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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
Private Labeling: How It Works, Advantages & Disadvantages
By Stella Morrison | January 22, 2026
You don’t always need to build your own network to create a supply chain for your product. Here are some of the pros and cons of private labeling.
Businesspeople in an office
Article
The 3 C’s of Effective Marketing
By Julie Thompson | January 22, 2026
Learn how these principles can improve your company's marketing and get marketing strategy tips from business experts.
Article
What Is Commercial Umbrella Insurance?
By Jennifer Dublino | January 22, 2026
A commercial umbrella insurance policy can give your business more coverage for less money. Learn if you need umbrella insurance and how to shop for it.
Article
What Is Cyber Insurance?
By Sean Peek | January 22, 2026
Cyber insurance can help companies notify customers about data breaches involving their personal information and can protect from cyberattack damages.
Article
5 Ways Your Company Can Benefit From Security Cameras
By Bennett Conlin | January 22, 2026
Here are five ways your company can benefit from using security cameras. Learn how to choose one that works best for your needs.
Article
Part of the Job: 10 Skills All Entrepreneurs Must Master
By Julie Thompson | January 22, 2026
To succeed in business, there are certain competencies an entrepreneur must have. Learn what these skills are and how you can use them at work.
Article
The Insurance Claims Process and How to File
By Nicole Urbanowicz | January 22, 2026
If your business suffers a loss that’s covered by insurance, you’ll need to file an insurance claim. Here's how a claim works and how to file one.
Article
The 5 Most Important KPIs for Warehouses
By Kaytlyn Smith | January 21, 2026
Measuring the right metrics can help your business make informed decisions and maximize efficiency within its warehouse operations.
Article
11 Resources Every Small Business Needs
By Natalie Hamingson | January 20, 2026
Learn which resources your business needs to thrive, from accounting software to networking.
Article
What Is Claims-Made vs. Occurrence?
By Sean Peek | January 20, 2026
When insuring a business, you'll find two coverage types: claims-made and occurrence. Learn the differences to choose the right business coverage.
Article
What Is General Liability Insurance?
By David Gargaro | January 20, 2026
If a third party gets hurt at your workplace, they can sue you. Here's how to protect your company.
Article
What Is a Workers’ Comp Ghost Insurance Policy?
By Nicole Urbanowicz | January 20, 2026
Learn what a workers' comp ghost insurance policy is and how it can help your small business, if you meet the requirements.
Article
Can You Keep a Secret? The Importance of Nondisclosure Agreements
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 20, 2026
Nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) help businesses to protect critical confidential information. Learn how NDAs work, what to consider and what to include.
Article
What a Bill of Materials Is and Why You Need One
By Sean Peek | January 20, 2026
Whether you are making a toy or a rocket, a BOM helps you accurately manage and oversee resources and identify materials to reduce wasteful spending.
Article
From Collections to Repossession: A Timeline of Debt
By Kiely Kuligowski | January 20, 2026
Get your business out of debt with our guide to the debt collection process and see expert-backed advice for dealing with collection agencies.
Article
Time to Expand? Tips for Opening Another Location
By Max Freedman | January 16, 2026
Learn how to know when it's time to expand your business, and find out what you should do to begin the process.
Article
Tips for Setting Better Business Goals
By Simone Johnson | January 16, 2026
Business goals provide direction for your company and can motivate your team to reach milestones. Learn about the goal-setting process and types of goals.
Article
What Is Commercial Liability Auto Insurance?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 15, 2026
Commercial liability auto insurance covers the same types of liabilities as personal auto insurance, but the policy is for commercial vehicles.
Article
Workers’ Compensation Claim Process Guide
By Max Freedman | January 15, 2026
Business owners should ensure their employees understand the workers' compensation claims process. Learn what's entailed and how the claims process works.
Article
Employment Practices Liability Insurance: Why Small Businesses Need EPLI
By Jamie Johnson | January 15, 2026
Employment practices liability insurance protects your business from past or current employee lawsuits. Here’s how EPLI works.
Article
What Is Intellectual Property Insurance?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 15, 2026
Your business needs intellectual property insurance if you hold patents or trademarks. Learn what intellectual property insurance covers.
Article
What Is Malpractice Insurance?
By Jennifer Dublino | January 15, 2026
Malpractice insurance can protect your business. Learn about malpractice insurance, who needs it, what types exist, how much it costs and how to get it.
Article
14 Ways to Save Money on Business Insurance
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 15, 2026
You shouldn't cut corners when it comes to business insurance. Here are ways to reduce your insurance premiums without sacrificing coverage.
Article
The Most Popular Types of 501(c)s
By Deborah Sweeney | January 15, 2026
If you plan to form a nonprofit, it's important to know about the most common types of 501(c) groups. Get expert-backed tips for your organization.
Article
What Is a Cyber Insurance Risk Assessment?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 14, 2026
A cyber insurance risk assessment finds the systems and assets most at risk of cyberattack. Learn about cyber insurance and how risk assessments work.
Article
What Is OSHA Compliance?
By Max Freedman | January 14, 2026
This guide explains OSHA and the regulations it sets for workplace safety and employee health. Learn how your small business can comply with OSHA.
Article
Why Every Business Owner Needs an Exit Strategy
By Mark Fairlie | January 14, 2026
You don’t go into business planning to get out — but you should. Find out why an exit strategy is important and why you need two strategies.
Article
5 Tips for Building an Investor-Ready Franchise Business
By Howard Goldstein | January 14, 2026
Being a franchisee has its perks over starting a brand-new business, but you still need capital. Here are three ways to appeal to investors.
Article
How to Easily Implement a 5S Program for Your Business
By Jennifer Dublino | January 13, 2026
A 5S program consists of sort, straighten, shine, standardize and sustain. Learn how to implement a 5S program, boost efficiency and eliminate waste.
Article
What Are Insurance Endorsements?
By Nicole Urbanowicz | January 13, 2026
Insurance endorsements are a way to broaden or narrow coverage on an existing insurance policy. Here's how insurance endorsements work for your business.