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

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

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.

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 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 Automotive Repair industry?
  • What are the risks, trends, opportunities and outlooks for the Automotive Repair industry?

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.

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.

Getting Started

Start Right

  • 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?

News

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

News & Blogs

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

Blogs

Blog name

News

News Sources

CanadaNewsWire
A free news database that is searchable by company name, keyword, or industry sector.

NewsLink
Links to local and international news source websites. Provides access to both current and archived news stories, which allows you to track trends over time.