Market Research Toolkit - The Why and How for Business Growth

If you're a small business owner, chances are you’ve been told to “know your audience” more times than you can count. But what does that actually mean—and how do you do it without hiring a pricey research firm or getting lost in a sea of spreadsheets? In this power-packed 90-minute workshop, we’re breaking down the why and the how of market research so you can confidently make business decisions that lead to real growth. Whether you run a boutique shop downtown, sell hand-poured candles at pop-ups, or offer services like photography, fitness, or coaching, this session is your shortcut to understanding who your ideal customer is, what they actually want, and how to speak their language. You’ll learn how to: Identify your true target market (spoiler: it's not “everyone”) Tap into local data without fancy tools Gather insights through surveys, interviews, and community feedback Spy (ethically!) on your competitors and what’s working for them Use your research to shape better marketing, product development, and service delivery Perfect for product- or service-based business owners, side hustlers, and anyone looking to level up their strategy with clarity and intention.