RESEARCHING COMPANIES

Researching Companies Online
Published by: the Toronto Public Library. Virtual Reference Library

  • Company Provided Facts

    Company websites may include corporate profiles and annual reports. These publications can provide an overview of a company's philosophy, organizational structure, current activities, and financial status. Use your favourite search engine to find company websites.

    Companies that trade on the stock exchange are required to file information about their financial standing with securities regulatory agencies:
    - go to SEDAR: for Canadian owned and controlled companies.
    - go to EDGAR: for companies traded on exchanges in the United States.

    News announcements issued by companies in the form of press releases are helpful to learn about current developments. Some searchable websites that distribute press releases are:
    - Canada NewsWire
    - Market Wire
    - PR Newswire
    - PR Web

  • Media and News Coverage

    At the Library
    Reports in newspapers and trade magazines can be a good way to discover recent activities of a particular company, or trends within the industry as a whole. Search the library's electronic subscriptions to news and magazines to find these articles.
    …for more details about using this product, contact us.

    Published information about small or privately owned companies can be difficult to find. Sometime only the briefest of details can be uncovered through newspaper articles or in specialized directories.

  • Directory Information

    • To find addresses, telephone numbers, fax numbers, email addresses for companies:
    a) search the internet for the company's website, 
    b) ask at the Windsor Public Library about suitable directories, including trade directories, and industry specific handbooks,
    or,
    c) use internet based directories, such as the ones listed in the Business and Economics section of the InfoDesk web pages, and those available through the Virtual Reference Library.

    The Windsor Essex Economic Development Corporation publishes an internet version of its manufacturers' directory.

    And a searchable directory of its members is offered by the Windsor-Essex Region Chamber of Commerce.