MARKET RESEARCH

 

SPACER

 

The key to success is having a business plan in place. Whether you're about to launch a start-up or you've been in business for years, the direction of your business is guided by your business plan. To begin the planning process, you'll need to do some critical analysis; business planning is about realistically forecasting where your business is going.

 

Market Research and Statistics Resources

•Conducting market research

Learn more about market research, how it can improve your business decisions and how to conduct a market research campaign.

• Labour and employment data

Find statistics and analysis on the labour force, employment issues (such as hours worked, number of employees and payrolls) and income. Learn more about the various surveys conducted by Statistics Canada and access the data. You will also find internationally comparable data available from the International Labour Office.

• Demographics

Find official statistics on a number of population characteristics, organized by topic. Demographic data can help you understand who your customers are, where they are located and what their needs and wants are.

• Industry sector data

Find statistics that are specific to your industry. This information can help you better understand your industry and help you keep up to date on the latest trends that could impact your business.

• International markets

Discover new markets for your products and services by studying market research reports which are organized by country and by industry sector. You can study general international statistics and international demographics to give you a better understanding of foreign marketplaces.

• Importing and exporting

Find Canadian and foreign trade statistics and other data on international trade. You can use this information to help you identify opportunities to export your goods and services abroad or to replace goods and services that are currently imported into Canada.

• Environment

Find Canadian and international statistics on a number of environmental topics, such as natural resources, pollution and protection measures.

• Science and technology

Find statistics on research and development, innovation, technology use, as well as data on the performance of Canada's information and communications technologies sector.

• General research and statistics

Find information on research and statistics resources available online or in person through your local Canada Business Network service centre. Discover how to obtain data and analysis through various channels. You can also access catalogues and materials from various Canadian government libraries, as well as a broad range of international statistics from the United Nations.