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Business Planning

Our business planning hub has all of the essential tools, strategies and insights needed to build and maintain a successful small business — a complete resource for starting, managing and growing your business. Discover everything you need to know at business.com.

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Expert Business Advice, Tips and Resources

Executive Cars: Guide to the Best CEO Cars
Discover 10 of the best vehicles for CEOs, along with how each one reflects different leadership styles and priorities.
Miranda Fraraccio
Miranda Fraraccio
Open for Business: 5 Options for Setting Up an Online Store
Whether you have a new business or want to add online sales as a revenue stream, setting up an e-commerce store is easy. Here are some options to get started.
Jennifer Dublino
Jennifer Dublino
Trademark Examples: Learn From These Trademark Infringement Cases
You could be committing trademark infringement without knowing it. Here are several trademark cases to learn from.
Sean Peek
Sean Peek

Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

Accounting
Article
Everything to Know About Business Checking Account Fees
By Donna Fuscaldo | October 30, 2026
Business checking account fees can eat away at your profits and affect your cash flow if you aren't careful. Before you choose a business checking account, make sure you know what fees it may charge.
Article
What Is a Hold Harmless Agreement?
By Kimberlee Leonard | October 30, 2026
A hold harmless agreement releases a party from the consequences of another’s actions. Learn how and when to use a hold harmless agreement in business.
Article
How to Become a Full-Time Airbnb Entreprener
By Mark Fairlie | October 30, 2026
Turn your property into a profitable Airbnb rental with this step-by-step guide to launching and growing an Airbnb business.
Article
How to Apply for a Copyright Online
By Julianna Lopez | October 30, 2026
Applying for copyright protection online makes it easier than ever to secure your intellectual property.
Article
5 Steps to Remove a Shareholder
By Stella Morrison | October 30, 2026
Cutting ties with a shareholder isn't simple, but it can be achieved through these five steps.
Article
A Crash Course in the Business Legal Terms You Need to Know
By Mark Fairlie | October 30, 2026
From "comparable worth" to "torts," we break down the legal lingo every business owner should know.
Man using a laptop
Article
What Is a Registered Agent and Why Does It Matter?
By Chad Brooks | October 30, 2026
Your registered agent determines whether you find out you are being sued and whose address the public sees.
book
Article
What Is Intellectual Property Insurance?
By Kimberlee Leonard | October 30, 2026
Intellectual property insurance is vital for businesses that face the risk of infringement because it guards against costly litigation and protects intellectual assets.
person typing on a laptop
Article
Trademark Basics: How to Submit a Trademark
By Max Freedman | October 30, 2026
Learn how to protect your intellectual property with trademarks and how trademarks differ from copyrights.
person signing a contract
Article
Important Things to Do After Your Trademark Is Registered
By Julie Thompson | October 30, 2026
Protect your brand by staying on top of deadlines and avoiding mistakes.
Article
5 Ways Your Company Can Benefit From Security Cameras
By Bennett Conlin | October 30, 2026
Security cameras can help protect businesses against internal and external threats.
Article
How to Run a Successful One-Person Business
By Bennett Conlin | October 30, 2026
Going it alone is doable, but you’ll need support, the right idea and organizational skills.
person with a credit card
Article
How to Choose and Open a Business Checking Account
By Meredith Wood | October 30, 2026
The business checking account you choose matters. Here's what to look for and how to get started.
Article
Car Insurance for Business: A Complete Guide to Commercial Auto Insurance
By Nicole Urbanowicz | October 30, 2026
If your business operates vehicles or has employees driving for business reasons, commercial auto insurance is a must.
Article
What Is Malpractice Insurance?
By Jennifer Dublino | October 30, 2026
Malpractice insurance is a critical policy that all those working in the medical industry should have.
mentor consulting an intern
Article
What Is Risk in Business Insurance?
By Mark Fairlie | October 30, 2026
Insurance risk is the probability of an adverse event that causes an insurance claim. Learn how business insurance risk is assessed and how to lower it.
Article
What Is Commercial Umbrella Insurance?
By Jennifer Dublino | October 30, 2026
Learn what umbrella insurance covers and how to decide if you need it.
Article
What Are Insurance Endorsements?
By Nicole Urbanowicz | October 30, 2026
Effectively mitigate business risk by understanding different types of insurance endorsements and how to use them.
Article
What Is General Liability Insurance?
By David Gargaro | October 30, 2026
If a customer is hurt on your premises, they can sue you. But general liability insurance can protect your business.
Article
Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Business Insurance
By Sean Peek | October 30, 2026
Choosing an insurance policy for your company or employees is a major step, and not one to take casually.
Article
Employment Practices Liability Insurance: Why Small Businesses Need EPLI
By Jamie Johnson | October 30, 2026
EPLI protects your business from lawsuits brought by past or current employees. Learn how EPLI works and why your business needs it.
person signing a contract
Article
Business Insurance Guide
By David Gargaro | October 30, 2026
Learn how business insurance can protect your company, what types of coverage are available and how to choose the right policy for your needs.
Article
Choosing the Right Outsourcing Partner
By Shahid Mansuri | October 29, 2026
While outsourcing has challenges, it can help you grow your business and focus on what you do best.
Article
Industries That Take Full Advantage of the Subscription Business Model
By Kimberlee Leonard | October 28, 2026
Not every business is suited to subscriptions, but in the right industries, the model can drive steady revenue and long-term customer relationships.
Businesspeople in an office
Article
The 3 C’s of Effective Marketing
By Julie Thompson | October 28, 2026
Running an effective marketing campaign doesn’t have to be complicated. Just remember the three C’s of marketing.
Businesswoman on the phone
Article
Would You Make It on Shark Tank? The Importance of Scalable Business Models
By Jamie Johnson | October 27, 2026
If you're looking to grow your business, scalability should be your priority. Learn how to build the foundation for sustainable growth.
Article
How Women-Owned Businesses Can Use Social Media Marketing
By Ryan Ayers | October 27, 2026
Social media offers women-owned businesses an accessible way to share their story, connect with customers and grow.
Article
Starting an Advertising Agency
By Sean Peek | October 27, 2026
Launching an advertising agency can be a low-cost way to enter entrepreneurship. Here's exactly how to do it.
Article
Cheapest Business Ideas to Start From Home (Under $1,000)
By Donna Fuscaldo | October 27, 2026
You don't need much cash to get a business up and running. Opportunities abound for aspiring entrepreneurs to become business owners with less than $1,000. Here's a look at 20 of them.
Article
6 Benefits of Forming an S Corporation
By Jamie Johnson | October 27, 2026
Setting up your business as an S corp can help you reduce your tax liability and protect your personal assets.