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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

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 the ultimate guide to the best 10 vehicles for CEOs, including how each car reflects aspects of your character.
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
When Is Auto Insurance Tax Deductible?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 07, 2026

Auto insurance can be tax deductible when you use your vehicle for business. Learn what you can write off and how to find the best tax strategy for you.

Article
Car Insurance for Business: A Complete Guide to Commercial Auto Insurance
By Nicole Urbanowicz | January 07, 2026

Commercial auto insurance is critical for businesses that operate vehicles and have employees driving for work purposes. Here is what you need to know.

Article
What Is Commercial Property Insurance? A Complete Guide to Insurance on Commercial Building
By Mark Fairlie | January 07, 2026

Commercial property insurance covers the building and items that you own or lease against such perils as fire, explosions, theft, and vandalism.

Article
What Is Errors and Omissions Insurance?
By David Gargaro | January 07, 2026

E&O insurance guards your business against lawsuits brought by dissatisfied customers. Find out what it covers and costs, and whether you really need it.

Article
What Is a Hold Harmless Agreement?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 07, 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.

people talking in a lawyer's office
Article
How to Handle a Business Lawsuit
By Mark Fairlie | January 07, 2026

Business owners are vulnerable to lawsuits. Learn common lawsuit types, as well as how to handle a lawsuit, deal with insurance, and protect your company.

Article
Do I Need Product Liability Insurance?
By David Gargaro | January 07, 2026

Product liability insurance is needed for businesses that make, sell or distribute products. Learn about what it covers and how much it costs.

Article
What Is Professional Liability Insurance?
By David Gargaro | January 07, 2026

An insurance policy that service-related businesses need is professional liability insurance. Learn about what it covers and protects against.

Article
Business Owners’ Guide to Workers’ Compensation
By David Gargaro | January 07, 2026

If your business has employees, nearly every state requires you to have workers' compensation insurance. Learn about what it covers and how much it costs.

Article
How to Increase Your Restaurant’s Profits in 2026
By Sean Peek | January 07, 2026

The restaurant industry is highly competitive. Here's how your restaurant can save money and attract new customers.

Article
Roth IRA Self-Employed Guide: What to Know About Roth IRAs
By Jennifer Dublino | January 07, 2026

This guide explains how self-employed people can make Roth IRA contributions to save for their retirement.

Article
Purchasing a Copier? Here Are the Copier Features You Need
By Miranda Fraraccio | January 07, 2026

Even with a reduction in workplace paper usage, office copiers are an essential operational tool. Learn the features and costs of top copiers.

Article
Business Loans: Questions Lenders Ask Potential Borrowers
By Donna Fuscaldo | January 07, 2026

Here's a look at seven questions lenders ask small business borrowers and the reason for each one.

Article
Make It Memorable: Tips for Creating an Effective Brand Name
By Jennifer Dublino | January 07, 2026

Your brand's name is the foundation for all your future marketing and sales communications. Follow these tips to make it the best possible brand name.

Article
Successful Entrepreneurs Who Failed at First — Lessons in Persistence
By Sean Peek | January 07, 2026

Learn how some of the most successful entrepreneurs bounced back from rejection — and how you can too, with expert-backed tips for dealing with failure.

Article
62 Uplifting Quotes from Famous Women
By Sean Peek | January 07, 2026

Discover famous and inspirational quotes by women—uplifting female quotes from trailblazers that resonate, empower, and uplift.

Article
The 7 Biggest Challenges of Starting a Business (and How to Overcome Them)
By Jennifer Dublino | January 07, 2026

Starting a business is a difficult endeavor. Learn the biggest challenges that come with entrepreneurship and how to overcome them and find success.

accountants using computers and calculators
Article
Is Your Small Business Achieving Profitable Growth?
By Emil Abedian | January 07, 2026

Small businesses must understand if their growth is profitable. Learn about the profitability-growth relationship and achieving profitable growth.

Article
10 Tips for Young Entrepreneurs
By Jennifer Dublino | January 06, 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.

Article
Builders Risk Insurance: Not Just for Builders
By Nicole Urbanowicz | January 06, 2026

If a property is at risk for loss or damage during construction, consider builder's risk insurance. Learn what builder's risk covers and who needs it.

mentor consulting an intern
Article
Excess Liability Insurance Explained
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 06, 2026

Excess liability insurance is extra coverage that kicks in once an underlying policy hits its limits. Learn how it works and what it covers.

Article
What Is a Business Owner’s Insurance Policy?
By Max Freedman | January 06, 2026

A business owner's policy is a packaged insurance policy that includes general liability coverage and property insurance coverage. Learn more here.

Article
How Do Workers’ Compensation Rates Work?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 06, 2026

Workers' compensation rates are affected by several factors. Learn what workers' compensation covers, and how to calculate rates and meet requirements.

Man in a suit writing on paper
Article
How to Write an Executive Summary in a Business Plan
By Jennifer Dublino | January 06, 2026

Learn how to write an executive summary. This guide shows you why to write it last, tailor it to your audience, include product details and a funding ask.

Article
7 Stats That Will Make You Rethink Your Document Management Strategy
By Mark Fairlie | January 06, 2026

Forty-eight percent of workers struggle to find files, 45 percent of SMBs still use paper, and e-signatures can boost close rates by 28 percent or more.

Article
Funding Woes, Be Gone: 10 Ways to Minimize Your Startup Costs
By Jennifer Dublino | January 06, 2026

Minimize startup costs by following tips like working from home, outsourcing strategically, negotiating with suppliers, and improving cash flow management.

Article
How to Keep Your Business Competitive
By Sean Peek | January 06, 2026

Follow these four strategies to beat your competitors in today's cutthroat business world.

Article
The Art of Words: How to Write the Perfect Mission Statement
By Sean Peek | January 06, 2026

Keep mission statements under 25 words with strong, specific language. Use action-oriented verbs, avoid generalities and address the "how" not just "what."

Article
Why Are Small Businesses So Important? 10 Ways They Empower Communities
By Mark Fairlie | January 06, 2026

Small businesses employ 43.5% of America's workforce, generate local tax revenue, attract tourists, and support communities through charitable giving efforts.

Article
Cheapest Business Ideas to Start from Home (Under $1,000)
By Donna Fuscaldo | January 06, 2026

You don't need a ton of cash to launch a business. Opportunities abound to start an at-home business with less than $500 or $1,000. See ideas and pro tips.