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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 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
How to Cash In on Your Excess Inventory
By Bennett Conlin | September 04, 2026
Surplus stock is an opportunity to make some cash and get further exposure for your business.
Article
Can You Make a Profit and Be Socially Responsible?
By Jennifer Dublino | September 04, 2026
Corporate social responsibility increases customer loyalty and cuts costs through sustainable practices like solar energy that pay back in 3 to 5 years.
person signing a contract
Article
Can You Keep a Secret? The Importance of Nondisclosure Agreements
By Kimberlee Leonard | September 04, 2026
Nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) help businesses to protect critical confidential information. Learn how NDAs work, what to consider and what to include.
Busy office
Article
How to Tell if Your Business Is Growing Too Quickly (and What to Do About It)
By Mark Fairlie | September 04, 2026
Learn how to tell if your business is growing too quickly, with 15 warning signs and practical tips to manage growth, protect cash flow and maintain performance.
Article
How to Build Business Momentum With Limited Resources
By Sean Peek | September 04, 2026
Building business momentum usually requires financial resources. Learn strategies to build business momentum with few resources and how to avoid mistakes.
Article
What a Bill of Materials Is and Why You Need One
By Sean Peek | September 04, 2026
Whether you are making a toy or a rocket, a BOM helps you accurately manage and oversee resources and identify materials to reduce wasteful spending.
Article
8 Keys to Upscaling Your Business
By Asim Rais Siddiqui | September 04, 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
8 Reasons Why the Cash-Only Model Doesn’t Work for Small Businesses
By Mark Fairlie | September 04, 2026
Customers want payment options, making the cash-only model inconvenient. If your business doesn’t accept credit cards, here are eight reasons you should.
woman working at a table
Article
7 Pain Points Entrepreneurs Should Expect and Embrace
By Sean Peek | September 04, 2026
As an entrepreneur, you have to roll with the punches. Learn how to deal with these common pain points of running a business.
Article
Buying a Car for Your Business? How to Avoid Mistakes
By Jennifer Dublino | September 04, 2026
Buying a company car can help your business run more smoothly and save money. Ensure you invest in the right business vehicle and avoid common mistakes.
professional agency
Article
Funding Woes, Be Gone: 10 Ways to Minimize Your Startup Costs
By Jennifer Dublino | September 04, 2026
Minimize startup costs by following tips like working from home, outsourcing strategically, negotiating with suppliers, and improving cash flow management.
accountants working at a desk
Article
11 Ways to Drastically Cut Business Costs
By Katharine Paljug | September 04, 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
5 Ways a UX Designer Can Benefit Your Company
By Jamie Johnson | September 04, 2026
A user experience, or UX, designer makes products accessible and usable. Learn how a UX designer can optimize your offerings and help your small business.
Article
10 Ways to Reduce Operational Costs for Your Small Business
By Jennifer Dublino | September 03, 2026
Because small businesses operate on tight margins, sustaining a healthy profit is critical. Learn how to increase revenue and reduce expenses.
Article
14 KPI Tools to Track Your Business’s Goals
By Skye Schooley | September 03, 2026
Compare 14 KPI tools for small businesses, agencies and enterprises. Explore pricing, integrations, dashboards and expert tips for choosing the right KPI software.
Article
How to Develop a Unique Product That Stands Out
By Jared Haw | September 02, 2026
When a business offers a unique product, it distinguishes itself from the competition. Here’s how to develop distinctive merchandise your customers will love.
Article
How to Write a Winning Business Proposal
By Jennifer Dublino | September 01, 2026
In some industries, writing business proposals is a way to win new customers. Learn how to write a successful business proposal and grow your client portfolio.
people discussing a business plan
Article
The New Business Owner’s Starter Checklist: LLC, Domain and Everything in Between
By Chad Brooks | August 11, 2026
From entity formation to your first business email, here's the order to tackle every startup task — and what each one depends on.
Two coworkers having a discussion
Article
5 Mistakes First-Time LLC Owners Make — and How to Avoid Them
By Chad Brooks | August 11, 2026
New LLC owners often skip the operating agreement, miss report deadlines or form in the wrong state. Here’s how to avoid five costly errors.
Man using a laptop
Article
What Is a Registered Agent and Why Does It Matter?
By Chad Brooks | August 11, 2026
Learn what a registered agent does, why states require one, and how your choice affects compliance risk and personal privacy.
hands typing on a keyboard
Article
The Small Business Owner’s Guide to Keeping Your Home Address Off Public Record
By Chad Brooks | August 11, 2026
Forming an LLC can put your home address on permanent public record. Learn where the exposure happens and how to prevent it.
Article
6 Benefits of Forming an S Corporation
By Jamie Johnson | August 06, 2026
An S corporation helps you avoid double taxation and the self-employment tax. Learn the pros and cons of S corporations and other corporate structures.
Article
Cheapest Business Ideas to Start From Home (Under $1,000)
By Donna Fuscaldo | August 06, 2026
Looking for cheap business ideas? Discover 20 home-based businesses you can start for under $1,000, plus startup costs, profit potential and expert scaling advice.
accountants using computers and calculators
Article
Is Your Small Business Achieving Profitable Growth?
By Emil Abedian | August 05, 2026
Small businesses must understand if their growth is profitable. Learn about the profitability-growth relationship and achieving profitable growth.
Article
Turn Your Genealogy Hobby Into a Side Business
By Chad Brooks | August 05, 2026
Have you ever considered starting a genealogy business? This guide will walk you through the steps of starting a home-based genealogy business.
Article
Resources for veteran-owned businesses
By Jennifer Dublino | August 05, 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
Industries That Take Full Advantage of the Subscription Business Model
By Kimberlee Leonard | August 05, 2026
See how specific industries have taken advantage of the subscription model. Learn subscription model benefits and tips for using it in your business.
marketing meeting
Article
Songs About Business: These Hit Tracks Have Hidden Lessons for Entrepreneurs
By Mike Berner | August 05, 2026
Entrepreneurs and business owners can learn some valuable lessons from the lyrics of hit songs by Beyoncé, Frank Sinatra and more.
Article
Take Your Restaurant to the Next Level: 13 Tips for Busy Owners
By Mark Fairlie | August 05, 2026
Opening your restaurant is only the first step. Embrace these strategies to keep your food establishment thriving.
Article
Choosing the Right Outsourcing Partner
By Shahid Mansuri | August 05, 2026
Outsourcing is often great for business but it can offer challenges. Learn how to find the right partner to help you grow your company.