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 The Business Researcher Newsletter

January 11, 2006 Volume 9 Number 1

 

RETURN TO ARCHIVES

 

Opening Comments

 

Hello,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  WE'RE BACK!

Welcome to the first issue of the BR Newsletter for 2006.

The latter half of 2005 proved to be a very difficult time for us at GDSourcing both on a personal and professional level. Hence the delay in the release of this issue of the BR Newsletter.  We believe the worst is behind us now and so plan to produce 10 issues in 2006.  It is a New Year's resolution we are determined to keep!

Over the last 6 months there have been a number of releases worthy of note for the business researcher. First and foremost in November we released the seventh edition of our popular research guide Researching a Small Business 2005. For more information on the new additions to the guide and its new format options see the article below and/or our web site at:
http://www.gdsourcing.com /gdstart.htm

Other significant releases in the later half of 2005 include Statistics Canada's Survey of Household Spending (SHS) update.  Data is now available for the year 2004.  For highlights see:
http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051212/d051212a.htm

The most cost effective way to access specific expenditure categories within this database is to use our Canadian and Provincial Market Estimate profiles.  They are now updated with the latest SHS figures.  For more information on these profiles please see our web site at: http://www.gdsourcing.com /SBDC.htm#CME

Statistics Canada has also unveiled their redesigned Canadian Community Profiles.  They are still based on 2001 Census data but the interface is more effective which bodes well for when 2006 Census figures start to get released. If you have not visited the Canadian Community Profiles recently take a look: http://www12.statcan.ca/english/profil01/CP01/Index.cfm?Lang=E

Finally in September, Statistics Canada released the Road Network File for 2005 free of charge.  It is a digital representation of Canada's national road network that contains street names, street types, street directions and address ranges.  It is available in three formats: ArcINFO®, MapInfo®, and, for the first time, Geography Markup Language.  It is the first official geographical release of the 2006 Census.

To view the release see: http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/050929/b050929a.htm
To access the file see: http://www.statcan.ca/bsolc/english/bsolc?catno=92-500-X

In brief that catches you up-to-date on major BR happenings.

I hope everyone has a prosperous New Year and that you find this issue helpful. 

** Don't forget on January 23rd to get out of the office (home office or otherwise) and cast your vote in the upcoming federal election.  Every vote does count!  While you are our pick up a coffee and donut at Tim Horton's to reward yourself for taking part in the democratic process! 

Happy voting!

John White
GDSourcing - Research & Retrieval

Return to Table of Contents

 

 

What's New at www.gdsourcing.com   -  Workplace, Financial Planning, Eyes

 

The following site summaries were added to the GDSourcing web site over the last 6 weeks.

 

WarrenShepell Research Group
Site: http://www.warrenshepell.com/research/iresearch.asp
Site Summary: http://www.gdsourcing.com /works/WarrenShepell.htm
Statistics and other findings related to the top occupational health issues facing organizations and their employees.

Financial Planners Standards Council
Site: http://www.cfp-ca.org/

Site Summary: http://www.gdsourcing.com /works/FPSC.htm
Surveys and reports related to the profession of Financial Planning.

Canadian Association of Optometrists
Site: http://www.opto.ca/
Site Summary: http://www.gdsourcing.com /works/Optometrists.htm
Data related to eye care in Canada

Return to Table of Contents

 

 

Statistics Canada releases

 

The following statistics were released by Statistics Canada over the last quarter of 2005. We have listed those releases we feel are of the most interest to Canadian entrepreneurs.

Very few of these statistics are available on-line. The URL listed is a direct link to the press release associated with the data. It provides contact and ordering information. If you want to purchase any publication related to these releases please see our web site: http://www.gdsourcing.com/works/StatCan.htm 

We offer a 20% discount on most Stats Can publications and a 10% discount on Stats Can electronic products. For more information you can reach us at contact@gdsourcing.com. Put "StatsCan" in the subject line of your e-mail.

 

 

AGRICULTURE

 

Supply and disposition of major grains in Canada 1996/97 to 2004/05

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051005/d051005c.htm

 

Production and value of honey and maple products 2005 (preliminary)

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051118/d051118c.htm

 

Potato production 2004 (revised) and 2005 (preliminary)

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051118/d051118e.htm

 

Study: Zero tillage on Canadian farms 1996 to 2003

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051121/d051121c.htm

 

Net farm income 2004 (revised)

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051125/d051125a.htm

 

Poultry and eggs 2005

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051129/d051129g.htm

 

Farming operating revenues and expenses 2004 (preliminary)

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051202/d051202c.htm

 

Farming operating revenues and expenses 2004 (preliminary)

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051202/d051202c.htm

 

Total income of farm families 2003

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051208/d051208e.htm

 

Farm Financial Survey 2005 

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051209/d051209e.htm

 

 

 

ARTS, CULTURE, RECREATION & ENTERTAINMENT

 

Cable and satellite television 2004

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051012/d051012c.htm

 

Sound recording 2003

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051026/d051026a.htm

 

Government expenditures on culture 2003/04 

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051031/d051031b.htm

 

Newspaper publishers 2004

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051208/d051208c.htm

 

 

 

BUSINESS SERVICES

 

Registered retirement savings plan contributions 2004

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051026/d051026b.htm

 

Savers, investors and investment income 2004

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051031/d051031c.htm

 

Innovation in selected professional, scientific and technical services: Results from the Survey of Innovation 2003

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051031/d051031e.htm

 

Employer pension plans (Trusteed pension funds) 2004

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051116/d051116d.htm

 

Deposit-accepting intermediaries: Activities and economic performance 2004

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051117/d051117b.htm

 

Study: Trends in foreign investment and foreign control 1960 to 2000

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051118/d051118b.htm

 

Financing of small- and medium-sized enterprises 2004

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051201/d051201e.htm

 

Architectural services 2004

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051209/d051209c.htm

 

Engineering services industry 2004 

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051213/d051213d.htm

 

Annual Survey of Accounting and Bookkeeping Services 2004

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051214/d051214d.htm

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION

 

Study: Socio-demographic factors in the current housing market 1997 to 2003

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051018/d051018c.htm

 

Fixed assets 2005 

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051123/d051123c.htm

 

 

 

EDUCATION

 

Salary and salary scales of full-time teaching staff at Canadian universities 2004/05 (preliminary)

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051006/d051006g.htm

 

University enrolment 2003/04

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051011/d051011b.htm

 

University degrees, diplomas and certificates 2003

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051011/d051011d.htm

 

Survey of Intellectual Property Commercialization in the Higher Education Sector 2003

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051103/d051103b.htm

 

International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey 2003

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051109/d051109a.htm

 

Study: A decade-long look at registered apprentices 1992 to 2002

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051122/d051122b.htm

 

International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey: Building on our competencies 2003 

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051130/d051130b.htm

 

Elementary and secondary public school enrolments, graduates and educators 2003/04 

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051202/d051202d.htm

 

Spending on research and development in the higher education sector 2003/04

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051207/d051207c.htm

 

Elementary and secondary education expenditures  2002

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051207/d051207f.htm

 

Education Matters: Trends in dropout rates among the provinces 1990/91 to 2004/05

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051216/d051216c.htm

 

 

 

GOVERNMENT

 

Study: Political activity among young adults 2003

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051206/d051206b.htm

 

Federal government spending on science and technology 2005/06 (intentions)

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051208/d051208d.htm

 

 

 

HEALTH

 

Food consumption 2004

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051018/d051018e.htm

 

Study: Socio-economic status and obesity in children 2000/01

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051104/d051104b.htm

 

Study: Insomnia 2002

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051116/d051116a.htm

 

Canadian Community Health Survey, Nutrition: Public Use Microdata File 2004 

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051205/d051205d.htm

 

Study: Divorce and the mental health of children

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051213/d051213c.htm

 

Study: Community belonging and self-perceived health 2005

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051221/d051221c.htm

 

 

HOSPITALITY

 

Canadian tourism satellite account 2000

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051003/d051003b.htm

 

Business Conditions Survey: Traveller accommodation industries Fourth quarter 2005

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051114/d051114b.htm

 

Annual Survey of Traveller Accommodation 2004

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051212/d051212c.htm

 

Canadian Travel Survey: Domestic travel 2003
http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051222/d051222d.htm

 

 

 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

 

Innovation in information and communication technology service industries: Results from the Survey of Innovation 2003

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051025/d051025e.htm

 

Study: Demand for Skills in Canada: The Role of Foreign Outsourcing and Information Communication Technology 1981 to 1996

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051028/d051028b.htm

 

Study: The link between information and communication technology use and literacy skills 2003

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051205/d051205b.htm

 

 

 

INTERNET

 

Study: Buying into business-to-business sales online 2004

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051116/d051116b.htm

 

Internet service provider industry 2004 

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051215/d051215e.htm

 

 

 

JUSTICE

 

Homicides 2004

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051006/d051006b.htm

 

Study: Canadian Persian Gulf cohort 2005

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051103/d051103a.htm

 

Study: Referrals and convictions in youth and criminal courts 2003

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051121/d051121b.htm

 

General Social Survey: Criminal victimization 2004

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051124/d051124b.htm

 

Youth correctional services: Key indicators 2003/04

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051201/d051201a.htm

 

Police personnel and expenditures 2005

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051215/d051215d.htm

 

Adult correctional services 2003/04

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051216/d051216b.htm

 

Criminal Justice Indicators 2005

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051220/d051220e.htm

 

 

 

MANUFACTURING

 

Energy consumption by manufacturers 2004 (revised)

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051012/d051012b.htm

 

Study: Impact of foreign ownership on growth in productivity 1980 to 1999

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051205/d051205a.htm

 

Annual Survey of Manufactures: Products shipped by Canadian manufacturers 2003 

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051206/d051206d.htm

 

Study: Is Canada's manufacturing lagging compared with the United States?

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051208/d051208a.htm

 

 

 

MARKET

 

Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada 2003

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051013/d051013b.htm

 

Study: The socio-economic progress of the children of immigrants 2001 

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051025/d051025b.htm

 

Population estimates by age and sex July 1, 2005

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051026/d051026d.htm

 

Family earnings instability 1986 to 1991 and 1996 to 2001

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051102/d051102a.htm

 

Study: Trade credit in Canadian firms 1988 to 1998

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051104/d051104c.htm

 

Provincial and territorial gross domestic product 2001 to 2004 (revised)

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051108/d051108a.htm

 

Study: Youth and the labour market 1997 to 2004

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051123/d051123b.htm

 

Survey of Household Spending 2004

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051212/d051212a.htm

 

Population projections 2005 to 2031

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051215/d051215b.htm

 

Postcensal estimates of population for census divisions, census metropolitan areas and economic regions July 1, 2005 (preliminary)

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051220/d051220f.htm

 

 

 

OTHER SERVICES

 

Annual Survey of Consumer Goods Rental 2004

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051215/d051215f.htm

 

 

 

PRIMARY – ENVIRONMENT

 

Production and value of ranch-raised pelts 2004 (preliminary)

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051006/d051006d.htm

 

Production and value of wildlife pelts 2003 (preliminary)

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051006/d051006e.htm

 

Aquaculture 2004

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051019/d051019c.htm

 

Study: Taking stock of Canada's aquaculture industry 2004

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051025/d051025c.htm

 

Energy supply and demand 2004

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051012/d051012a.htm

 

Innovation in Selected Industries Serving the Mining and Forestry Sectors: Results from the Survey of Innovation 2003

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051104/d051104d.htm

 

Human Activity and the Environment: Solid waste 2005 

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051202/d051202b.htm

 

Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators 2005

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051214/d051214c.htm

 

Logging 2000 to 2003 

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051222/d051222e.htm

 

 

 

SOCIAL STATISTICS / NON-PROFIT SECTOR

 

Study: Who's missing out on the Guaranteed Income Supplement? 1999 to 2001

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051021/d051021b.htm

 

Charitable donors 2004

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051101/d051101a.htm

 

Non-profit institutions and volunteering: Economic contribution 1997 to 2001

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051212/d051212b.htm

 

 

 

TRADE

 

Study: Foreign control of Canada's merchandise exports - 2002

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051003/d051003a.htm

 

Small area retail trade estimates 2003

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051014/d051014d.htm

 

Study: Retail trade since the turn of the millennium 1996 to 2004

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051017/d051017a.htm

 

Study: Christmas shopping, a provincial perspective 2004

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051207/d051207b.htm

 

 

 

TRANSPORTATION

 

Canadian Vehicle Survey 2004

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051006/d051006c.htm

 

Annual Survey of Water Carriers 2003

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051013/d051013d.htm

 

North American Transportation Statistics

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051025/d051025f.htm

 

For-hire motor carriers of freight, annual supplement: Financial statistics 2004 

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051026/d051026f.htm

 

Innovation in Selected Transportation Industries: Results from the Survey of Innovation 2003

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/051102/d051102d.htm

 

 

Return to Table of Contents

 

 

Researching Ethnic Markets

 

The Ethnic market in Canada continues to grow at a rapid pace.  While the rest of the Canadian population is expected to expand by 1% to 7% over the next 12 years the visible minority population will soar by a phenomenal 76% to 111%.  By Canada's 150th birthday (2017), one in five or 7.1 million  Canadians will be a member of a visible minority and immigration levels will match the heady days of the early 20th century.

 

This rapid growth will have the greatest effect on three of Canada's largest metropolitan areas: Toronto, Vancouver and Montréal. As was the case in 2001, almost 75% of the visible minority population in 2017 will be living in one of these three cities.  Toronto is expected to be home to 45% of the total,  Vancouver will hold an 18% share and Montréal 11%.

 

Visible minorities are not only a significant demographic force.  They are an economic one as well.  In 2004 visible minorities were estimated to have spent $42.3 billion on goods and services in Canada.  In Toronto, the South Asian, Chinese, Italian and Portuguese communities together account for 24% of all retail sales.

 

As a whole these are impressive figures promising vast business opportunities.  However the very nature of the ethnic market is that it is not a single market but rather a collection of specific submarkets that exist very much independent of one another.  Beyond simple numbers each community also has its own distinct characteristics, concerns and opportunities. Some visible minority groups have larger overall populations such as the Chinese and South Asian communities. Others, while not the largest in size, are expected to have faster growth rates (West Asian, Korean and Arab communities).  Careful market research is therefore vital to business success. 

 

 

 

 

As a starting point for researching specific ethnic markets in Canada look to the latest population projections from Statistics Canada.

 

Population Projections of Visible Minority Groups, Canada, Provinces and Regions, 2001 to 2017

http://www.statcan.ca/bsolc/english/bsolc?catno=91-541-XIE

 

A summary version of the above report is available from the latest issue of Canadian Social Trends magazine (Winter 2005): "Ethnocultural diversity in Canada: Prospects for 2017"  You can access this magazine in most major libraries.  You can also purchase an online copy: http://www.statcan.ca/bsolc/english/bsolc?catno=11-008-X20050038968

 

Also see the Daily release of the above report:

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/050322/d050322b.htm

 

Another source to consult is Statistics Canada's Ethnic Diversity Survey (EDS).  This survey provides a portrait of the ethnic population by generation (1st, 2nd or 3rd generation Canadians) and examines their sense of belonging to their ethnic group and their inclusion and participation in Canadian society.  The full report is called:
 

Ethnic Diversity Survey: portrait of a multicultural society

http://www.statcan.ca/bsolc/english/bsolc?catno=89-593-X

 

Highlights from the Daily release are located here:

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/030929/d030929a.htm

 

The following articles from Canadian Social Trends also provide information from EDS as well as other Stats Can surveys:

 

South Asians in Canada: Unity through diversity
http://www.statcan.ca/english/studies/11-008/feature/11-008-XIE20050028455.pdf

 

Chinese Canadians: enriching the cultural mosaic

Canadian Social Trends (Spring 2005)

 

Blacks in Canada: A long history

http://www.statcan.ca/english/studies/11-008/feature/11-008-XIE20030046802.pdf

 

Visible minority neighbourhoods in Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver (1981 - 2001)

Canadian Social Trends (Spring 2004)

 

Beyond the above sources, the 2001 Census also provides a wealth of information on specific ethnic and racial groups as well as immigrants by generation (1st, 2nd or 3rd). There are two highlight profiles from the Census related to specific population groups that are available online:

 

 Profile of languages in Canada: English, French and many others

http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census01/Products/Analytic/companion/lang/contents.cfm

 

Canada’s ethnocultural portrait: The changing mosaic
http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census01/products/analytic/companion/etoimm/contents.cfm

 

You can also access 2001 Census data through the Canadian Community Profiles. These profiles allow you to look at the size of individual visible minority groups as well as the immigrant population in specific cities and towns across Canada.  You can view the newly redesigned profiles here: http://www12.statcan.ca/english/profil01/CP01/Index.cfm

 

2001 Census Tract Profiles allow you to examine population groups at even smaller geographical levels.   A Census Tract is a urban area of approximately 3000 people.  It is often a good representation of a local neighborhood. You can access 2001 Census Tract Profiles in most major libraries. They are available in paper as well as electronic formats. 

 

You can view highlight Census Tract maps online.  They contain graphical representations of total visible minority and recent immigrant population concentrations in major metropolitan areas. Start by selecting a city at the following page:

http://geodepot.statcan.ca/Diss/Maps/ThematicMaps/index_e.cfm

 

In keeping with the "election season" I would be amiss to neglect mentioning the Federal Electoral District Profiles that are also available free of charge at the Statistics Canada 2001 Census web site.  They profile visible minority groups as well as the immigrant population in each federal riding. While these geographical areas are often peculiar from a business market point of view the data is certainly priced right (Free!) 

See: http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census01/products/standard/fedprofile/index.cfm

 

Please note however that the data detail is not any better than what is available in the Canadian Community Profiles described above.

 

If you have a research budget you can also cross reference a number of Census variables such as income, employment and age groups with specific visible or immigrant groups. For a list of Census variables see: http://www.gdsourcing.com /CENSUS2/CensusVar.htm. For more information on custom tabulations, please contact us at contact@gdsourcing.com

 

Unfortunately 2001 Census data is starting to date itself, especially when you consider how quickly the visible minority population is expanding.  The 2001 Census will be updated in 2006 but ethnic results will not likely be available until the end of 2007 at the earliest. 

 

There are a few options to get more current information on the ethnic population in Canada.  Citizenship and Immigration Canada publishes data on new immigrants.  The Monitor provides quarterly statistics on citizenship and immigration trends. It covers permanent residents (by source country and category), foreign workers (by different skill levels and source countries), and foreign students (by level of study, source countries, destination metropolitan area). You can access the most current issue at the following address: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/monitor/current.html

 

Citizenship and Immigration Canada also produces an annual overview report.  Facts and Figures 2004: Immigration Overview - Permanent and Temporary Residents  provides immigration data by category (skilled workers, entrepreneurs, self-employed, investors, live-in caregivers [nannies], refugees, family members), gender and age, source region/country, education, language ability and destination province.  The 2004 edition was released on July 31, 2005. You can access it and previous issues at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/research/menu-fact.html

 

The most current estimates related to the overall ethnic population in Canada are from the private sector. 2004 data estimates on specific ethnic groups, visible minorities and home language groups are available from the online database SuperDemographics.  Home Language refers to the language spoken in the home. This database provides postal code level data.  There is however a subscription charge to access it. See: http://www.superdemographics.com

 

The offline publication FP Markets - Canadian Demographics also provides home language estimates by individual city/town. The 2006 edition has just been released.  It will be available in major libraries and business development centres over the next few weeks.

 

There are also a number of private companies that provide ethnic marketing insights.   While their fees might be beyond the budget of many small businesses and new entrepreneurs you can still glean some of their insights from media releases and publicly available reports.  For example:

 

How to Market to the Ethnic Media

http://www.profitguide.com/sales_marketing/article.jsp?content=20051122_165504_16872

 

Ethnic Supermarkets Take Off in Multicultural Canada

http://www.icsc.org/srch/sct/sct0905/retail_ethnic_canada.php

 

Canadian Halal Meat Study

http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/afu9886

 

The cultural connection

Marketing Magazine Aug 29/ Sept 5, 2005 p15,17,18

 

Shopping Mosaic

Marketing Magazine 17/24, 2004 p13-15

Includes brief profiles of the Chinese, South Asian, Hispanic/Latino and Black markets in Canada.

 

The above references were easily located through a periodical search.  As we always suggest, no research is complete without a thorough periodical search.  Search for newspaper and magazine articles related to your specific target ethnic market.  You are looking for insights into the community as well as marketing success stories.  Many local library systems now allow you to access their periodical databases via the Internet.  All you need is a valid public library card.  To find your local library system see: http://www.collectionscanada.ca/gateway/index-e.html

 

One of the best ways to market to ethnic communities is through ethnic specific media. The best source to find such media is the CARD MEDIA directory: Ethnic Media & Markets. It covers ethnic print media, radio stations & programs, TV stations & programs and provides basic data on the number of people by ethnic origin & major city.  It is produced twice a year and available in most major libraries.

 

Contact any relevant media directly.  Oftentimes they will have detailed information available to help you understand the opportunities of a specific ethnic target.  For example Fairchild TV - a television channel dedicated to Chinese programming - provides free Statistics Canada and ACNielsen Chinese Media Index data about the Chinese community in Canada, Toronto and Vancouver. See:

http://www.fairchildtv.com/english/fairchildtv.html

 

The best source of specific actionable ethnic market information is to consult community leaders and organizations. Identify social clubs, business groups, sports club and cultural associations where there will be marketing and sponsorship opportunities.  Take the time to establish valuable community contacts. They can often be the difference in determining whether or not your small business can establish credibility within a local community. If you understand the unique concerns and issues facing your target community, you will recognize the best business opportunities. 

 

The ethnic market potential over the next 12 years is too great for any business to ignore.  Take the time now to determine if these targets markets are appropriate for your own success.  Establish your company brand name within specific communities now before your competition wakes up!

 

 

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Researching a Small Business 2005

 

Researching a Small Business 2005, the seventh edition of our popular research guide, is now available!  It has been revised from top to bottom and has a different format from previous editions.  We have expanded the research strategy information and added a topic index.  In order to make room for the new additions we have removed some of the least popular content of previous editions (Chapter 5 and statistical highlights). 

 

The 2005 edition has been split into three separate volumes. The Source Lists are no longer part of the main volume.  They are just too big! They are now separated into annual volumes with 2003 and 2004 being the first two released.  We expect the 2005 issue to be released in the Spring of 2006.

 

The Source Lists come in a number of formats, namely paper, CD-ROM, electronic download and in our new Stats Link Canada online database.  The online database includes entries from 2000-2004 as well as current references from September to December 2005.  Backfile 2005 entries will be added in the first months of 2006, along with current 2006 information.

 

Stats Link Canada provides you with the ability to search for references in a variety of ways.  You can conduct complex searches, browse entries by subsector or take advantage of the our extensive subject index.  For a free "test drive"  see:

 

Sample Search: http://www.gdsourcing.com/statslinkcanada/Sample/SearchSample.asp
Sample Index: http://www.gdsourcing.com/statslinkcanada/secured/IndexFree.asp

 

For more information on Researching a Small Business 2005 or to place an order please see the GDSourcing web site: http://www.gdsourcing.com /gdstart.htm

 

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Small Business Stats Facts

 

Each Business Researcher Newsletter ends with a collection of five statistics related to Canadian small businesses.

  

1.  What % of Canadian small businesses with 0-19 employees have become medium-sized businesses after 12 years of operation? (1991 to 2003)

5.6% grew to become medium businesses with 20 to 99 employees.
0.2% grew to become medium businesses with 100 to 499 employees.

94.2%
remained in the same small business size category of 0-19 employees.

Source: Statistics Canada (2005)

  

2.  What is the number one ranked reason why Canadian entrepreneurs do not take more time off?

 

They do not wanting to relinquish control!

Source: AMEX (Dec 2005)

  

3.  What type of performance do Canadian small and medium-sized businesses expect for 2006?

Source CFIB (Dec 2005)

 

4. Among Canadian small and medium-sized businesses who ensures government regulation compliance?

     

        

Source CFIB (Dec 2005)

 

5. What % of Canadian small businesses reported a negative impact from rising energy costs and the Canadian dollar?

Rising Energy Costs:  70%

Rising Canadian Dollar: 18%

Source: BMO (Dec 2005)

 

 

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