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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
How to Develop a Unique Product That Stands Out
By Jared Haw | October 02, 2026
If you want to take a larger share of the market, win clients and have higher margins, you’ll need to develop your own product.
Article
4 Reasons Why Texas Is a Hot State for Starting a Business
By Sean Peek | October 02, 2026
Here’s why so many startups are heading to Texas.
Article
How Businesses Can Support Other Local Small Businesses
By Jennifer Post | October 02, 2026
Consumers aren’t the only ones shopping locally these days. Learn how your small business can better support fellow small businesses in your area.
Article
The Shocking Truth: Why Every Company Is a Technology Company
By Kimberlee Leonard | October 02, 2026
Tech is at the heart of every business, helping to streamline processes and better serve customers.
Article
Welcome to America: What Nonresidents Need to Consider When Forming a Company in the U.S.
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | October 02, 2026
Here’s what non-U.S. residents need to know about starting a business in the United States.
graphic of someone signing a paper
Article
What Insurance Is Required for My Type of Business?
By Adam Uzialko | October 02, 2026
Article
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for Small Businesses
By Jennifer Dublino | October 02, 2026
Learn how your business can further these crucial goals.
Article
Tips for Setting Better Business Goals
By Simone Johnson | October 02, 2026
Learn how to create better business goals that can help guide your company to success.
Article
Take Your Restaurant to the Next Level: 13 Tips for Busy Owners
By Mark Fairlie | October 02, 2026
Navigate today's competitive dining landscape with proven strategies to help your eatery grow and thrive.
Article
6 Benefits of Forming an S Corporation
By Jamie Johnson | October 02, 2026
Setting up your business as an S corp can help you reduce your tax liability and protect your personal assets.
Article
Confessions of an Entrepreneur: Technology Leads to New Opportunities
By Jamie Johnson | October 01, 2026
Dean Gallagher of Fresh Folio Design talks about the importance of technology in his business.
Article
SWOT Analysis Guide for Businesses
By Kiely Kuligowski | October 01, 2026
A SWOT analysis helps you make smart, informed business decisions.
Article
Better Together: Making Magic Between Big Companies and Startups
By Mark Fairlie | October 01, 2026
Startups don't have to compete with industry giants when collaboration is on the table.
group of colleagues working at laptops together
Article
Think Like a Startup, Scale Like an Enterprise: Balancing the Best of Both Worlds
By Mark Fairlie | October 01, 2026
Both startups and enterprises must disrupt and innovate to survive. Learn how thinking like a startup and scaling like an enterprise can promote success.
Article
Starting an Advertising Agency
By Sean Peek | October 01, 2026
Launching an advertising agency can be a low-cost way to enter entrepreneurship. Here's exactly how to do it.
Business owner working on a laptop
Article
Starting a Business From Home: The Ultimate Checklist
By Julie Thompson | October 01, 2026
Stay on the right track to set up your home business for success.
hand signing a contract
Businesswoman walking through an airport
Article
International Business Etiquette From Around the World
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | October 01, 2026
If you do business with companies in other countries, you must understand how business etiquette varies globally.
accountants using computers and calculators
Article
Is Your Small Business Achieving Profitable Growth?
By Emil Abedian | September 28, 2026
Understanding your company’s financials is crucial to long-term success.
Article
International Market Expansion: The Benefits of Global Expansion
By Mark Fairlie | September 25, 2026
Is international expansion a good fit for your company? See the pros and cons, and what questions to ask yourself before expanding globally.
Article
9 Steps for Building a Successful Construction Business
By Sean Peek | September 25, 2026
Forge a solid reputation and secure a loyal client base with this guide.
Article
11 Scams That Prey on Small Businesses
By Jennifer Dublino | September 25, 2026
Scammers could be targeting your business. Be prepared.
Article
5 Steps to Remove a Shareholder
By Stella Morrison | September 24, 2026
Cutting ties with a shareholder isn't simple, but it can be achieved through these five steps.
Article
Brand Reputation: How to Protect Your No. 1 Asset
By Mark Fairlie | September 23, 2026
Your brand reputation is intangible, but safeguarding it is crucial for growth and success.
Article
Choosing the Best Pricing Model for Your Business: License vs. Subscription
By Jamie Johnson | September 23, 2026
Are licenses or subscriptions the best pricing model for your business? Learn the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Article
Open a Business Bank Account Without an EIN
By Skye Schooley | September 22, 2026
Can you really open a business bank account when you don't have a federal tax ID? Here's what entrepreneurs need to know.
Article
Office Moves & Business Relocation: How to Move Successfully
By Jennifer Dublino | September 22, 2026
An office relocation can help your company improve how it looks, feels and functions.
Article
How to Write a Company History
By Skye Schooley | September 21, 2026
A well-written company history can entice prospective customers, investors and employees.
Article
Successful Entrepreneurs Who Failed at First — Lessons in Persistence
By Sean Peek | September 18, 2026
Gates, Huffington, Jobs, Rowling and even Edison were deemed failures at one point. Here’s how they bounced back from rejections and missteps.
Article
Why Are Small Businesses So Important? 10 Ways They Empower Communities
By Mark Fairlie | September 18, 2026
Becoming part of the neighborhood benefits everyone.