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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

person signing a contract
Article
Insurance Considerations When Buying Another Business
By Adam Uzialko | May 20, 2026
When you’re buying another business, you may need additional insurance coverage. This guide explains what types of insurance you need and why.
Article
6 Benefits of Forming an S Corporation
By Jamie Johnson | May 19, 2026
An S corporation helps you avoid double taxation and the self-employment tax. Learn the pros and cons of S corporations and other corporate structures.
woman getting hired
Article
Insurance Needs When Hiring Employees
By Adam Uzialko | May 18, 2026
When you hire employees, your business insurance needs change, including coverage for workers’ compensation. This guide includes what you need to know before hiring.
person signging a notorized contract
Article
When to Increase Business Insurance Coverage Limits
By Adam Uzialko | May 18, 2026
Business insurance coverage limits cap your covered losses, so it’s important they provide sufficient coverage for the risks your business actually faces.
person signing a contract
Article
How Insurance Underwriting Works
By Adam Uzialko | May 15, 2026
Insurance underwriting involves a risk assessment by insurers that helps them understand whether to provide coverage and at what rates and terms.
person holding an insurance contract
Article
How to Review Your Business Insurance Annually
By Adam Uzialko | May 14, 2026
Reviewing your business insurance annually to make sure you’re still adequately covered can save you big as your business grows. Here’s how to audit your policies.
hand signing a contract
Article
When to Get a Standalone Insurance Policy vs. Business Owner’s Policy Bundle
By Adam Uzialko | May 14, 2026
A standalone insurance policy offers specific coverage, but a bundle can provide your business with great savings. Combine them for the best of both worlds.
graphic of someone signing a paper
Article
What Insurance Is Required for My Type of Business?
By Adam Uzialko | May 13, 2026
The insurance you need varies depending on the type of business you run. This guide will help you choose the insurance you need from general liability to workers’ compensation.
busy season graphic
Article
How Small Businesses Can Restock Supplies During Their Busiest Months
By Adam Uzialko | May 12, 2026
It can be challenging to manage inventory during your busiest seasons, but these tips can help you keep your most important supplies on hand.
Article
Cheapest Business Ideas to Start From Home (Under $1,000)
By Donna Fuscaldo | May 06, 2026
Looking for cheap business ideas? Discover 20 home-based businesses you can start for under $1,000, plus startup costs, profit potential and expert scaling advice.
Article
How Much Does It Cost to Start an Online Business?
By Zac Johnson | May 05, 2026
Starting an online business is often affordable but some expenses can vary depending on the business type and your location. Here are tips to help you begin.
mentor consulting an intern
Article
Excess Liability Insurance Explained
By Kimberlee Leonard | May 04, 2026
Learn how excess liability insurance works, what it covers, how it compares to umbrella insurance, what it costs and how to tell if your business needs it.
Article
62 Uplifting Quotes from Famous Women
By Sean Peek | April 28, 2026
Discover famous and inspirational quotes by women—uplifting female quotes from trailblazers that resonate, empower, and uplift.
Busy office
Article
How to Tell if Your Business Is Growing Too Quickly (and What to Do About It)
By Mark Fairlie | April 17, 2026
Learn how to tell if your business is growing too quickly, with 15 warning signs and practical tips to manage growth, protect cash flow and maintain performance.
Article
The Netflix Business Model: What to Learn From Netflix’s Industry Disruption
By Mark Fairlie | April 13, 2026
There is much to learn from the Netflix Business Model. The company managed to set trends and keep innovating to accommodate a changing media landscape.
Article
The 7 Cheapest Franchises to Buy in 2026
By Sean Peek | April 13, 2026
Franchises offer an opportunity to run a business without having to start from scratch. Find out about some of the cheapest franchise opportunities available.
Article
How Long Is a Company Considered a Startup?
By Sean Peek | April 08, 2026
There are a few factors that define when a company stops being a startup. Here is how to determine when your business has evolved beyond the startup level.
marketing meeting
Article
Songs About Business: These Hit Tracks Have Hidden Lessons for Entrepreneurs
By Mike Berner | April 01, 2026
Entrepreneurs and business owners can learn some valuable lessons from the lyrics of hit songs by Beyoncé, Frank Sinatra and more.
podcast equipment
Article
Best Business Podcasts You Should Be Listening to in 2026
By Skye Schooley | April 01, 2026
Discover the best business podcasts to listen to in 2026, with picks across leadership, startups and strategy, plus tips to help you get more from every episode.
Champagne toast in an office
Article
Drunk on money? Why celebrities are investing in alcohol brands
By Nicole Fallon | March 31, 2026
More celebrities are investing in alcohol brands than ever before. Here's why – and what you can learn.
Article
MLMs Are Preying on the Dream of Entrepreneurship
By Tom Anziano | March 30, 2026
Multilevel marketing (MLM) can provide an opportunity to start a business, but not all of them are legitimate. Here is how to tell if something is a scam.
Article
Henri Fayol’s Administrative Management Theory Explained
By Sean Peek | March 30, 2026
Learn how Henri Fayol’s management theory shaped administrative principles still used by modern businesses. Explore all 14 principles and real-world use.
Article
Crazy Business Ideas That Were Surprisingly Successful
By Sean Peek | March 30, 2026
Sometimes bad business ideas actually work. Learn how to tell the difference between a quirky concept that could become successful and what ultimately won’t.
Article
Best Franchise Podcasts to Help Your Franchised Business Grow
By Amanda Hoffman | March 27, 2026
Looking to start or grow a franchise? These top franchise podcasts offer practical advice, expert insights and real-world stories to help you make smarter decisions.
Article
Office Moves & Business Relocation: How to Move Successfully
By Jennifer Dublino | March 25, 2026
Learn how to plan and execute an office move, from budgeting and logistics to supporting your team and minimizing disruption.
businessman talking on a phone in an office setting
Article
What Is Supply Chain Distribution?
By Max Freedman | March 24, 2026
Supply chain distribution is used to balance supply and demand. Learn more about the importance of having a distribution plan for your business.
Article
Retirement Funds for the Self-Employed: A Complete Guide
By Donna Fuscaldo | March 24, 2026
Business owners need to plan for their retirement. Self-employed people have several saving options, including Keough plans, IRAs, solo 401(k) and more.
Article
SWOT Analysis Guide for Businesses
By Kiely Kuligowski | March 23, 2026
SWOT ― which stands for “strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats” ― is a type of analysis that helps you develop your business strategy.
Article
Young Entrepreneurs: 10 Inspiring Business Owners Under 40
By Sean Peek | March 20, 2026
Check out our list of inspiring entrepreneurs under 40 who have paved the way for themselves and many others with successful businesses.
Article
9 Steps for Building a Successful Construction Business
By Sean Peek | March 20, 2026
Reputation is crucial to a construction business because the stakes are high. Learn how to build a successful construction company with the right tools.