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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
Tips for Setting Better Business Goals
By Simone Johnson | October 02, 2026
Learn how to create better business goals that can help guide your company to success.
Article
Take Your Restaurant to the Next Level: 13 Tips for Busy Owners
By Mark Fairlie | October 02, 2026
Navigate today's competitive dining landscape with proven strategies to help your eatery grow and thrive.
Article
6 Benefits of Forming an S Corporation
By Jamie Johnson | October 02, 2026
Setting up your business as an S corp can help you reduce your tax liability and protect your personal assets.
Article
Confessions of an Entrepreneur: Technology Leads to New Opportunities
By Jamie Johnson | October 01, 2026
Dean Gallagher of Fresh Folio Design talks about the importance of technology in his business.
Article
SWOT Analysis Guide for Businesses
By Kiely Kuligowski | October 01, 2026
A SWOT analysis helps you make smart, informed business decisions.
Article
Better Together: Making Magic Between Big Companies and Startups
By Mark Fairlie | October 01, 2026
Startups don't have to compete with industry giants when collaboration is on the table.
group of colleagues working at laptops together
Article
Think Like a Startup, Scale Like an Enterprise: Balancing the Best of Both Worlds
By Mark Fairlie | October 01, 2026
Both startups and enterprises must disrupt and innovate to survive. Learn how thinking like a startup and scaling like an enterprise can promote success.
Article
Starting an Advertising Agency
By Sean Peek | October 01, 2026
Launching an advertising agency can be a low-cost way to enter entrepreneurship. Here's exactly how to do it.
Business owner working on a laptop
Article
Starting a Business From Home: The Ultimate Checklist
By Julie Thompson | October 01, 2026
Stay on the right track to set up your home business for success.
hand signing a contract
Businesswoman walking through an airport
Article
International Business Etiquette From Around the World
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | October 01, 2026
If you do business with companies in other countries, you must understand how business etiquette varies globally.
accountants using computers and calculators
Article
Is Your Small Business Achieving Profitable Growth?
By Emil Abedian | September 28, 2026
Understanding your company’s financials is crucial to long-term success.
Article
International Market Expansion: The Benefits of Global Expansion
By Mark Fairlie | September 25, 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 Steps for Building a Successful Construction Business
By Sean Peek | September 25, 2026
Forge a solid reputation and secure a loyal client base with this guide.
Article
11 Scams That Prey on Small Businesses
By Jennifer Dublino | September 25, 2026
Scammers could be targeting your business. Be prepared.
Article
5 Steps to Remove a Shareholder
By Stella Morrison | September 24, 2026
Cutting ties with a shareholder isn't simple, but it can be achieved through these five steps.
Article
Brand Reputation: How to Protect Your No. 1 Asset
By Mark Fairlie | September 23, 2026
Your brand reputation is intangible, but safeguarding it is crucial for growth and success.
Article
Choosing the Best Pricing Model for Your Business: License vs. Subscription
By Jamie Johnson | September 23, 2026
Are licenses or subscriptions the best pricing model for your business? Learn the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Article
Open a Business Bank Account Without an EIN
By Skye Schooley | September 22, 2026
Can you really open a business bank account when you don't have a federal tax ID? Here's what entrepreneurs need to know.
Article
Office Moves & Business Relocation: How to Move Successfully
By Jennifer Dublino | September 22, 2026
An office relocation can help your company improve how it looks, feels and functions.
Article
How to Write a Company History
By Skye Schooley | September 21, 2026
A well-written company history can entice prospective customers, investors and employees.
Article
Successful Entrepreneurs Who Failed at First — Lessons in Persistence
By Sean Peek | September 18, 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
Managing Resources: ERP Industry Trends That Impact the Bottom Line
By Mark Fairlie | September 18, 2026
Significant market shifts are ahead as big business moves to the cloud.
Article
Henri Fayol’s Administrative Management Theory Explained
By Sean Peek | September 18, 2026
Henri Fayol’s management theory can help you manage your staff productively.
Article
A Crash Course in the Business Legal Terms You Need to Know
By Mark Fairlie | September 18, 2026
From "comparable worth" to "torts," we break down the legal lingo every business owner should know.
marijuana leaves
Article
How to Open a Cannabis Dispensary Legally: Complete 2026 Guide
By Mark Fairlie | September 18, 2026
Legal cannabis is one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. Learn how to get involved in the industry and navigate its complexities.
stressed businessman
Article
How to Learn From Your Failures: 4 Valuable Lessons
By Thomas Griffin | September 18, 2026
As an entrepreneur, you'll encounter failure. Here's how to maintain a healthy perspective.
woman getting hired
Article
Insurance Needs When Hiring Employees
By Adam Uzialko | September 18, 2026
person signing a contract
Article
Insurance Considerations When Buying Another Business
By Adam Uzialko | September 18, 2026
Article
Industries That Take Full Advantage of the Subscription Business Model
By Kimberlee Leonard | September 18, 2026
Not every business is suited to subscriptions, but in the right industries, the model can drive steady revenue and long-term customer relationships.