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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
Why Every Business Owner Needs an Exit Strategy
By Mark Fairlie | April 01, 2025

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
What Is a Cyber Insurance Risk Assessment?
By Kimberlee Leonard | March 31, 2025

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
Q1 Reflections: Important Ways to Take Stock of the First Quarter
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | March 31, 2025

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 | March 28, 2025

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.

There's Nothing Like This book cover
Article
She’s Got a Blank Check, and She’ll Write Your Name: Taylor Swift’s Billion-Dollar Business Playbook
By Tess Barker | March 26, 2025

Our full Q&A with There’s Nothing Like This author Kevin Evers

Article
What Is Intellectual Property Insurance?
By Kimberlee Leonard | March 25, 2025

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 | March 25, 2025

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 | March 25, 2025

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

Article
What Is Commercial Liability Auto Insurance?
By Kimberlee Leonard | March 24, 2025

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

Article
Employment Practices Liability Insurance: Why Small Businesses Need EPLI
By Jamie Johnson | March 24, 2025

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

Article
Should Your Restaurant Be on Grubhub?
By Sean Peek | March 18, 2025

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 | March 17, 2025

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

Article
Workers’ Compensation Claim Process Guide
By Max Freedman | March 12, 2025

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

Article
5 Steps to Remove a Shareholder
By Stella Morrison | March 11, 2025

Although removing a majority shareholder can be difficult, it is possible. Here are the steps to make the process a smooth one.

Article
Want to Invest in Digital Real Estate? How to Get Started
By Sean Peek | March 10, 2025

Learn how to invest in digital real estate by buying or building websites, generating traffic and monetizing online assets for profit.

Article
How to Decide on Your Company’s Fiscal Year
By Catherine vanVonno | March 05, 2025

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
How to Become a Full-Time Airbnb Entreprener
By Mark Fairlie | March 05, 2025

Airbnb has revolutionized rentals, giving entrepreneurs a way to earn. Learn how to start and grow a successful Airbnb business with this guide.

Article
25 Home Office Products to Level Up Your Workspace
By Shari Weiss | February 27, 2025

You have the essentials — but what about the fun? See our picks for the products that'll make your home office the best place to work.

Haley Solar
Article
Will Shoppers Return to ‘Made in USA’ Fashion? It’s Working for Haley Solar
By Tess Barker | February 26, 2025

Our full Q&A with the acclaimed Los Angeles designer

Article
What Is a Receipt Printer? Thermal vs Impact
By Sean Peek | February 25, 2025

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

Article
Time to Expand? Tips for Opening Another Location
By Max Freedman | February 24, 2025

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 | February 19, 2025

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
From Collections to Repossession: A Timeline of Debt
By Kiely Kuligowski | February 13, 2025

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
Exit Stage: The Complete Guide to Selling Your Business
By Jane Meggitt | February 12, 2025

When? Why? How much? Here are all the basics for cashing out.

Article
What a Bill of Materials Is and Why You Need One
By Sean Peek | February 11, 2025

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
Can You Keep a Secret? The Importance of Nondisclosure Agreements
By Kimberlee Leonard | February 10, 2025

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

Article
Everything You Need to Know About 7702 Plans
By Max Freedman | February 10, 2025

A 7702 plan, also called a Section 7702 plan, is a privately issued stand-alone life insurance policy. Learn how it differs from typical retirement plans.

Article
Inspiration Revealed: 40 Top CEOs Share Their Secrets to Success
By Lauren Kubiak | February 10, 2025

Here are tips from CEOs and business leaders on topics ranging from balancing life and work to building your business team to addressing the competition.

Article
12 Things You Must Do Before Starting a Business
By Adam Uzialko | February 07, 2025

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

Article
What Is a Workers’ Comp Ghost Insurance Policy?
By Nicole Urbanowicz | February 06, 2025

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