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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
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
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
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
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.

Article
Workers’ Compensation Claim Process Guide
By Max Freedman | January 15, 2026

Business owners should ensure their employees understand the workers' compensation claims process. Learn what's entailed and how the claims process works.

Article
Employment Practices Liability Insurance: Why Small Businesses Need EPLI
By Jamie Johnson | January 15, 2026

Employment practices liability insurance protects your business from past or current employee lawsuits. Here’s how EPLI works.

Article
What Is Intellectual Property Insurance?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 15, 2026

Your business needs intellectual property insurance if you hold patents or trademarks. Learn what intellectual property insurance covers.

Article
What Is Malpractice Insurance?
By Jennifer Dublino | January 15, 2026

Malpractice insurance can protect your business. Learn about malpractice insurance, who needs it, what types exist, how much it costs and how to get it.

Article
14 Ways to Save Money on Business Insurance
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 15, 2026

You shouldn't cut corners when it comes to business insurance. Here are ways to reduce your insurance premiums without sacrificing coverage.

Article
Q1 Reflections: Important Ways to Take Stock of the First Quarter
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | January 15, 2026

Learn how to take stock of how your business fared during Q1 so you can continue marching toward completing your company's goals in Q2.

Article
The Most Popular Types of 501(c)s
By Deborah Sweeney | January 15, 2026

If you plan to form a nonprofit, it's important to know about the most common types of 501(c) groups. Get expert-backed tips for your organization.

Article
How Does a Workers’ Comp Settlement Work?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 14, 2026

A workers' compensation settlement covers several costs incurred when an employee is injured. Learn about the workers' compensation settlement process.

Article
What Is a Cyber Insurance Risk Assessment?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 14, 2026

A cyber insurance risk assessment finds the systems and assets most at risk of cyberattack. Learn about cyber insurance and how risk assessments work.

Article
What Is OSHA Compliance?
By Max Freedman | January 14, 2026

This guide explains OSHA and the regulations it sets for workplace safety and employee health. Learn how your small business can comply with OSHA.

Article
Why Every Business Owner Needs an Exit Strategy
By Mark Fairlie | January 14, 2026

You don’t go into business planning to get out — but you should. Find out why an exit strategy is important and why you need two strategies.

Article
5 Tips for Building an Investor-Ready Franchise Business
By Howard Goldstein | January 14, 2026

Being a franchisee has its perks over starting a brand-new business, but you still need capital. Here are three ways to appeal to investors.