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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

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.
Article
How to Decide on Your Company’s Fiscal Year
By Catherine vanVonno | June 26, 2026
Choosing when to start your fiscal year is one of the first steps when setting up a new business.
Article
The 7 Biggest Challenges of Starting a Business (and How to Overcome Them)
By Jennifer Dublino | June 26, 2026
Starting a business isn't for the faint of heart. Identifying and tackling your biggest challenges is crucial for long-term success.
Article
Outgrowing Your Office Space? Should You Lease or Buy?
By Karina Fabian | June 26, 2026
Deciding whether to lease or buy office space starts with a close look at your finances, growth plans and the current commercial real estate market.
Article
10 Tips for Young Entrepreneurs
By Jennifer Dublino | June 26, 2026
If you dream of being a successful entrepreneur, start preparing now.
Article
9 Elements of a Successful Financial Plan for a Small Business
By Jamie Johnson | June 25, 2026
Improve your chances of growth by covering these bases in your plan.
Article
Writing a Business Growth Plan
By Jennifer Dublino | June 25, 2026
A strategically developed business growth plan can set your business on a path toward long-term profitability.
Article
How Much Does Insurance Cost for a Small Business?
By Kimberlee Leonard | June 23, 2026
Insurance is vital for small businesses to protect against risks, and costs vary based on factors, such as industry and coverage needs.
Article
Q1 Reflections: Important Ways to Take Stock of the First Quarter
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | June 22, 2026
All businesses need to set goals and evaluate them throughout the year, but the first quarter has a significant impact on your company's success.
Article
Want to Invest in Digital Real Estate? How to Get Started
By Sean Peek | June 16, 2026
You’ve seen people make money from website ownership. Here’s how you can do it, too.
Article
Trademark Examples: Learn From These Trademark Infringement Cases
By Sean Peek | June 01, 2026
You could be committing trademark infringement without knowing it. Here are several trademark cases to learn from.
person signing a contract
Article
How Insurance Underwriting Works
By Adam Uzialko | May 15, 2026
busy season graphic
Article
How Small Businesses Can Restock Supplies During Their Busiest Months
By Adam Uzialko | May 12, 2026
Plan ahead to ensure you’ve got a reserve of critical supplies before your busiest season hits to avoid disruption.
Article
How Much Does It Cost to Start an Online Business?
By Zac Johnson | May 05, 2026
Everybody’s startup costs will be a little different, but here are some common expenses you can expect to see when you’re starting an online business.
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 differs from umbrella policies and how to tell if your business needs it.
Article
62 Uplifting Quotes from Famous Women
By Sean Peek | April 28, 2026
These inspiring quotes from trailblazing women serve as a reminder to us all that we can overcome daunting challenges, both personal and professional.
Article
The Netflix Business Model: What to Learn From Netflix’s Industry Disruption
By Mark Fairlie | April 13, 2026
Just as Netflix disrupted the media landscape to find success, all businesses must innovate or risk becoming obsolete.
Article
The 7 Cheapest Franchises to Buy in 2026
By Sean Peek | April 13, 2026
Franchises are a way to own and run your own business without having to put in the legwork to determine what to sell or how to market it.
Article
How Long Is a Company Considered a Startup?
By Sean Peek | April 08, 2026
Though many companies refer to themselves as startups long after their launch, there are some clear signs a business no longer fits that category.
podcast equipment
Article
Best Business Podcasts You Should Be Listening to in 2026
By Skye Schooley | April 01, 2026
Podcasts are a great way to get business advice, learn about industry trends and find entrepreneurial inspiration. Check out our top picks below.
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.
Article
MLMs Are Preying on the Dream of Entrepreneurship
By Tom Anziano | March 30, 2026
Learn how to tell if you're dealing with a legitimate outfit or a predatory scam.
Article
Crazy Business Ideas That Were Surprisingly Successful
By Sean Peek | March 30, 2026
Discover how these seemingly “bad” ideas were actually genius – and how to tell which side of the fence your concept falls on.
Article
Best Franchise Podcasts to Help Your Franchised Business Grow
By Amanda Hoffman | March 27, 2026
Discover the top franchise podcasts to gain expert insights, proven strategies and real-world advice to grow or start your franchise.
businessman talking on a phone in an office setting
Article
What Is Supply Chain Distribution?
By Max Freedman | March 24, 2026
Learn how supply chain distribution works and how small businesses can choose the right channels to improve efficiency and delivery.