Research Categories

Company Research 

Financial information, brand histories, media attention, news, strategies, and company performance

Research done to identify and profile a company. Gather in-depth information about the company’s competitors, finances, investment research reports, strategies, and whether the company is public or private. Look into any current news about the company and what they highlight on their website. Provides an idea of what similar companies are doing to improve.

Industry Research

Industry competition, target audiences, trends, finances, and statistical data

Research done on the general industry of interest. Study the industry reports, news articles that discuss the industry in detail, and any competition. Provides an idea on trends or if the industry is growing or shrinking.

Note: The U.S. government defines industries by NAICS (North American Industrical Classification System) codes.  An industry being defined at a 2-digit NAICS code level is defined at a broad level. An industry defined at a 6-digit NAICS code level is very narrowly defined. The more specifically an industry is defined, the more challenging the research will be.

Target Market Research / Consumer Behavior

Demographics, psychographics, geographical differences, and communication strategies

Research done to determine who the ideal customer is. Look at similar products and customer needs as well as the best method to communicate the message to the public. Find information about the age, income, location, and psychographics of the consumer likely to need the product. Researching the target market by determining the demand, market size, any economic indicators, and market saturation.

Finance / Venture Capital

Angel groups and business news / research

A business can be financed through individual private investors, angel groups, banks, grants, and venture capital firms. Research can be done into what other companies these investors or groups are backing as well as how to acquire specific means of funds.  

• Venture Capital -  is money used to grow a business to the point of profit and to where the business can be sold. 
• Angel Groups -  a group of high net-worth individual that invest in businesses or start-ups. 

Trademarks / Patents

Trademark law, patent law, and information about regulated products and activities

Trademarks, patents, and copyrights are important resources businesses and individuals use to protect their work and inventions. Researching what others have patented, trademarked, or copyrighted in order to determine if a similar creation already exists.