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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
You Can Start a Business With as Little as $0: A Complete 2026 Guide
By Tom Drake | October 27, 2026
Learn about what businesses you can start with limited to no startup capital.
Article
Projection Mapping and the Law: What Advertisers Should Know
By Sean Peek | October 27, 2026
Projection mapping is a great form of advertising. However, it’s important to understand the associated legal issues.
Article
Confessions of an Entrepreneur: Technology Leads to New Opportunities
By Jamie Johnson | October 27, 2026
Dean Gallagher of Fresh Folio Design talks about the importance of technology in his business.
Article
What Is Professional Liability Insurance?
By David Gargaro | October 27, 2026
Professional liability insurance provides businesses with coverage against clients’ legal claims of negligence, malpractice and misrepresentation.
Article
How to Write a Business Growth Plan
By Jennifer Dublino | October 26, 2026
A strategically developed business growth plan can set your business on a path toward long-term profitability.
Article
11 Scams That Prey on Small Businesses
By Jennifer Dublino | October 26, 2026
Scammers could be targeting your business. Be prepared.
Article
Understanding Data Breach vs. Cyber Liability Insurance
By Kimberlee Leonard | October 26, 2026
Cyber and data breach insurance cover data breach costs, but cyber adds more protection. Learn how to choose the right insurance for your business.
Article
Part of the Job: 10 Skills All Entrepreneurs Must Master
By Julie Thompson | October 23, 2026
Launching and maintaining a successful business venture requires specific skills and proficiencies.
Article
Should You Go Global?
By Mark Fairlie | October 22, 2026
Is international expansion a good fit for your company? See the pros and cons, and what questions to ask yourself before expanding globally.
Article
9 Successful Entrepreneurs Who Failed at Least Once
By Sean Peek | October 20, 2026
Gates, Huffington, Jobs, Rowling and even Edison were deemed failures at one point. Here’s how they bounced back from rejections and missteps.
Article
How the Self-Employed Can Make Roth IRA Contributions
By Jennifer Dublino | October 19, 2026
A Roth IRA is one of the most crucial retirement savings tools self-employed professionals need in their arsenal.
Article
How to Celebrate National Women’s Small Business Month
By Adam Uzialko | October 15, 2026
Celebrate National Women’s Small Business Month by joining in on the advocacy and support for the female entrepreneurs building businesses in the U.S.
Article
50 Free Websites to List Your Business
By Max Freedman | October 14, 2026
These websites allow you to list your business for free. Here’s why you should list your business in online directories and how to do it effectively.
Article
Tips for Creating an Effective Brand Name
By Jennifer Dublino | October 14, 2026
Thoughtfully identifying your brand can help you start shaping an effective marketing strategy.
Article
How Small Businesses Empower Their Communities
By Mark Fairlie | October 08, 2026
Becoming part of the neighborhood benefits everyone.
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Review
The Hartford Review
By Max Freedman | October 07, 2026
Every business needs insurance and The Hartford offers a wide range of products, many available online. Business.com reviews its policies and customer service.
Article
Business Owners’ Guide to Workers’ Compensation
By David Gargaro | October 07, 2026
Workers' compensation insurance is a key policy most businesses are required to have.
Article
What Is Tail Insurance in Business?
By Kimberlee Leonard | October 07, 2026
You can't predict when a business insurance claim will arise. Tail coverage offers essential protection for incidents that occur during a coverage period.
Article
What Is a Surety Bond?
By Mark Fairlie | October 07, 2026
Surety bonds act as legally enforceable guarantees that help small business owners secure third-party contracts. Learn how they work.
accountant
Article
Specialty Insurance Basics
By Mark Fairlie | October 07, 2026
Businesses need specialty insurance for items not covered by ordinary homeowners or automobile insurance.
Article
What Is Professional Negligence?
By Kimberlee Leonard | October 07, 2026
Some professionals are vulnerable to lawsuits when mistakes occur, even unintentionally.
Article
What Is a Business Owner’s Insurance Policy?
By Max Freedman | October 07, 2026
A business owner's policy offers the coverage of liability insurance and property insurance in one package.
Article
Why Your Business Needs Indemnity Insurance
By Mark Fairlie | October 07, 2026
While indemnity insurance isn't a specific policy type, it does play a critical role in the types of insurance your business needs.
Article
Insurance Deductions and Expenses for Small Businesses
By Nicole Urbanowicz | October 06, 2026
Stop paying too much in taxes. Be sure to take all the deductions possible for your business insurance expenses.
Article
What Is Cyber Insurance?
By Sean Peek | October 06, 2026
Protect your business’s reputation and bottom line with insurance that helps you navigate a data breach or cyberattack.
Article
What Is Commercial Property Insurance? A Complete Guide to Insurance on Commercial Building
By Mark Fairlie | October 06, 2026
Commercial property insurance covers the building and items that you own or lease against threats such as fire, explosions, theft and vandalism.
Article
Commercial Car Insurance Laws by State
By Mark Fairlie | October 06, 2026
What are your state’s requirements for commercial auto insurance coverage? Learn what you and your business need to do to avoid penalties.
Article
How Do Commercial Car Insurance Deductibles Work?
By Kimberlee Leonard | October 06, 2026
Commercial car insurance deductibles work just like personal auto insurance deductibles. Learn about collision and comprehensive claims deductibles.
Delivery driver wearing a mask
Article
Average Commercial Car Insurance Costs
By Kimberlee Leonard | October 06, 2026
Choose the right coverage to protect your business.
creative marketing team
Article
Are You Telling the Right Story About Your Brand?
By Sean Peek | October 05, 2026
Here's how to identify and share the right story about your brand.