Industry Codes
Some market research databases and websites organize business information using industry codes.
The two industry classification systems you will come across most often are NAICS and SIC. Both are hierarchical, organized by broad industry categories, each divided into more specific industries.
Note: If you are researching a very specific or very new industry, it may not be included in these industry classification systems.
Look up the code for your industry:
- NAICS (North American Industry Classification System)Developed in 1997, by Canada, the United States and Mexico. Industry codes are from 2-6 digits long.
- SIC (Standard Industrial Classification):An older industry classification system. NAICS was intended to replace SIC, however, some resources still use SIC codes to classify information.
- Industry classification schemes: An analysis and reviewArticle explaining Industry Classification Systems.
About Company Directories
To identify companies operating within an industry, search company directories available online or in print through the library or free on the Internet (for example, membership lists on industry association websites).
Directories typically contain contact information, such as the address, telephone number, and key executives or personnel. Some directories may offer minimal financial and profile information, as well.
Most directories can be searched by industry and some are organized by industry codes - information on industry codes and links to standard classification systems are below.
Directories
- Blue book of Canadian BusinessDetailed 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.
- Business in Vancouver Book of ListsCompiles the lists produced by Business in Vancouver, ranking and providing directory type information for over 1,000 leading BC companies.
- Canadian Trade IndexContains detailed information on over 30,000 Canadian companies, featuring nearly 100,000 product listings under more than 20,000 headings.
- Federal Corporations Data OnlineFree searchable database of federally incorporated/registered companies.
- Mergent Online This link opens in a new windowUS & international public company data, with enhanced features that allow you to compare companies and export data into software applications such as Excel. Annual reports. Analyst reports.
- SimplyAnalytics This link opens in a new windowInternet-based mapping application that enables users to develop interactive thematic maps and reports using Canadian and US demographic, business, and marketing data.
- ThomasNetUse to find manufacturers, distributors and service providers.
Identifying Companies
To identify companies operating within an industry, search company directories available online or in print through the library or free on the Internet.Directories typically contain contact information, such as the address, telephone number, and key executives or personnel. Some directories may offer minimal financial and profile information, as well. Most can be searched by industry and some are organized by industry codes.
Find resources for identifying and researching companies in our company guides:
Company Research Guide: Resources for researching a company and additional directories for identifying companies within an industry or location.