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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

Man in a suit writing on paper
Article
How to Write an Executive Summary in a Business Plan
By Jennifer Dublino | August 01, 2025
Article
7 Stats That Will Make You Rethink Your Document Management Strategy
By Mark Fairlie | July 31, 2025

Forty-eight percent of workers struggle to find files, 45 percent of SMBs still use paper, and e-signatures can boost close rates by 28 percent or more.

Article
When Are You No Longer a Startup?
By Sean Peek | July 31, 2025

How do you know your business has passed the startup stage? Find out the key signs here.

Article
How to Keep Your Business Competitive
By Sean Peek | July 30, 2025

Follow these four strategies to beat your competitors in today's cutthroat business world.

Busy office
Article
How to Tell If Your Business Is Growing Too Quickly (And What To Do About It)
By Mark Fairlie | July 30, 2025

While small businesses strive for growth, it's crucial to monitor signs of overburdening your company. Learn the signs of a business growing too quickly.

Article
Funding Woes, Be Gone: 10 Ways to Minimize Your Startup Costs
By Jennifer Dublino | July 30, 2025

Minimize your costs by following these tips.

Article
MLM Scams: Are MLMs Preying on the Dream of Entrepreneurship?
By Tom Anziano | July 28, 2025

Learn how to tell the difference between legitimate business prospects and scams.

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Review
The Hartford Review
By Max Freedman | July 25, 2025

The Hartford offers more policy types than many insurers, often at competitive rates and always with robust customer support.

Article
SWOT Analysis Guide for Businesses
By Kiely Kuligowski | July 25, 2025

SWOT ― which stands for “strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats” ― is a type of analysis that helps you develop your business strategy.

Article
Why You Need to Develop Your Own Unique Product
By Jared Haw | July 25, 2025

If you sell products that anyone can get from other merchants, you'll never become a leader in your market. Here's how to develop unique products instead.

Article
4 Marketing Hacks to Help You Attract the Right Investors
By Jennifer Dublino | July 25, 2025

Marketing strategy is a crucial aspect of landing investors. Use your marketing skills to identify, message and pitch potential business investors.

people talking in a lawyer's office
Article
How to Handle a Business Lawsuit
By Mark Fairlie | July 25, 2025

Business owners are vulnerable to lawsuits. Learn common lawsuit types, as well as how to handle a lawsuit, deal with insurance, and protect your company.

Article
The Netflix Business Model: What to Learn From Netflix’s Industry Disruption
By Mark Fairlie | July 24, 2025

Netflix's digital disruption shows how embracing innovation, customer data and adaptability can help businesses outpace competitors and reshape industries.

Article
9 Little-Known Ways to Network With Hospitality Industry Insiders
By Jennifer Dublino | July 24, 2025

Making contacts within the hospitality industry can create opportunities for your business. Learn how to start networking effectively.

Article
What Is Commercial Property Insurance? A Complete Guide to Insurance on Commercial Building
By Mark Fairlie | July 24, 2025

Commercial property insurance covers the building and items that you own or lease against such perils as fire, explosions, theft, and vandalism.

Article
What Is a Hold Harmless Agreement?
By Kimberlee Leonard | July 24, 2025

A hold harmless agreement releases a party from the consequences of another's actions. Learn how and when to use a hold harmless agreement in business.

Article
How Color Can Impact Your Restaurant
By Sean Peek | July 23, 2025

Learn how color affects your restaurant's atmosphere and sales.

Article
Office Moves & Business Relocation: How to Move Successfully
By Jennifer Dublino | July 23, 2025

Use an office relocation as an opportunity to streamline and improve operations. Learn how to make your office move a success.

Article
Write Your Way to a Win: Business Proposal 101
By Jennifer Dublino | July 23, 2025

In some industries, writing business proposals is a crucial way to win new clients. Learn how to write a successful business proposal..

Article
A Gamble You Can’t Afford to Lose: Finding the Right Materials for Your Product
By Steve Cartier | July 23, 2025

Learn the crucial steps to finding the best materials for your manufactured products.

Article
International Market Expansion: The Benefits of Global Expansion
By Mark Fairlie | July 23, 2025

Global expansion means expanding your business overseas. Learn the benefits of going global and what steps to take for international market expansion.

businessman talking on a phone in an office setting
Article
What Is Supply Chain Distribution?
By Max Freedman | July 23, 2025

Supply chain distribution is used to balance supply and demand. Learn more about the importance of having a distribution plan for your business.

Article
Make It Memorable: Tips for Creating an Effective Brand Name
By Jennifer Dublino | July 23, 2025

Your brand's name is the foundation for all your future marketing and sales communications. Follow these tips to make it the best possible brand name.

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.