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.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Hive Coworking Vancouver | A coworking space that provides events and other support for entrepreneurs.
Comox Valley Home-Based Business Association | The primary mission of the Comox Valley Home-Based Business Association is to enhance the presence, credibility, economic stability and future growth of home based businesses in the Comox Valley.
Canadian Work at Home Moms | The Work At Home Mom Community WAHM provides access to its business club for moms, developed exclusively for Canadian work-at-home moms who want to network, encourage each other, and discuss family life too.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade journals (often called magazines or trade publications) can be very useful in helping you find current articles relating to business research. Contact your local research library to determine which trade journal subscriptions they have. There are also free trade publications that you can access online.
Home Business Magazine | An online community for home-based entrepreneurs and business owners; people who work from home; and telecommuters. HBM Online is loaded with content to help you start-up and succeed in a home-based business. HBM also offers print subscriptions (link is external) with issues printed 6 times per year.
Mompreneur Magazine | MOMpreneur.com is dedicated to helping Mompreneurs succeed as mothers and as entrepreneurs. Connect with useful, up to date information on business, entrepreneurism, families, health and fun. Their print/digital magazine is published 6 times per year and back issues can be viewed for free online.
HomeBusinessJournal.net | Features a large selection of online content that looks at home business opportunities and affiliate program revenue generation.
Blogs
The Work at Home Woman | "Named by Forbes as one of the top websites for your career, The Work at Home Woman is an advocate for telecommuting and home-based businesses that empower women to balance life on their own terms."
Side Hustle Nation | This blog follows entrepreneur Nic Loper's journey from working for a giant corportation to starting his own business on the side.
Sean Ogle.com | Travelling entrepreneur Sean Ogle outlines is his tips on how to work from 'home' anywhere in the world.
Discussion Forums
Home Business Forums | An active discussion forum for small business owners to discuss their experiences with home/online business.
Small Business Forums - Home Based Business | An active forum with information about home based small businesses in general as well as specific niche markets.
Work at Home Forum | Includes forums about everything from home business marketing to productivity and motivation.
Consultant Websites
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.