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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
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
Does Your Business Have a Battle Rhythm? Why You Need One
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | February 23, 2026
Battle rhythm is an operational knowledge management process. It is equal parts strategic routine and information processing.
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
Workers’ Comp Insurance and Taxes: A Guide for Employees
By Kimberlee Leonard | February 20, 2026
Workers' compensation has tax implications that every employee and business owner should understand. See our guide.
Article
What Is Business Interruption Insurance?
By Lauren Kubiak | February 20, 2026
Business interruption insurance policies can help when unforeseen events shut down operations. Learn how business interruption insurance works and what it covers.
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
Successful Entrepreneurs Who Failed at First — Lessons in Persistence
By Sean Peek | February 10, 2026
Learn how some of the most successful entrepreneurs bounced back from rejection — and how you can too, with expert-backed tips for dealing with failure.
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.
Article
How to Run a Successful One-Person Business
By Bennett Conlin | February 10, 2026
You can create a successful, long-lasting one-person business, but you must overcome obstacles alone. Learn how to help your one-person business succeed.
Article
The Art of Words: How to Write the Perfect Mission Statement
By Sean Peek | February 09, 2026
Keep mission statements under 25 words with strong, specific language. Use action-oriented verbs, avoid generalities and address the “how” not just “what.”
sustainable business plan
Article
How to Create a Sustainable Business Model
By Drew Hendricks | February 03, 2026
A sustainable business model is a top priority for SMBs. Learn how to build a sustainable business that benefits customers without jeopardizing the planet.
Article
International Market Expansion: The Benefits of Global Expansion
By Mark Fairlie | February 02, 2026
Global expansion means expanding your business overseas. Learn the benefits of going global and what steps to take for international market expansion.
group of colleagues working at laptops together
Article
Think Like a Startup, Scale Like an Enterprise: Balancing the Best of Both Worlds
By Mark Fairlie | February 02, 2026
Think like a startup for innovation and agility, scale like an enterprise with systems and processes. Balance both approaches to drive sustainable growth.
Article
Confessions of an Entrepreneur: Technology Leads to New Opportunities
By Jamie Johnson | January 30, 2026
Technology plays a huge role in the success of your business. Learn more about how.
man in a suit holding a green leaf
Article
5 Ways to Reduce Your Business’s Carbon Footprint
By Michael Wood | January 30, 2026
Find out what a carbon footprint is, how to reduce your company’s environmental impact and why it matters.
Article
How Women-Owned Businesses Can Use Social Media Marketing
By Ryan Ayers | January 30, 2026
How women-owned companies can highlight their business's unique features using social media marketing.
Article
Starting an Advertising Agency
By Sean Peek | January 30, 2026
If you have a background in marketing and communications, an advertising agency could be a smart startup option. Here's what you need to know.
Article
The Best Places for Purchasing Office Supplies
By Mark Fairlie | January 30, 2026
Many office supply places offer savings programs for corporate accounts, volume sales and other benefits. Learn how small businesses can save.
Article
Requirements for Keeping Paycheck Records
By Julie Thompson | January 30, 2026
Employers keep paycheck records to comply with federal and state laws, complete tax returns, and use in audits. Here's what you need to know.
laptop
Article
Reducing Administrative Burden: How Small Business Owners Can Reclaim 10+ Hours Per Week
By Adam Uzialko | January 29, 2026
Automation can help small business owners save 10 or more hours every week on necessary administrative tasks. This guide covers how you can reclaim your time.
Article
Better Together: Making Magic Between Big Companies and Startups
By Mark Fairlie | January 29, 2026
Startups and enterprises can complement each other by collaborating. Learn how large and small players can overcome issues and work together.
Article
Important Things to Do After Your Trademark Is Registered
By Julie Thompson | January 29, 2026
Registering your trademark is the first step in protecting your brand. Learn what to do next to ensure you're handling the trademark process properly.
Article
How to Apply for a Copyright Online
By Julianna Lopez | January 29, 2026
Obtaining a copyright is a straightforward process online. Learn how to apply for a copyright online and the benefits of protecting intellectual property.