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.
Presented by
business.com
in Partnership with
Business.com earns commissions from some listed providers. Editorial Guidelines.
Expert Business Advice, Tips and Resources
The Best Business Products and Services
Spend less time on the books and more time on your business.
Accounting Software
Accept credit and debit cards to make it convenient for customers to make payments at your business.
Credit Card Processors
Simplify communications and ensure people reach the right team member at your business.
Business Phone Systems
More Best Picks
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.
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.
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.
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.
Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources
Article
Cheapest Business Ideas to Start from Home (Under $1,000)
By Donna Fuscaldo | March 30, 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.
Article
MLMs Are Preying on the Dream of Entrepreneurship
By Tom Anziano | March 30, 2026
Multilevel marketing (MLM) can provide an opportunity to start a business, but not all of them are legitimate. Here is how to tell if something is a scam.
Article
The 8 Cheapest Franchises to Buy in 2026
By Sean Peek | March 30, 2026
Discover the cheapest franchises to start in 2026, with low entry costs and high potential in travel, cleaning, real estate, and more.
Article
Henri Fayol’s Administrative Management Theory Explained
By Sean Peek | March 30, 2026
Learn how Henri Fayol’s management theory shaped administrative principles still used by modern businesses. Explore all 14 principles and real-world use.
Article
How Much Does It Cost to Start an Online Business?
By Zac Johnson | March 30, 2026
While expenses to begin an online business vary, here are some common costs you can expect to see with your new venture.
Article
Funding Woes, Be Gone: 10 Ways to Minimize Your Startup Costs
By Jennifer Dublino | March 30, 2026
Minimize startup costs by following tips like working from home, outsourcing strategically, negotiating with suppliers, and improving cash flow management.
Article
10 Ways to Reduce Operational Costs for Your Small Business
By Jennifer Dublino | March 30, 2026
Because small businesses operate on tight margins, sustaining a healthy profit is critical. Learn how to increase revenue and reduce expenses.
Article
11 Ways to Drastically Cut Business Costs
By Katharine Paljug | March 30, 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
Crazy Business Ideas That Were Surprisingly Successful
By Sean Peek | March 30, 2026
Sometimes bad business ideas actually work. Learn how to tell the difference between a quirky concept that could become successful and what ultimately won’t.
Article
Best Franchise Podcasts to Help Your Franchised Business Grow
By Amanda Hoffman | March 27, 2026
Looking to start or grow a franchise? These top franchise podcasts offer practical advice, expert insights and real-world stories to help you make smarter decisions.
Article
Office Moves & Business Relocation: How to Move Successfully
By Jennifer Dublino | March 25, 2026
Learn how to plan and execute an office move, from budgeting and logistics to supporting your team and minimizing disruption.
Article
What Is Supply Chain Distribution?
By Max Freedman | March 24, 2026
Supply chain distribution is used to balance supply and demand. Learn more about the importance of having a distribution plan for your business.
Article
Retirement Funds for the Self-Employed: A Complete Guide
By Donna Fuscaldo | March 24, 2026
Business owners need to plan for their retirement. Self-employed people have several saving options, including Keough plans, IRAs, solo 401(k) and more.
Article
SWOT Analysis Guide for Businesses
By Kiely Kuligowski | March 23, 2026
SWOT ― which stands for “strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats” ― is a type of analysis that helps you develop your business strategy.
Article
Young Entrepreneurs: 10 Inspiring Business Owners Under 40
By Sean Peek | March 20, 2026
Check out our list of inspiring entrepreneurs under 40 who have paved the way for themselves and many others with successful businesses.
Article
9 Steps for Building a Successful Construction Business
By Sean Peek | March 20, 2026
Reputation is crucial to a construction business because the stakes are high. Learn how to build a successful construction company with the right tools.
Article
6 Benefits of Forming an S Corporation
By Jamie Johnson | March 20, 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
Would You Make It on Shark Tank? The Importance of Scalable Business Models
By Jamie Johnson | March 19, 2026
Scalability is a crucial factor in business growth and success. Learn the components of a scalable company and how to scale your business.
Article
How to Identify Industries That Are Ready for Disruption
By Sean Peek | March 19, 2026
Learn how to identify industries ready for disruption by spotting market gaps, customer frustration and emerging technology trends.
Article
Turn Your Genealogy Hobby Into a Side Business
By Chad Brooks | March 10, 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
10 Things You Must Do Before Starting a Business
By Adam Uzialko | March 09, 2026
Find out what you must do before starting a business, from writing a business plan to getting the proper insurance.
Article
Why Are So Many Companies Moving to Florida?
By Jennifer Dublino | March 09, 2026
Many established companies of all sizes have decided to make Florida their home. Learn why companies are moving to Florida and how to make the move.
Article
25 Home Office Products to Level Up Your Workspace
By Shari Weiss | March 09, 2026
You have the essentials — but what about the fun? See our picks for the products that’ll make your home office the best place to work.
Article
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for Small Businesses
By Jennifer Dublino | March 09, 2026
Learn about the U.N.’s sustainable development goals, including ending poverty and hunger and how small businesses can work toward achieving them.
Article
How to Stay Motivated to Start a Business
By Simone Johnson | March 05, 2026
Stay motivated when starting a business by focusing on physical health, practicing daily mindset shifts, and creating a strong mission statement you believe in.
Article
Resources for veteran-owned businesses
By Jennifer Dublino | March 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
The 7 Biggest Challenges of Starting a Business (and How to Overcome Them)
By Jennifer Dublino | March 05, 2026
Starting a business is a difficult endeavor. Learn the biggest challenges that come with entrepreneurship and how to overcome them and find success.
Article
The Shocking Truth: Why Every Company Is a Technology Company
By Kimberlee Leonard | March 03, 2026
Companies must adopt a tech mindset in their corporate identity. Learn why every business is a tech company and how to incorporate tech in your operations.
Article
Inspiration Revealed: 40 Top CEOs Share Their Secrets to Success
By Lauren Kubiak | March 02, 2026
Here are tips from CEOs and business leaders on topics ranging from balancing life and work to building your business team to addressing the competition.
Article
The Game of Pricing: How the Number 9 Affects Purchase Behavior
By Jennifer Dublino | March 02, 2026
Charm prices end in the number nine. Learn about charm vs. prestige pricing and how your ideal customer should dictate your pricing strategy.