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.
Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources
Article
The Art of Words: How to Write the Perfect Mission Statement
By Sean Peek | February 09, 2026
Keep mission statements under 25 words with strong, specific language. Use action-oriented verbs, avoid generalities and address the “how” not just “what.”
Article
How to Create a Sustainable Business Model
By Drew Hendricks | February 03, 2026
A sustainable business model is a top priority for SMBs. Learn how to build a sustainable business that benefits customers without jeopardizing the planet.
Article
International Market Expansion: The Benefits of Global Expansion
By Mark Fairlie | February 02, 2026
Global expansion means expanding your business overseas. Learn the benefits of going global and what steps to take for international market expansion.
Article
Think Like a Startup, Scale Like an Enterprise: Balancing the Best of Both Worlds
By Mark Fairlie | February 02, 2026
Think like a startup for innovation and agility, scale like an enterprise with systems and processes. Balance both approaches to drive sustainable growth.
Article
Writing a Business Growth Plan
By Jennifer Dublino | February 02, 2026
Our step-by-step guide outlines what to include in your company's business growth plan and features expert advice from business strategy experts.
Article
Confessions of an Entrepreneur: Technology Leads to New Opportunities
By Jamie Johnson | January 30, 2026
Technology plays a huge role in the success of your business. Learn more about how.
Article
Starting a Business From Home: The Ultimate Checklist
By Julie Thompson | January 30, 2026
Starting a business requires an organized approach to administrative, legal and practical tasks. Follow this checklist to start a business from home.
Article
Is Your Small Business Achieving Profitable Growth?
By Emil Abedian | January 30, 2026
Small businesses must understand if their growth is profitable. Learn about the profitability-growth relationship and achieving profitable growth.
Article
5 Ways to Reduce Your Business’s Carbon Footprint
By Michael Wood | January 30, 2026
Find out what a carbon footprint is, how to reduce your company’s environmental impact and why it matters.
Article
How Women-Owned Businesses Can Use Social Media Marketing
By Ryan Ayers | January 30, 2026
How women-owned companies can highlight their business's unique features using social media marketing.
Article
Starting an Advertising Agency
By Sean Peek | January 30, 2026
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
11 Ways to Drastically Cut Business Costs
By Katharine Paljug | January 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
The Best Places for Purchasing Office Supplies
By Mark Fairlie | January 30, 2026
Many office supply places offer savings programs for corporate accounts, volume sales and other benefits. Learn how small businesses can save.
Article
Buying a Car for Your Business? How to Avoid Mistakes
By Jennifer Dublino | January 30, 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.
Article
Requirements for Keeping Paycheck Records
By Julie Thompson | January 30, 2026
Employers keep paycheck records to comply with federal and state laws, complete tax returns, and use in audits. Here's what you need to know.
Article
Reducing Administrative Burden: How Small Business Owners Can Reclaim 10+ Hours Per Week
By Adam Uzialko | January 29, 2026
Automation can help small business owners save 10 or more hours every week on necessary administrative tasks. This guide covers how you can reclaim your time.
Article
Better Together: Making Magic Between Big Companies and Startups
By Mark Fairlie | January 29, 2026
Startups and enterprises can complement each other by collaborating. Learn how large and small players can overcome issues and work together.
Article
Industries That Take Full Advantage of the Subscription Business Model
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 29, 2026
See how specific industries have taken advantage of the subscription model. Learn subscription model benefits and tips for using it in your business.
Article
Important Things to Do After Your Trademark Is Registered
By Julie Thompson | January 29, 2026
Registering your trademark is the first step in protecting your brand. Learn what to do next to ensure you're handling the trademark process properly.
Article
How to Apply for a Copyright Online
By Julianna Lopez | January 29, 2026
Obtaining a copyright is a straightforward process online. Learn how to apply for a copyright online and the benefits of protecting intellectual property.
Article
Do It for Me: The Next Evolution of the On-Demand Economy
By Jamie Johnson | January 29, 2026
Consumers want convenience, which often means they want someone to do something for them on demand. Learn how to take advantage of the DIFM movement.
Article
9 Elements of a Successful Financial Plan for a Small Business
By Jamie Johnson | January 29, 2026
Improve your chances of growth and success by covering these bases in your financial plan.
Article
Build a Brand That Attracts Gen Z and Millennial Customers
By Sean Peek | January 29, 2026
Check out these branding tips for business owners to connect with Generation Z and millennial consumers.
Article
5 Ways a UX Designer Can Benefit Your Company
By Jamie Johnson | January 29, 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
Managing Resources: ERP Industry Trends That Impact the Bottom Line
By Mark Fairlie | January 28, 2026
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) helps businesses drive quality by recording and storing real-time business performance data. Learn ERP trends to watch.
Article
Brand Reputation: How to Protect Your No. 1 Asset
By Mark Fairlie | January 28, 2026
Your most valuable asset is your brand reputation. Learn how to protect it by keeping employees and customers happy and using reputation-management tools.
Article
11 Scams That Prey on Small Businesses
By Jennifer Dublino | January 28, 2026
Scammers often target small and midsize businesses. Beware of these 10 business-related scams, and learn how to avoid cybercriminals and hackers.
Article
How to Set a Price for Your Service
By Jennifer Dublino | January 28, 2026
Setting the proper prices for your services is one of the most crucial elements of business. Learn how to set fair and accurate prices for your services.
Article
Business Insurance Guide
By David Gargaro | January 28, 2026
This guide to business insurance can help you understand the policies available to your small business and determine which policies are right for you.
Article
Are You Telling the Right Story About Your Brand?
By Sean Peek | January 28, 2026
Learn how to identify and share the right story about your brand to usher in loyal consumers.