In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
British Columbia
- Accelerate Okanagan Technology Association
- ACETECH
- Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC)
- Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC
- BC Broadband Association
- BCNET (builds and maintains high-performance networks)
- BC Technology Industry Association
- DigiBC: The Digital Media and Wireless Association of BC
- Innovate BC
- LifeSciences British Columbia
- Vancouver Island Advanced Technology Centre (VIATeC)
Canada
- Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA)
- Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)
- Canadian Independent Telecommunications Association (CITA)
- Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS)
- Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME)
- Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA)
- Independent Telecommunications Providers Association (ITPA)
- Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST)
- Society for Technical Communication (STC) Canada; West Coast Chapter
- Women in Communications and Technology
United States & International
TIP: Use ASAE Gateway to Associations Directory to search for an association by name, interest area, or international geographic location (including Canada and BC). You can also search using a combination of various fields.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade journals (often called magazines or trade publications) can be very useful in helping you find current articles relating to business research. Contact your local research library to determine which trade journal subscriptions they have. There are also free trade publications that you can access online.
BC Tech | BCTech is a key source of local information, where you can find B.C. high-tech companies and their major suppliers all in one place. The editorial stories cover the tech sector, with industry-focused features as well as profiles of high-tech leaders and pioneers.
BIV Book of Lists | Top 100 high-tech companies in B.C. Contact your local library to see if they have a copy!
EDN | Electronics, Design, Strategy News is an American publication that covers hot topics and design innovation in the electronics industry along with business strategy.
IT World Canada | Online source of in depth IT coverage addressing Canadian specific industry challenges and innovation.
LifeSciences British Columbia | LifeSciences British Columbia is the official annual publication of LifeSciences B.C., the industry association representing B.C.'s life science community. Editorial content is focused on B.C.'s diverse biotechnology sectors, from basic research to pharmaceuticals to genomics to medical devices and more.
TIP: Try searching Ulrichs Periodical Directory to develop a list of important trade publications in your industry.
Blogs and Podcasts
TradeSecrets - a blog from Nature Biotechnology
A blog from the Nature Biotechnology journal, which is a monthly journal covering the science and business of biotechnology.
Tech Crunch
TechCrunch is a group edited blog dedicated to profiling startups, particularly in the web 2.0 sector, as well as, reviewing new internet products, and breaking tech news.
Women2.0
Women2.0 aims to increase the number of female founders of technology startups. Women 2.0 enables entrepreneurs with the network, resources and knowledge to take your startup from idea to launch.
- How to Fundraise (Straight from the VC’s Mouths)
- How the Right Investors Can Make All the Difference
The Tech Entrepreneur Podcast
A selection of downloadable podcasts discussing strategies and issues facing high technology startups.
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.