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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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Business.com earns commissions from some listed providers. Editorial Guidelines.

Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

Article
Do It for Me: The Next Evolution of the On-Demand Economy
By Jamie Johnson | September 08, 2026
Learn how to take advantage of the emerging do-it-for-me (DIFM) movement.
Article
Does Your Business Have a Battle Rhythm? Why You Need One
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | September 08, 2026
Businesses can benefit by implementing the key aspects of a military “battle rhythm.”
Article
Should Your Business Customize Its Products?
By Jamie Johnson | September 08, 2026
As customer data becomes widely available, many companies offer customized products.
Article
How to Cash In on Your Excess Inventory
By Bennett Conlin | September 04, 2026
Turn surplus stock into money you can invest in your business.
Article
Can You Make a Profit and Be Socially Responsible?
By Jennifer Dublino | September 04, 2026
In this guide, we'll show you how to balance profit and social responsibility in the current economic landscape.
person signing a contract
Article
Can You Keep a Secret? The Importance of Nondisclosure Agreements
By Kimberlee Leonard | September 04, 2026
Learn how to protect confidential and proprietary information via NDAs.
Busy office
Article
How to Tell if Your Business Is Growing Too Quickly (and What to Do About It)
By Mark Fairlie | September 04, 2026
If you notice these warning signs, it may be time to slow down.
Article
How to Build Business Momentum With Limited Resources
By Sean Peek | September 04, 2026
You don't need a massive bankroll to propel your business to new heights.
Article
What a Bill of Materials Is and Why You Need One
By Sean Peek | September 04, 2026
A bill of materials is essential for organizing manufacturing processes, managing resources and reducing waste.
Article
8 Reasons Why the Cash-Only Model Doesn’t Work for Small Businesses
By Mark Fairlie | September 04, 2026
Your customers need the convenience of multiple payment options.
woman working at a table
Article
7 Pain Points Entrepreneurs Should Expect and Embrace
By Sean Peek | September 04, 2026
Use these strategies to prepare for the challenges of entrepreneurship.
accountants working at a desk
Article
11 Ways to Drastically Cut Business Costs
By Katharine Paljug | September 04, 2026
Cutting costs is top of mind for many small business owners looking to improve profitability and strengthen their financial footing.
Article
14 KPI Tools to Track Your Business’s Goals
By Skye Schooley | September 03, 2026
These KPI tools turn complex business data into dashboards your team can actually use.
Article
How to Write a Winning Business Proposal
By Jennifer Dublino | September 01, 2026
To land new clients, you often need a solid business proposal.
people discussing a business plan
Article
The New Business Owner’s Starter Checklist: LLC, Domain and Everything in Between
By Chad Brooks | August 11, 2026
There’s a lot to do when starting a business, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This checklist will help you stay on top of the most important tasks.
Two coworkers having a discussion
Article
5 Mistakes First-Time LLC Owners Make — and How to Avoid Them
By Chad Brooks | August 11, 2026
These mistakes are common among first-time LLC owners. Make sure you avoid them with the help of this guide.
Man using a laptop
Article
What Is a Registered Agent and Why Does It Matter?
By Chad Brooks | August 11, 2026
Your registered agent determines whether you find out you are being sued and whose address the public sees.
hands typing on a keyboard
Article
The Small Business Owner’s Guide to Keeping Your Home Address Off Public Record
By Chad Brooks | August 11, 2026
Registering your business could mean exposing your home address to the public. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to avoid doing so.
Article
Cheapest Business Ideas to Start From Home (Under $1,000)
By Donna Fuscaldo | August 06, 2026
You don't need much cash to get a business up and running. Opportunities abound for aspiring entrepreneurs to become business owners with less than $1,000. Here's a look at 20 of them.
Article
Turn Your Genealogy Hobby Into a Side Business
By Chad Brooks | August 05, 2026
Learn how to turn your passion for genealogy into a legitimate home-based business.
Article
Resources for veteran-owned businesses
By Jennifer Dublino | August 05, 2026
Support is plentiful for vets transitioning to the world of entrepreneurship.
Article
Choosing the Right Outsourcing Partner
By Shahid Mansuri | August 05, 2026
While outsourcing has challenges, it can help you grow your business and focus on what you do best.
running payroll features image
Article
How to Run Payroll in Under 5 Minutes
By Adam Uzialko | July 23, 2026
Managing payroll doesn’t have to take up hours of your time. With the right tools, you can prepare and run payroll in less than five minutes.
Article
Why Every Business Owner Needs an Exit Strategy
By Mark Fairlie | July 14, 2026
An exit strategy is a key component of entrepreneurship, as it can provide a sense of safety and peace of mind.
hands typing on a laptop
Article
Your Record Was Expunged, But It’s Still Online. Now What?
By Chad Brooks | July 10, 2026
If your record was expunged but still appears online, it could have ramifications for your business. Online reputation management services can help.
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
A loss payee gets paid first following an insurance claim.
Article
8 Tips to Manage Your Time as a Small Business Owner
By Jennifer Dublino | July 06, 2026
A small business owner’s time is precious. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Article
What Is a Receipt Printer? Thermal vs Impact
By Sean Peek | July 02, 2026
Discover the differences between thermal and impact printers and which type is better for your business.
Article
The Roadmap to Starting a Membership Site From Scratch
By Mark Thompson | June 26, 2026
Do you want to create an informative, engaging subscription site with a loyal member base? There are some specific steps you’ll need to follow to launch successfully.