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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
Outgrowing Your Office Space? Should You Lease or Buy?
By Karina Fabian | June 26, 2026
Here is a list of things to consider before deciding whether to purchase or lease your new office space, including the pros and cons of both options.
Article
10 Tips for Young Entrepreneurs
By Jennifer Dublino | June 26, 2026
Many people dream of starting their own company, but not all entrepreneurs are successful. Get a good start in your business-owning career with these tips.
person with a credit card
Article
How to Choose and Open a Business Checking Account
By Meredith Wood | June 26, 2026
Creating a new company banking account is important so you want to do your research. Here are three steps to opening your business checking account.
Article
9 Elements of a Successful Financial Plan for a Small Business
By Jamie Johnson | June 25, 2026
Improve your chances of growth and success by covering these bases in your financial plan.
Article
Writing a Business Growth Plan
By Jennifer Dublino | June 25, 2026
Our step-by-step guide outlines what to include in your company's business growth plan and features expert advice from business strategy experts.
Article
How Much Does Insurance Cost for a Small Business?
By Kimberlee Leonard | June 23, 2026
Small business insurance costs depend on many factors; every policy serves a different risk-protection purpose. Learn about small business insurance costs.
Article
Q1 Reflections: Important Ways to Take Stock of the First Quarter
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | June 22, 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
Want to Invest in Digital Real Estate? How to Get Started
By Sean Peek | June 16, 2026
If you ever wanted to invest in digital real estate, this guide can get you started. Learn about the current trends and best practices of website ownership.
Article
Trademark Examples: Learn From These Trademark Infringement Cases
By Sean Peek | June 01, 2026
Learn from famous trademark disputes involving Apple, Starbucks, Adidas and more. Discover how businesses can avoid trademark infringement and protect their brands.
Businesswoman walking through an airport
Article
International Business Etiquette From Around the World
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | May 26, 2026
If your company does business in other countries, you and your employees should understand how to navigate the etiquette of other cultures. Here are the basics.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.