Your free business.com+ membership unlocks exclusive tech deals and advisor support
Join Free
BDC Hamburger Icon

Menu

Close
BDC Logo with Name
Search Icon
Search Icon

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.

Presented by in Partnership with
Sponsor
Business.com earns commissions from some listed providers. Editorial Guidelines.

Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

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 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
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.
Article
Insurance Deductions and Expenses for Small Businesses
By Nicole Urbanowicz | January 13, 2026
Make sure to take all the deductions possible for your business insurance expenses. Here is how to stop paying too much in taxes.
Article
What Is Professional Negligence?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 13, 2026
Professional negligence is when an industry professional doesn't properly fulfill their duties, leading to damage or harm. Learn how to avoid lawsuits.
Article
What Is an Insurance Rider?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 13, 2026
While standard business insurance policies protect your business, when extra coverage is needed, you'll obtain a rider. Learn how riders work.
Article
What Is a Workers’ Comp Exemption?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 13, 2026
This guide explains how workers' compensation exemptions work and to which employees these exemptions may apply.
businesswoman using a smartphone
Article
Best Business Newsletters of 2026
By Sammi Caramela | January 13, 2026
Make this the year you become a better business owner or entrepreneur — all thanks to these newsletters.
Article
Everything to Know About Uber Eats for Restaurants
By Miranda Fraraccio | January 13, 2026
Considering launching your restaurant on Uber Eats? Before you take the plunge, read our guide to ensure it's the right opportunity for your business.
Accounting
Article
Everything to Know About Business Checking Account Fees
By Donna Fuscaldo | January 13, 2026
Here's a look at the business checking account fees you could face and how to avoid them.
Article
Specialty Insurance Basics
By Mark Fairlie | January 12, 2026
A business needs specialty insurance for items not covered by ordinary homeowners or automobile insurance. Learn if your company needs more insurance.
Article
What Is Tail Insurance in Business?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 12, 2026
Tail insurance is a policy endorsement that lets you file a claim after a policy's term ends. Learn how tail coverage can protect your business.
open plan workspace
Article
Renewable Resources: The Impact of Green Energy on the Economy
By Jennifer Dublino | January 12, 2026
Green energy boosts job creation, attracts investment and cuts long-term costs, making it a key driver of sustainable economic growth in the U.S.
Article
How Dual Monitors Can Save You Time and Money
By Jennifer Post | January 12, 2026
With a dual-monitor workspace, you can boost your productivity and accomplish tasks in less time. Learn how to add a second monitor.
Article
How to Structure a Stock Purchase Agreement (Template)
By Max Freedman | January 12, 2026
A stock purchase agreement outlines the sale of company stock to buyers. Here's how to create a stock purchase agreement, along with a helpful template.
Article
How Do HIPAA Laws Impact Employers? (HIPAA Compliance Checklist)
By Adam Uzialko | January 12, 2026
This guide includes everything employers need to know about HIPAA requirements, as well as a HIPAA compliance checklist.
business tools
Article
Fast, Good or Cheap — The Iron Triangle
By Jamie Johnson | January 12, 2026
The iron triangle says pick two of three: fast, good, or cheap. Lean startup methods challenge this by using MVPs and iteration to achieve all three at once.
Article
9 Smart Tips for Evaluating Your Outsourcing Partner
By Jennifer Dublino | January 12, 2026
Outsourcing part of your production process can boost efficiency, save money and help you focus. Learn seven tips for evaluating an outsourcing partner.
Article
Tips for Setting SMART Goals in Your Business Plan
By Jennifer Dublino | January 12, 2026
SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-based. Learn how to apply SMART goal principles to your business to boost success.