The first step in company research is to determine the legal status of the company -- private, public, subsidiary, branch, or parent. See this video:
Many business reference sources such as company directories or industry analyses use the federal government's numerical codes (SIC or NAICS) to describe types of businesses. Use the links below to identify your code, and thus help identify who else is in your industry:
The purpose of trade associations is to represent and promote the interests of its members. The organizations produce reports that examine the industry and its key players (often its own members) and also provide statistics.
IBISWorld is our best database that highlights relevant national trade associations. You can also find many trade associations via Google. Watch this video segment (2:53-4:26) to learn more: