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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
What Is a Business Owner’s Insurance Policy?
By Max Freedman | October 07, 2026
A business owner's policy offers the coverage of liability insurance and property insurance in one package.
Article
Why Your Business Needs Indemnity Insurance
By Mark Fairlie | October 07, 2026
While indemnity insurance isn't a specific policy type, it does play a critical role in the types of insurance your business needs.
Article
Insurance Deductions and Expenses for Small Businesses
By Nicole Urbanowicz | October 06, 2026
Stop paying too much in taxes. Be sure to take all the deductions possible for your business insurance expenses.
Article
What Is Cyber Insurance?
By Sean Peek | October 06, 2026
Protect your business’s reputation and bottom line with insurance that helps you navigate a data breach or cyberattack.
Article
What Is Commercial Property Insurance? A Complete Guide to Insurance on Commercial Building
By Mark Fairlie | October 06, 2026
Commercial property insurance covers the building and items that you own or lease against threats such as fire, explosions, theft and vandalism.
Article
Commercial Car Insurance Laws by State
By Mark Fairlie | October 06, 2026
What are your state’s requirements for commercial auto insurance coverage? Learn what you and your business need to do to avoid penalties.
Article
How Do Commercial Car Insurance Deductibles Work?
By Kimberlee Leonard | October 06, 2026
Commercial car insurance deductibles work just like personal auto insurance deductibles. Learn about collision and comprehensive claims deductibles.
Delivery driver wearing a mask
Article
Average Commercial Car Insurance Costs
By Kimberlee Leonard | October 06, 2026
Choose the right coverage to protect your business.
creative marketing team
Article
Are You Telling the Right Story About Your Brand?
By Sean Peek | October 05, 2026
Here's how to identify and share the right story about your brand.
Article
How to Develop a Unique Product That Stands Out
By Jared Haw | October 02, 2026
If you want to take a larger share of the market, win clients and have higher margins, you’ll need to develop your own product.
Article
4 Reasons Why Texas Is a Hot State for Starting a Business
By Sean Peek | October 02, 2026
Here’s why so many startups are heading to Texas.
Article
How Businesses Can Support Other Local Small Businesses
By Jennifer Post | October 02, 2026
Consumers aren’t the only ones shopping locally these days. Learn how your small business can better support fellow small businesses in your area.
Article
The Shocking Truth: Why Every Company Is a Technology Company
By Kimberlee Leonard | October 02, 2026
Tech is at the heart of every business, helping to streamline processes and better serve customers.
graphic of someone signing a paper
Article
What Insurance Is Required for My Type of Business?
By Adam Uzialko | October 02, 2026
Article
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for Small Businesses
By Jennifer Dublino | October 02, 2026
Learn how your business can further these crucial goals.
Article
Take Your Restaurant to the Next Level: 13 Tips for Busy Owners
By Mark Fairlie | October 02, 2026
Navigate today's competitive dining landscape with proven strategies to help your eatery grow and thrive.
Article
SWOT Analysis Guide for Businesses
By Kiely Kuligowski | October 01, 2026
A SWOT analysis helps you make smart, informed business decisions.
Article
Better Together: Making Magic Between Big Companies and Startups
By Mark Fairlie | October 01, 2026
Startups don't have to compete with industry giants when collaboration is on the table.
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 | October 01, 2026
Both startups and enterprises must disrupt and innovate to survive. Learn how thinking like a startup and scaling like an enterprise can promote success.
Business owner working on a laptop
Article
Starting a Business From Home: The Ultimate Checklist
By Julie Thompson | October 01, 2026
Stay on the right track to set up your home business for success.
hand signing a contract
Businesswoman walking through an airport
Article
International Business Etiquette From Around the World
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | October 01, 2026
If you do business with companies in other countries, you must understand how business etiquette varies globally.
Article
9 Steps for Building a Successful Construction Business
By Sean Peek | September 25, 2026
Forge a solid reputation and secure a loyal client base with this guide.
Article
Brand Reputation: How to Protect Your No. 1 Asset
By Mark Fairlie | September 23, 2026
Your brand reputation is intangible, but safeguarding it is crucial for growth and success.
Article
Open a Business Bank Account Without an EIN
By Skye Schooley | September 22, 2026
Can you really open a business bank account when you don't have a federal tax ID? Here's what entrepreneurs need to know.
Article
Office Moves & Business Relocation: How to Move Successfully
By Jennifer Dublino | September 22, 2026
An office relocation can help your company improve how it looks, feels and functions.
Article
How to Write a Company History
By Skye Schooley | September 21, 2026
A well-written company history can entice prospective customers, investors and employees.
Article
Managing Resources: ERP Industry Trends That Impact the Bottom Line
By Mark Fairlie | September 18, 2026
Significant market shifts are ahead as big business moves to the cloud.
marijuana leaves
Article
How to Open a Cannabis Dispensary Legally: Complete 2026 Guide
By Mark Fairlie | September 18, 2026
Legal cannabis is one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. Learn how to get involved in the industry and navigate its complexities.
stressed businessman
Article
How to Learn From Your Failures: 4 Valuable Lessons
By Thomas Griffin | September 18, 2026
As an entrepreneur, you'll encounter failure. Here's how to maintain a healthy perspective.