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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
How to Get a License for Your Construction Company
By Sean Peek | January 23, 2026

Most states in the U.S. require contractors to have a license to work legally. Here’s how to successfully license your construction company.

Article
How to Cash In on Your Excess Inventory
By Bennett Conlin | January 23, 2026

Surplus stock is an opportunity to make some cash and get further exposure for your business.

Article
What Is a Pharmaceutical Wholesaler?
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | January 22, 2026

Pharmaceutical wholesalers purchase medications directly from manufacturers and then sell the medications to pharmacies.

Article
Private Labeling: How It Works, Advantages & Disadvantages
By Stella Morrison | January 22, 2026

You don’t always need to build your own network to create a supply chain for your product. Here are some of the pros and cons of private labeling.

Businesspeople in an office
Article
The 3 C’s of Effective Marketing
By Julie Thompson | January 22, 2026

Learn how these principles can improve your company's marketing and get marketing strategy tips from business experts.

Article
What Is Business Interruption Insurance?
By Lauren Kubiak | January 22, 2026

Business interruption insurance policies can help when unforeseen events shut down operations. Learn how business interruption insurance works and what it covers.

Article
What Is Commercial Umbrella Insurance?
By Jennifer Dublino | January 22, 2026

A commercial umbrella insurance policy can give your business more coverage for less money. Learn if you need umbrella insurance and how to shop for it.

Article
What Is Cyber Insurance?
By Sean Peek | January 22, 2026

Cyber insurance can help companies notify customers about data breaches involving their personal information and can protect from cyberattack damages.

Article
5 Ways Your Company Can Benefit From Security Cameras
By Bennett Conlin | January 22, 2026

Here are five ways your company can benefit from using security cameras. Learn how to choose one that works best for your needs.

Article
Part of the Job: 10 Skills All Entrepreneurs Must Master
By Julie Thompson | January 22, 2026

To succeed in business, there are certain competencies an entrepreneur must have. Learn what these skills are and how you can use them at work.

Article
How Much Does Insurance Cost for a Small Business?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 22, 2026

Small business insurance costs depend on many factors; every policy serves a different risk-protection purpose. Learn about small business insurance costs.

Article
The Insurance Claims Process and How to File
By Nicole Urbanowicz | January 22, 2026

If your business suffers a loss that’s covered by insurance, you’ll need to file an insurance claim. Here's how a claim works and how to file one.

Article
The 5 Most Important KPIs for Warehouses
By Kaytlyn Smith | January 21, 2026

Measuring the right metrics can help your business make informed decisions and maximize efficiency within its warehouse operations.

Article
How Women-Owned Businesses Can Use Social Media Marketing
By Ryan Ayers | January 20, 2026

How women-owned companies can highlight their business's unique features using social media marketing.

Article
11 Resources Every Small Business Needs
By Natalie Hamingson | January 20, 2026

Learn which resources your business needs to thrive, from accounting software to networking.

Article
From Collections to Repossession: A Timeline of Debt
By Kiely Kuligowski | January 20, 2026

Get your business out of debt with our guide to the debt collection process and see expert-backed advice for dealing with collection agencies.

Article
What Is Claims-Made vs. Occurrence?
By Sean Peek | January 20, 2026

When insuring a business, you'll find two coverage types: claims-made and occurrence. Learn the differences to choose the right business coverage.

Article
What Is General Liability Insurance?
By David Gargaro | January 20, 2026

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

Article
What Is a Workers’ Comp Ghost Insurance Policy?
By Nicole Urbanowicz | January 20, 2026

Learn what a workers' comp ghost insurance policy is and how it can help your small business, if you meet the requirements.

Article
Can You Keep a Secret? The Importance of Nondisclosure Agreements
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 20, 2026

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

Article
What a Bill of Materials Is and Why You Need One
By Sean Peek | January 20, 2026

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
12 Things You Must Do Before Starting a Business
By Adam Uzialko | January 20, 2026

Find out what you must do before starting a business, from writing a business plan to getting the proper insurance.

Article
Confessions of an Entrepreneur: Technology Leads to New Opportunities
By Jamie Johnson | January 16, 2026

Technology plays a huge role in the success of your business. Learn more about how.

Article
Time to Expand? Tips for Opening Another Location
By Max Freedman | January 16, 2026

Learn how to know when it's time to expand your business, and find out what you should do to begin the process.

Article
Tips for Setting Better Business Goals
By Simone Johnson | January 16, 2026

Business goals provide direction for your company and can motivate your team to reach milestones. Learn about the goal-setting process and types of goals.

Article
What Is a Receipt Printer? Thermal vs Impact
By Sean Peek | January 16, 2026

Thermal and impact receipt printers do the same job but are suited to different locations.

Article
How to Decide on Your Company’s Fiscal Year
By Catherine vanVonno | January 16, 2026

Choosing when to start a fiscal year may seem minor, but this step can hugely impact your business. Learn the factors that affect your fiscal year's start.

Article
Should Your Restaurant Be on Grubhub?
By Sean Peek | January 15, 2026

Learn how much Grubhub really costs restaurants and what it brings to the table.

Article
7 Things to Consider Before Starting a Restaurant
By Max Freedman | January 15, 2026

Before you launch your restaurant business, learn about important considerations, such as location, marketing and software.

Article
What Is Commercial Liability Auto Insurance?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 15, 2026

Commercial liability auto insurance covers the same types of liabilities as personal auto insurance, but the policy is for commercial vehicles.