Your free business.com+ membership unlocks exclusive tech deals and advisor support
Join Free
BDC Hamburger Icon

Menu

Close
BDC Logo with Name
Search Icon
Search Icon

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.

Presented by in Partnership with
Sponsor
Business.com earns commissions from some listed providers. Editorial Guidelines.

Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

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
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.
businessman talking on a phone in an office setting
Article
What Is Supply Chain Distribution?
By Max Freedman | March 24, 2026
Supply chain distribution is used to balance supply and demand. Learn more about the importance of having a distribution plan for your business.
Article
Retirement Funds for the Self-Employed: A Complete Guide
By Donna Fuscaldo | March 24, 2026
Business owners need to plan for their retirement. Self-employed people have several saving options, including Keough plans, IRAs, solo 401(k) and more.
Article
SWOT Analysis Guide for Businesses
By Kiely Kuligowski | March 23, 2026
SWOT ― which stands for “strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats” ― is a type of analysis that helps you develop your business strategy.
Article
Young Entrepreneurs: 10 Inspiring Business Owners Under 40
By Sean Peek | March 20, 2026
Check out our list of inspiring entrepreneurs under 40 who have paved the way for themselves and many others with successful businesses.
Article
9 Steps for Building a Successful Construction Business
By Sean Peek | March 20, 2026
Reputation is crucial to a construction business because the stakes are high. Learn how to build a successful construction company with the right tools.
Businesswoman on the phone
Article
Would You Make It on Shark Tank? The Importance of Scalable Business Models
By Jamie Johnson | March 19, 2026
Scalability is a crucial factor in business growth and success. Learn the components of a scalable company and how to scale your business.
Businesspeople in an office
Article
Why Are So Many Companies Moving to Florida?
By Jennifer Dublino | March 09, 2026
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
25 Home Office Products to Level Up Your Workspace
By Shari Weiss | March 09, 2026
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.
Article
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for Small Businesses
By Jennifer Dublino | March 09, 2026
Learn about the U.N.’s sustainable development goals, including ending poverty and hunger and how small businesses can work toward achieving them.
Entrepreneur using a phone
Article
How to Stay Motivated to Start a Business
By Simone Johnson | March 05, 2026
Stay motivated when starting a business by focusing on physical health, practicing daily mindset shifts, and creating a strong mission statement you believe in.
Article
The Shocking Truth: Why Every Company Is a Technology Company
By Kimberlee Leonard | March 03, 2026
Companies must adopt a tech mindset in their corporate identity. Learn why every business is a tech company and how to incorporate tech in your operations.
Article
Inspiration Revealed: 40 Top CEOs Share Their Secrets to Success
By Lauren Kubiak | March 02, 2026
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
The Game of Pricing: How the Number 9 Affects Purchase Behavior
By Jennifer Dublino | March 02, 2026
Charm prices end in the number nine. Learn about charm vs. prestige pricing and how your ideal customer should dictate your pricing strategy.
Article
Workers’ Comp Insurance: How Much Do You Need?
By Max Freedman | February 26, 2026
Too much coverage wastes money, but too little can expose your company to claims and court awards. Here is how to calculate exactly what you need.
Article
Trademark Basics: How to Submit a Trademark
By Max Freedman | February 23, 2026
Submitting a trademark is a way to protect your intellectual property. Learn how to submit a trademark properly, how it differs from a copyright and more.
Article
4 Reasons Why Texas Is a Hot State for Starting a Business
By Sean Peek | February 21, 2026
The heat and the sun aren’t the only reasons Texas is a hot state. Check out why Texas is a fantastic state to start a business.
Article
How Does a Workers’ Comp Settlement Work?
By Kimberlee Leonard | February 20, 2026
A workers' compensation settlement covers several costs incurred when an employee is injured. Learn about the workers' compensation settlement process.
Article
Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Business Insurance
By Sean Peek | February 11, 2026
Choosing insurance for your company or employees is important, and should not be done casually. Here’s what to consider when getting insurance.
Article
7 Things to Consider Before Starting a Restaurant
By Max Freedman | February 10, 2026
Before you launch your restaurant business, learn about important considerations, such as location, marketing and software.