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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
Resources for veteran-owned businesses
By Jennifer Dublino | August 05, 2026
Military veterans seeking to transition to entrepreneurial ventures have a wealth of resources at their disposal. Learn how to access resources for vets.
Article
Take Your Restaurant to the Next Level: 13 Tips for Busy Owners
By Mark Fairlie | August 05, 2026
Opening your restaurant is only the first step. Embrace these strategies to keep your food establishment thriving.
Article
Choosing the Right Outsourcing Partner
By Shahid Mansuri | August 05, 2026
Outsourcing is often great for business but it can offer challenges. Learn how to find the right partner to help you grow your company.
running payroll features image
Article
How to Run Payroll in Under 5 Minutes
By Adam Uzialko | July 23, 2026
Running payroll for your team doesn’t have to take very long thanks to modern payroll software platforms. Here’s how to run it in less than five minutes.
Business owner working on a laptop
Article
Starting a Business From Home: The Ultimate Checklist
By Julie Thompson | July 16, 2026
Starting a business requires an organized approach to administrative, legal and practical tasks. Follow this checklist to start a business from home.
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Review
The Hartford Review
By Max Freedman | July 15, 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
Why Every Business Owner Needs an Exit Strategy
By Mark Fairlie | July 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
Welcome to America: What Nonresidents Need to Consider When Forming a Company in the U.S.
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | July 13, 2026
Non-U.S. residents can form a business in the United States, but there are a few things they need to consider. Learn what with this guide.
hands typing on a laptop
Article
Your Record Was Expunged, But It’s Still Online. Now What?
By Chad Brooks | July 10, 2026
Your record was legally expunged, but it's still showing up online. Here's why that happens and what you can do about it.
Article
Top Countries for Business Process Outsourcing (and How to Start)
By Derek Gallimore | July 08, 2026
Make sure you're outsourcing for the most efficiency and least costly by considering a partner in one of these countries.
Accounting
Article
What Is a Loss Payee on an Insurance Claim?
By Nicole Urbanowicz | July 07, 2026
The loss payee has the first-in-line legal rights to an insurance claim payout. Here's what you need to know.
Article
8 Tips to Manage Your Time as a Small Business Owner
By Jennifer Dublino | July 06, 2026
Small business owners are constantly pulled in different directions. Follow these time-management tips to maximize your effectiveness.
Article
What Is a Receipt Printer? Thermal vs Impact
By Sean Peek | July 02, 2026
Thermal and impact receipt printers do the same job but are suited to different locations.
Article
The Roadmap to Starting a Membership Site From Scratch
By Mark Thompson | June 26, 2026
A subscription site is easy to start and can offer big rewards. Follow these steps to build a loyal member base.
Article
How to Decide on Your Company’s Fiscal Year
By Catherine vanVonno | June 26, 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
The 7 Biggest Challenges of Starting a Business (and How to Overcome Them)
By Jennifer Dublino | June 26, 2026
Learn about the biggest challenges of starting a business, from funding and hiring to finding customers and avoiding burnout, plus practical tips and resources to help your startup succeed.
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.
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
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.