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Market Research Basics

This is a brief introduction to secondary market research sources that are available for free online or through UBC Library licensed tools

Why can't I access market research reports I found on the Internet?

When researching on Google, you may identify market research reports to which we do not have access. This may be because:

  • they are not part of our academic subscription, or

  • they are not part of a collection to which we currently subscribe.

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:

Industry Ratios & Benchmarking

Top sources for industry ratios and benchmarking are listed below. For more sources, refer to the Finance page of the Industry & Market Research Guide.

Small Business Accelerator at UBC Library

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur not affiliated with UBC or UBC Sauder?  Then check out the Small Business Accelerator.

Reach out to Aleha McCauley, our Community Engagement Librarian (Business Services) at aleha.mccauley@ubc.ca if you would like targeted entrepreneurial research support.

In addition, alumni have access to online journal articles, the UBC Library website provides more information about services available to alumni.