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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

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Expert Business Advice, Tips and Resources

How to Increase Your Restaurant’s Profits in 2026
Master the art of profitable restaurant hospitality with these 16 strategies to elevate your customer loyalty and overall success.
Sean Peek
Sean Peek
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

Article
The State of the B2B Sharing Economy
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | July 17, 2026
The sharing economy, also known as the peer-to-peer sharing economy, is a system where assets or services are shared between consumers.
Article
Take Your Restaurant to the Next Level: 13 Tips for Busy Owners
By Mark Fairlie | July 17, 2026
Opening your restaurant is only the first step. Embrace these strategies to keep your food establishment thriving.
Business owner working on a laptop
Article
Starting a Business From Home: The Ultimate Checklist
By Julie Thompson | July 16, 2026
Starting a business requires an organized approach to administrative, legal and practical tasks. Follow this checklist to start a business from home.
The Hartford Insurance Logo
Review
The Hartford Review
By Max Freedman | July 15, 2026
Every business needs insurance and The Hartford offers a wide range of products, many available online. Business.com reviews its policies and customer service.
Article
Why Every Business Owner Needs an Exit Strategy
By Mark Fairlie | July 14, 2026
You don’t go into business planning to get out — but you should. Find out why an exit strategy is important and why you need two strategies.
Article
A Crash Course in the Business Legal Terms You Need to Know
By Mark Fairlie | July 13, 2026
From comparable worth to torts, here's the legal lingo all business owners should know.
Article
Welcome to America: What Nonresidents Need to Consider When Forming a Company in the U.S.
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | July 13, 2026
Non-U.S. residents can form a business in the United States, but there are a few things they need to consider. Learn what with this guide.
Article
You Can Start a Business With as Little as $0: A Complete 2026 Guide
By Tom Drake | July 13, 2026
It is possible to go into business with limited startup capital. Here is how to become a successful entrepreneur, even without huge assets.
hands typing on a laptop
Article
Your Record Was Expunged, But It’s Still Online. Now What?
By Chad Brooks | July 10, 2026
Your record was legally expunged, but it's still showing up online. Here's why that happens and what you can do about it.
Article
Top Countries for Business Process Outsourcing (and How to Start)
By Derek Gallimore | July 08, 2026
Make sure you're outsourcing for the most efficiency and least costly by considering a partner in one of these countries.
professional agency
Article
Funding Woes, Be Gone: 10 Ways to Minimize Your Startup Costs
By Jennifer Dublino | July 08, 2026
Minimize startup costs by following tips like working from home, outsourcing strategically, negotiating with suppliers, and improving cash flow management.
Accounting
Article
What Is a Loss Payee on an Insurance Claim?
By Nicole Urbanowicz | July 07, 2026
The loss payee has the first-in-line legal rights to an insurance claim payout. Here's what you need to know.
Article
8 Tips to Manage Your Time as a Small Business Owner
By Jennifer Dublino | July 06, 2026
Small business owners are constantly pulled in different directions. Follow these time-management tips to maximize your effectiveness.
Article
What Is a Receipt Printer? Thermal vs Impact
By Sean Peek | July 02, 2026
Thermal and impact receipt printers do the same job but are suited to different locations.
Article
The Roadmap to Starting a Membership Site From Scratch
By Mark Thompson | June 26, 2026
A subscription site is easy to start and can offer big rewards. Follow these steps to build a loyal member base.
Article
How to Decide on Your Company’s Fiscal Year
By Catherine vanVonno | June 26, 2026
Choosing when to start a fiscal year may seem minor, but this step can hugely impact your business. Learn the factors that affect your fiscal year's start.
Article
8 Keys to Upscaling Your Business
By Asim Rais Siddiqui | June 26, 2026
Upscaling your business is a risky decision, but you can minimize those risks with a sustainable business growth strategy. Find out the dos and don'ts here.
Article
Resources for veteran-owned businesses
By Jennifer Dublino | June 26, 2026
Military veterans seeking to transition to entrepreneurial ventures have a wealth of resources at their disposal. Learn how to access resources for vets.
Article
10 Things You Must Do Before Starting a Business
By Adam Uzialko | June 26, 2026
Find out what you must do before starting a business, from writing a business plan to getting the proper insurance.
Article
The 7 Biggest Challenges of Starting a Business (and How to Overcome Them)
By Jennifer Dublino | June 26, 2026
Learn about the biggest challenges of starting a business, from funding and hiring to finding customers and avoiding burnout, plus practical tips and resources to help your startup succeed.
Article
Outgrowing Your Office Space? Should You Lease or Buy?
By Karina Fabian | June 26, 2026
Here is a list of things to consider before deciding whether to purchase or lease your new office space, including the pros and cons of both options.
Article
10 Tips for Young Entrepreneurs
By Jennifer Dublino | June 26, 2026
Many people dream of starting their own company, but not all entrepreneurs are successful. Get a good start in your business-owning career with these tips.
marijuana leaves
Article
How to Open a Cannabis Dispensary Legally: Complete 2026 Guide
By Mark Fairlie | June 26, 2026
Cannabis is a big business. Here is a startup guide for how you can enter this industry legally.
person with a credit card
Article
How to Choose and Open a Business Checking Account
By Meredith Wood | June 26, 2026
Creating a new company banking account is important so you want to do your research. Here are three steps to opening your business checking account.
Article
9 Elements of a Successful Financial Plan for a Small Business
By Jamie Johnson | June 25, 2026
Improve your chances of growth and success by covering these bases in your financial plan.
Article
Writing a Business Growth Plan
By Jennifer Dublino | June 25, 2026
Our step-by-step guide outlines what to include in your company's business growth plan and features expert advice from business strategy experts.
accountants working at a desk
Article
11 Ways to Drastically Cut Business Costs
By Katharine Paljug | June 25, 2026
Small businesses often have slim profit margins. Learn how to cut expenses to boost cash flow, invest in growth and lower prices without impacting revenue.
Article
How Much Does Insurance Cost for a Small Business?
By Kimberlee Leonard | June 23, 2026
Small business insurance costs depend on many factors; every policy serves a different risk-protection purpose. Learn about small business insurance costs.
Article
Q1 Reflections: Important Ways to Take Stock of the First Quarter
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | June 22, 2026
Learn how to take stock of how your business fared during Q1 so you can continue marching toward completing your company's goals in Q2.
Article
10 Ways to Reduce Operational Costs for Your Small Business
By Jennifer Dublino | June 22, 2026
Because small businesses operate on tight margins, sustaining a healthy profit is critical. Learn how to increase revenue and reduce expenses.