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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
Business Owners’ Guide to Workers’ Compensation
By David Gargaro | July 22, 2025

If your business has employees, nearly every state requires you to have workers' compensation insurance. Learn about what it covers and how much it costs.

Article
How to Identify Industries That Are Ready for Disruption
By Sean Peek | July 21, 2025

Learn how to identify industries that are ready for disruption and which markets are being shaken up.

Article
What Is Errors and Omissions Insurance?
By David Gargaro | July 18, 2025

E&O insurance guards your business against lawsuits brought by dissatisfied customers. Find out what it covers and costs, and whether you really need it.

Article
Why Are Small Businesses So Important? 10 Ways They Empower Communities
By Mark Fairlie | July 18, 2025

Small businesses employ 43.5% of America's workforce, generate local tax revenue, attract tourists, and support communities through charitable giving efforts.

Businesspeople in an office
Article
Why Are So Many Companies Moving to Florida?
By Jennifer Dublino | July 17, 2025

Many established companies of all sizes have decided to make Florida their home. Learn why companies are moving to Florida and how to make the move.

Article
Car Insurance for Business: A Complete Guide to Commercial Auto Insurance
By Nicole Urbanowicz | July 16, 2025

Commercial auto insurance is critical for businesses that operate vehicles and have employees driving for work purposes. Here is what you need to know.

Article
Young Entrepreneurs: 10 Inspiring Business Owners Under 40
By Sean Peek | July 16, 2025

Check out our list of inspiring entrepreneurs under 40 who have paved the way for themselves and many others with successful businesses.

Article
What Is ERP Software & How Can It Increase Efficiency?
By Jamie Johnson | July 16, 2025

Find out how ERP software can help you efficiently manage the most important operations of your business.

Article
10 Ways to Reduce Operational Costs for Your Small Business
By Jennifer Dublino | July 15, 2025

Because small businesses operate on tight margins, sustaining a healthy profit is critical. Learn how to increase revenue and reduce expenses. 

Article
When Is Auto Insurance Tax Deductible?
By Kimberlee Leonard | July 15, 2025

Auto insurance can be tax deductible when you use your vehicle for business. Learn what you can write off and how to find the best tax strategy for you.

marketing meeting
Article
Songs About Business: These Hit Tracks Have Hidden Lessons for Entrepreneurs
By Mike Berner | July 14, 2025

Entrepreneurs and business owners can learn some valuable lessons from the lyrics of hit songs by Beyoncé, Frank Sinatra and more.

Champagne toast in an office
Article
Drunk on Money? Why Celebrities Are Investing in Alcohol Brands
By Nicole Fallon | July 10, 2025

More celebrities are investing in alcohol brands than ever before. Here's why – and what you can learn.

business tools
Article
Fast, Good or Cheap — The Iron Triangle
By Jamie Johnson | July 10, 2025

The iron triangle says pick two of three: fast, good, or cheap. Lean startup methods challenge this by using MVPs and iteration to achieve all three at once.

Article
The Art of Words: How to Write the Perfect Mission Statement
By Sean Peek | July 10, 2025

Keep mission statements under 25 words with strong, specific language. Use action-oriented verbs, avoid generalities and address the "how" not just "what."

Businesswoman on the phone
Article
Would You Make It on Shark Tank? The Importance of Scalable Business Models
By Jamie Johnson | July 09, 2025

Scalability is a crucial factor in business growth and success. Learn the components of a scalable company and how to scale your business.

Article
Purchasing a Copier? Here Are the Copier Features You Need
By Miranda Fraraccio | July 09, 2025

Even with a reduction in workplace paper usage, office copiers are an essential operational tool. Learn the features and costs of top copiers.

Article
How to Increase Your Restaurant’s Profits in 2025
By Sean Peek | July 07, 2025

The restaurant industry is highly competitive. Here's how your restaurant can save money and attract new customers.

Article
Business Loans: Questions Lenders Ask Potential Borrowers
By Donna Fuscaldo | July 01, 2025

Here's a look at seven questions lenders ask small business borrowers and the reason for each one.

Article
What is business.com+? Everything You Need to Know About Our Exclusive Membership Program
By Shari Weiss | June 26, 2025

The business.com+ membership program takes the pain out of choosing new business services by providing dedicated advisors and unbeatable deals. Learn more.

Article
What Is Fiduciary Liability Insurance?
By Kimberlee Leonard | June 24, 2025

Fiduciary liability insurance protects a business from claims that a benefits plan was mismanaged. Learn what fiduciary liability insurance covers.

Article
How to Build a Seamless Customer Journey Across Digital Channels
By Nicole Fallon | June 24, 2025

Learn how to create a seamless digital customer journey across multiple channels for a frictionless buying experience.

Article
What Is Directors and Officers Liability Insurance?
By Kimberlee Leonard | June 24, 2025

If a lawsuit targets a firm's directors and officers, directors and officers insurance protects their personal assets. Learn how D&O insurance works.

Article
Understanding Data Breach vs. Cyber Liability Insurance
By Kimberlee Leonard | June 24, 2025

Cyber and data breach insurance cover data breach costs, but cyber adds more protection. Learn how to choose the right insurance for your business.

Article
Time Trapped: The Productivity Crisis Facing Small Business Leaders
By Chad Brooks | June 23, 2025

Small business leaders spend more time on email and admin than strategy. Learn how to reclaim time through delegation, focus and technology.

Article
Resources for Veteran-Owned Businesses
By Jennifer Dublino | June 18, 2025

Military veterans seeking to transition to entrepreneurial ventures have a wealth of resources at their disposal. Learn how to access resources for vets.

Article
Projection Mapping and the Law: What Advertisers Should Know
By Sean Peek | June 17, 2025

Projection mapping is a great way to impress customers and brand your business, but you should look into the legal implications first.

Article
Why Your Business Needs Indemnity Insurance
By Mark Fairlie | June 13, 2025

A key component of an insurance policy is restitution for those who have a claim against you. Here’s how indemnity insurance provides that.

Article
Commercial Car Insurance Laws by State
By Mark Fairlie | June 13, 2025

What are your state's requirements for commercial auto insurance coverage? Learn what you and your business need to do to avoid penalties.

Article
What Is a Surety Bond?
By Mark Fairlie | June 11, 2025

Surety bonds act as a legally enforceable guarantee that help small business owners secure third-party contracts. Learn how they work.

Article
Looking for Business Insurance? 10 Questions to Ask a Prospective Broker
By Kimberlee Leonard | June 11, 2025

Business insurance is critical – and complex. Learn how to vet a reputable broker who can help you decide which risks to insure against and for how much.