of leading-edge resources, information and tools to support farm business success.
  • Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC) | The OACC supports organic farmers and other stakeholders by conducting and facilitating credible and practical research across Canada. 

International Associations

  • International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) | IFOAM's mission is leading, uniting and assisting the organic movement in its full diversity.
  • Organic Consumers Association (OCA) | The OCA is US-based public interest organization campaigning for health, justice, and sustainability. The OCA deals with crucial issues of food safety, industrial agriculture, genetic engineering, children's health, corporate accountability, Fair Trade, environmental sustainability and other key topics.

Magazines & Trade Journals

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

  • BC Organic Grower Magazine | Published three times a year by Organic BC.
  • Acres U.S.A. Magazine | North America's longest running magazine covering commercial-scale organic and sustainable farming. Published monthly.
  • Small Farm Canada | A national magazine published six times per year that supports small-scale farming.
  • Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems | A journal that publishes original research and review articles, focusing on the science that underpins economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable approaches to agriculture and food production.
  • Growing for Market | Written by farmers across the U.S. and Canada, this magazine is published 10 times per year and features articles on the business of local food and flowers. 

Consultant & Other Websites

Consultant List: B.C. Agri-Business Planning Program | A list of Qualified Business Consultants compiled by the Government of BC.

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.

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

  • Farmer’s Blog | An exploration of climate solutions adopted by agricultural producers around Alberta.
  • Canadian Organic Growers Blog | Event listings and news related to the organic farming industry. 
  • The Real Dirt on Farming | Published by Farm & Food Care Ontario, this website offers short articles on farming (including a section specifically dedicated to sustainability) in the form of a blog and magazine.

Podcasts

  • Rural Routes to Climate Solutions | RR2CS dives into the technology and practices that are both good for the farm and good for the climate.
  • Rural Routes Canada | RRC strives to tell unique stories from the agriculture community that show the true roots of the industry. It will also show off new products and ideas from the ever evolving industry.
  • Farm to Table Talk | A virtual table for conversations about our food and how it is grown, prepared and shared throughout society.
  • Regenerative Agriculture Podcast | A show for professional growers and agronomists who want to learn about the science and principles of regenerative agriculture systems to increase quality, yield, and profitability.
  • Real Organic Podcast | Farmers interview scientists, activists, politicians, and authors engaged in protecting USDA organic food against an active corporate takeover.

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.

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Government Websites

Government Websites

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 economic statistics section and narrowing by industry type or go to the Business, Industry & Trade page to skim all the different business-related topics.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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Regulations

Regulations

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.

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!

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Find Competitive Info

Find Competitive Info

Find Competitive Info

  Conduct Your Competitive Research

  • Gather and analyze competitive information
  • Define your competitive edge 
  • Use benchmarking tools to create your financial analysis
  • Find competitor information for your own organizational plan

  Checklist

  • Who are my direct or indirect competitors? Where are they located?
  • Who are the leading companies in the organic farming industry and what can I learn from them (e.g., what were their revenues)?
  • Are my competitors publicly traded and would their financial filings help me plan my own business?
  • What are my competitors’ strengths and weaknesses and how can I add unique value?
  • Has there been any news coverage on my competitors announcing a new product, marketing strategy or personnel changes that can provide insight into my business planning?

TIP: Make a note of any questions you have, the resources in this section can help you answer these and complete the checklist.

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Tips on Company Research

Tips on Company Research

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. 

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Find Competitors

Find Competitors

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.

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. 

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.

Ag in Motion | Fosters growth, innovation and sustainability by providing a platform for agriculture industry professionals to connect, share knowledge and collaborate on solutions for a better future.

Pacific Agricultural Show | Showcases the latest and most innovative equipment and technology for the agriculture industry.

Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show | For over 30 years, Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show has been bringing together visitors and exhibitors from across Canada and beyond, to show everything from the biggest tractors to the smartest ways to manage your crops.  

Western Canada Dairy Seminar | Designed for dairy producers, extension specialists, researchers, and dairy service and supply representatives who want to improve their knowledge and decision-making abilities in dairy production and management. Each year a wide variety of topics are presented ranging from nutrition and reproduction to dairy policy and challenges facing the dairy industry. 

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Find Financial Benchmarks

Find Financial Benchmarks

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. 1112 [Vegetable and Melon Farming])

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

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Market Share & Size

Market Share & Size

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.

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.

  • The Business Research Centre. (2023, February). ESG Trends In Agricultural Industry [Report Code ENV058A]. Retrieved from BCC Research Centre database.
  • The Business Research Centre. (2022, September). IoT-Based Smart Agriculture: Global Markets [Report Code IAS189A]. Retrieved from BCC Research Centre database.
  • McWilliams, A. (2019, November). Organic Foods and Beverages: Global markets (Report Code FOD067B). BCC Research. 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.

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. (2024, May). Vegetable farming in Canada: Industry report 11120CA. IBISWorld. Retrieved from IBISWorld Industry Reports. 
  • Ruthven, Z. (2024, May). Plant & Flower Growing in Canada: Industry report 11142CA. IBISWorld. Retrieved from IBISWorld Industry Reports. 
  • McErlaine, B. (2024, March). Fruit & Nut Farming in Canada: Industry report 11135CA. IBISWorld. Retrieved from IBISWorld Industry Reports. 
  • Buchko, M. (2023, November). Wheat Farming in Canada: Industry report 11114CA. IBISWorld. Retrieved from IBISWorld Industry Reports. 

Marketresearch.com/Freedonia Focus

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

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

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.

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Find Customer Info

Find Customer Info

Find Customer Info

  Conduct Your Customer Research

  • Create your customer analysis
  • Identify your target customer
  • Demonstrate how your products and services satisfy your customers' needs

  Checklist

  • Who is going to buy my services (e.g. couples, parents, other businesses)
  • What is the future outlook of my target market?
  • What do people spend on this industry?
  • What is demographic data and how can it help me research my customers
  • How many people use industry services each year in Canada and British Columbia?

TIP: Make a note of any questions you have, the resources in this section can help you answer these and complete the checklist.

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Demographic Data

Demographic Data

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.

Find latest data from the 2016 Census


Search type

 

Thanks to Catie Sahadath at the University of Ottawa Libraries for building this widget.

 

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.

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Your Target Market

Your Target Market

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.

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. (2024, March 20). Global Market Overview of Poultry and Chicken. Passport. Retrieved from Passport GMID database.
  • Euromonitor International. (2024, February 5). Global Market Overview of Beef. Passport. Retrieved from Passport GMID database.
  • Euromonitor International. (2023, December 28). Global Market Overview of Wheat. Passport. Retrieved from Passport GMID database.
  • Euromonitor International. (2023, December). Fresh Food in North America. Passport. Retrieved from Passport GMID database.
  • Euromonitor International. (n.d.). Company Shares Data [Processed Fruit and Vegetables, Canada] [Data set]. Passport. Retrieved from Passport GMID database. 
  • Euromonitor International. (n.d.). Company Shares Data [Vegetable, Potato and Fruit Products, Canada] [Data set]. Passport. Retrieved from Passport GMID database. 
  • Euromonitor International. (n.d.). Economies and Consumers Annual Data [Production of Beef and Veal, Canada] [Data set]. Passport. Retrieved from Passport GMID database. 

WARC: World Advertising Research Center

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

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

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.

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