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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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Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

Article
12 Pain Points Entrepreneurs Should Expect and Embrace
By Sean Peek | July 22, 2025

As an entrepreneur, you have to roll with the punches. Learn how to deal with these common pain points of running a business.

Article
Roth IRA Self-Employed Guide: What to Know About Roth IRAs
By Jennifer Dublino | July 22, 2025

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

Article
Retirement Funds for the Self-Employed: A Complete Guide
By Donna Fuscaldo | July 22, 2025

How do self-employed people plan for retirement? Here are a few retirement plan options for the solopreneur.

Article
Do I Need Product Liability Insurance?
By David Gargaro | July 22, 2025

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 | July 22, 2025

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 | July 22, 2025

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 Identify Industries That Are Ready for Disruption
By Sean Peek | July 21, 2025

Learn how to identify industries that are ready for disruption and which markets are being shaken up.

Article
Why Are Small Businesses So Important? 10 Ways They Empower Communities
By Mark Fairlie | July 18, 2025

Small businesses fuel local economies by creating jobs, fostering innovation, and supporting communities through resilience, adaptability and human connection.

Article
What Is Errors and Omissions Insurance?
By David Gargaro | July 18, 2025

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
Think Like a Startup, Scale Like an Enterprise: Balancing the Best of Both Worlds
By Mark Fairlie | July 17, 2025

Both startups and enterprises must disrupt and innovate to survive. Learn how thinking like a startup and scaling like an enterprise can help ensure success.

Businesspeople in an office
Article
Why Are So Many Companies Moving to Florida?
By Jennifer Dublino | July 17, 2025

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
Time Crunch: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Prioritizing Your Tasks
By Jennifer Post | July 17, 2025

Entrepreneurs often find themselves overburdened with tasks. Learn how to allocate your time and prioritize your tasks.

Article
Car Insurance for Business: A Complete Guide to Commercial Auto Insurance
By Nicole Urbanowicz | July 16, 2025

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
Young Entrepreneurs: 10 Inspiring Business Owners Under 40
By Sean Peek | July 16, 2025

Check out our list of inspiring entrepreneurs under 40 who have paved the way for themselves and many others with successful businesses.

Article
What Is ERP Software & How Can It Increase Efficiency?
By Jamie Johnson | July 16, 2025

Find out how ERP software can help you efficiently manage the most important operations of your business.

Article
A 6-Step Guide to Making a Change Within Your Organization
By Sean Peek | July 15, 2025

Making changes in a company isn't easy, especially for non-managers, but anyone can make a difference. Take these steps to encourage meaningful change.

Article
10 Ways to Reduce Operational Costs for Your Small Business
By Jennifer Dublino | July 15, 2025

Because small businesses operate on tight margins, sustaining a healthy profit is critical. Learn how to increase revenue and reduce expenses. 

Article
When Is Auto Insurance Tax Deductible?
By Kimberlee Leonard | July 15, 2025

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.

marketing meeting
Article
Songs About Business: These Hit Tracks Have Hidden Lessons for Entrepreneurs
By Mike Berner | July 14, 2025

Entrepreneurs and business owners can learn some valuable lessons from the lyrics of hit songs by Beyoncé, Frank Sinatra and more.

Article
Trademark Examples: Learn From These Trademark Infringement Cases
By Sean Peek | July 14, 2025

You could be committing trademark infringement without knowing it. Learn from these six trademark cases.

Article
Small Business Guide to Energy Conservation
By Jennifer Dublino | July 11, 2025

Conserving energy can help your business save money, reduce its carbon footprint and help the environment. Learn how your business can save energy.

Champagne toast in an office
Article
Drunk on Money? Why Celebrities Are Investing in Alcohol Brands
By Nicole Fallon | July 10, 2025

More celebrities are investing in alcohol brands than ever before. Here's why – and what you can learn.

Article
Grants For Felons, SBA Programs & More Funding Options
By Sean Peek | July 10, 2025

The government and nonprofits provide funds for felons who want to start a business. Here is a list of options, from grants to crowdfunding to loans.

Article
The Art of Words: How to Write the Perfect Mission Statement
By Sean Peek | July 10, 2025

Your mission statement should show your company's vision and describe how customers see your business. Here's how to create a mission statement that distinguishes you from competitors.

business tools
Article
Fast, Good or Cheap — The Iron Triangle
By Jamie Johnson | July 10, 2025

The iron triangle of product development has shortcomings. Learn why the lean startup process is the best way to achieve "fast, good and cheap," all in one project.

Businesswoman walking through an airport
Article
International Business Etiquette From Around the World
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | July 10, 2025

Master international business by learning key etiquette tips from countries like Japan, Germany, and Brazil—from greetings to gift-giving to meeting protocols.

Article
The Management Theory of Henri Fayol
By Sean Peek | July 10, 2025

Henri Fayol’s management theory outlines 14 principles and 5 key functions that shaped modern leadership, from planning and organizing to controlling.

Businesswoman on the phone
Article
Would You Make It on Shark Tank? The Importance of Scalable Business Models
By Jamie Johnson | July 09, 2025

Scalability is a crucial factor in business growth and success. Learn the components of a scalable company and how to scale your business.

Article
Purchasing a Copier? Here Are the Copier Features You Need
By Miranda Fraraccio | July 09, 2025

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

Article
How to Increase Your Restaurant’s Profits in 2025
By Sean Peek | July 07, 2025

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