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Business Basics

A complete resource for starting, managing, and growing your business. Discover everything you need to know at business.com.

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Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

podcast equipment
Article
Best Business Podcasts of 2024
By Skye Schooley | January 25, 2024

Podcasts are a great way for business owners and entrepreneurs to get business advice, learn about trends, and find inspiration. Check out our favorites.

Article
What Is Professional Negligence?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 23, 2024

Professional negligence is when an industry professional doesn't properly fulfill their duties, leading to damage or harm. Learn how to avoid lawsuits.

Article
What Is a Cyber Insurance Risk Assessment?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 23, 2024

A cyber insurance risk assessment finds the systems and assets most at risk of cyberattack. Learn about cyber insurance and how risk assessments work.

Article
20 Businesses You Can Start on the Cheap
By Donna Fuscaldo | January 22, 2024

You don't need a ton of cash to launch a business. Opportunities abound to become a business owner with less than $500. See business ideas and pro tips.

Article
Why Your Business Needs Indemnity Insurance
By Mark Fairlie | January 22, 2024

A key component of an insurance policy is restitution for those who have a claim against you. Here’s how indemnity insurance provides that.

hand using a calculator and notebook
Article
What’s a Healthy Level of Business Debt?
By Matt D’Angelo | January 18, 2024

Healthy business debt is often necessary for growth. Learn how to distinguish good and bad business debt and determine a healthy debt amount to carry.

business tools
Article
Fast, Good or Cheap — The Iron Triangle?
By Jamie Johnson | January 17, 2024

Trying to decide between making a product fast, good or cheap can be difficult. Here's how to accomplish all three.

Article
Can You Keep a Secret? The Importance of Nondisclosure Agreements
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 11, 2024

Nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) help businesses to protect critical confidential information. Learn how NDAs work, what to consider and what to include.

Article
What Are Insurance Endorsements?
By Nicole Urbanowicz | January 11, 2024

Insurance endorsements are a way to broaden or narrow coverage on an existing insurance policy. Here's how insurance endorsements work for your business.

Article
Do Results-Only Workplaces Really Work?
By Sean Peek | January 11, 2024

Here’s everything you need to know about results-only work environments, and whether it’s right for your business.

Article
What a Bill of Materials Is and Why You Need One
By Sean Peek | January 11, 2024

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
What Is General Liability Insurance?
By David Gargaro | January 11, 2024

If a third party gets hurt at your workplace, they can sue you. Here's how to protect your company.

Article
Employment Practices Liability Insurance: Why Small Businesses Need EPLI
By Jamie Johnson | January 11, 2024

Employment practices liability insurance protects your business from past or current employee lawsuits. Here’s how EPLI works.

Article
Is it Better to Buy or Lease a Car for Business?
By Max Freedman | January 11, 2024

Should you buy or lease the company car? Here are the pros and cons of each to help you weigh which is best for your needs.

Article
How Does a Workers’ Comp Settlement Work?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 09, 2024

A workers' compensation settlement covers several costs incurred when an employee is injured. Learn about the workers' compensation settlement process.

Article
Guide to the Workers’ Compensation Claim Process
By Max Freedman | January 09, 2024

Business owners should ensure their employees understand the workers' compensation claims process. Learn what's entailed and how the claims process works.

person using a calculator to do accounting
Article
Hitting the Books: A Guide to Retail Accounting
By Jill Bowers | January 05, 2024

Learn about the methods of calculating and tracking inventory that are used in retail accounting.

Article
How Virtual Reality Technology Is Changing Manufacturing
By Sean Peek | January 03, 2024

The manufacturing industry is changing as next-generation VR and AR become readily available.

Article
Starting an Advertising Agency
By Sean Peek | January 03, 2024

If you have a background in marketing and communications, an advertising agency could be a smart startup option. Here's what you need to know.

Article
The Road Map to Starting a Membership Site From Scratch
By Mark Thompson | January 03, 2024

A subscription site is easy to start and can offer big rewards. Follow these steps to build a loyal member base.

Article
How Much Does It Cost to Start an Online Business?
By Zac Johnson | January 03, 2024

While expenses to begin an online business vary, here are some common costs you can expect to see with your new venture.

Article
Insurance Deductions and Expenses for Small Businesses
By Nicole Urbanowicz | January 03, 2024

Make sure to take all the deductions possible for your business insurance expenses. Here is how to stop paying too much in taxes.

Article
10 Successful Businesses You Didn’t Know Were Run by Women
By Jennifer Dublino | January 03, 2024

Female entrepreneurs own 42 percent of American firms. Check out this list of women-led companies and some great resources for small business owners.

woman working from home on a laptop
Article
Is the U.S. Home to the World’s Most Remote Workforce?
By Elizabeth Barton | January 03, 2024

America lags behind other countries in return-to-office rates. Instead, employees are still working from home. See the data.

People standing in line outside of a Cannabis Store
Article
More Lows Than Highs: Let’s Get Blunt About Starting a Cannabis Brand
By Daniel Thomas | January 03, 2024

Learn more about some key steps you must take in order to start a successful cannabis brand.

Article
Meet the Angels: Silicon Valley’s Most Well-Known Investors
By Jennifer Dublino | January 03, 2024

Silicon Valley is home to some of the most powerful investors in the nation. Check out this list of some of the most well-known investors in the Valley.

Article
5 Steps to Remove a Shareholder
By Stella Morrison | January 03, 2024

Although removing a majority shareholder can be difficult, it is possible. Here are the steps to make the process a smooth one.

Article
Leading With Transparency Promotes Customer Loyalty
By Austin Mac Nab | January 03, 2024

Consumers value honesty, fairness, quality and service. Build buying confidence by showing your customers how trustworthy your brand is.

Article
Creating a Strong Company Culture: How to Do It Right
By Skye Schooley | January 03, 2024

Workers thrive in cultures that encourage support, personal growth and open communication. Here are some tips to achieve that culture.

Article
Why Your Small Business Needs an IT Partner
By Mark Fairlie | January 03, 2024

Find the right IT partner and your SMB can take advantage of all current and future business technology, improving service, profit and productivity.