BDC Hamburger Icon

Menu

Close
BDC Logo
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
Looking for Business Insurance? 10 Questions to Ask a Prospective Broker
By Kimberlee Leonard | April 17, 2024

Business insurance is critical – and complex. Learn how to vet a reputable broker who can help you decide which risks to insure against and for how much.

Article
Purchasing a Copier? Here’s What You Need to Know
By Sean Peek | April 17, 2024

Even with a reduction in workplace paper usage, office copiers are an essential operational tool. Learn the features and costs of top copiers.

Article
‘Bad’ Business Ideas That Made Bank
By Sean Peek | April 17, 2024

Does your business idea seem ridiculous on the surface? Take inspiration from these 10 businesses that found success despite starting with a "bad" idea.

Article
10 Inspiring Entrepreneurs Under 40
By Sean Peek | April 16, 2024

Check out our list of inspiring entrepreneurs under 40 who have paved the way for themselves and many others with successful businesses.

Entrepreneur using a phone
Article
How to Stay Motivated to Start a Business
By Simone Johnson | April 10, 2024

What makes a good entrepreneur? Characteristics such as flexibility, control and motivation all help. Here is how to stay inspired when starting your business.

Article
15 Essential POS System Features for Your Retail Business
By Jennifer Dublino | April 10, 2024

POS systems come with numerous features, but your retail business may not need them all. Learn the top 15 POS system features for your retail business.

busy office
Article
Small Business Statistics: The Most Interesting Data of 2025
By Mike Berner | April 10, 2024

This list of small business statistics provides a snapshot of the most important business trends

business tools
Article
Fast, Good or Cheap — The Iron Triangle
By Jamie Johnson | April 10, 2024

Trying to decide between making a product fast, good or cheap can be difficult. Here's how to accomplish all three.

Article
How Your Product Packaging Can Win Buyers’ Hearts
By Julie Thompson | April 05, 2024

Find out how product packaging can win over customers, and get tips for successful packaging strategies.

Article
How Does a Workers’ Comp Settlement Work?
By Kimberlee Leonard | April 04, 2024

A workers' compensation settlement covers several costs incurred when an employee is injured. Learn about the workers' compensation settlement process.

Article
How to Structure a Stock Purchase Agreement (Template)
By Max Freedman | April 04, 2024

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
Small Business Guide to Energy Conservation
By Jennifer Dublino | April 04, 2024

Conserving energy can help your business save money, reduce its carbon footprint and help the environment. Learn how your business can save energy.

Article
How Do Commercial Car Insurance Deductibles Work?
By Kimberlee Leonard | April 04, 2024

Commercial car insurance deductibles work just like personal auto insurance deductibles. Learn about collision and comprehensive claims deductibles.

Article
Make It Memorable: Tips for Creating an Effective Brand Name
By Jennifer Dublino | April 03, 2024

Your brand's name is the foundation for all your future marketing and sales communications. Follow these tips to make it the best possible brand name.

Article
Time for Change: When to Rebrand and How to Begin the Process
By Julie Thompson | April 01, 2024

Businesses rebrand for various reasons, including growth and new market outreach. Learn how to begin rebranding and what rebranding mistakes to avoid.

Article
8 Tips to Manage Your Time as a Small Business Owner
By Jennifer Dublino | March 18, 2024

Small business owners are constantly pulled in different directions. Follow these time-management tips to maximize your effectiveness.

Article
Projection Mapping and the Law: What Advertisers Should Know
By Sean Peek | February 28, 2024

Projection mapping is a great way to impress customers and brand your business, but you should look into the legal implications first.

mentor consulting an intern
Article
What Is Risk in Business Insurance?
By Mark Fairlie | February 22, 2024

Insurance risk is the probability of an adverse event that causes an insurance claim. Learn how business insurance risk is assessed and how to lower it.

Article
Understanding Data Breach vs. Cyber Liability Insurance
By Kimberlee Leonard | February 22, 2024

Cyber and data breach insurance cover data breach costs, but cyber adds more protection. Learn how to choose the right insurance for your business.

Article
What Is Coinsurance in Business?
By Nicole Urbanowicz | February 21, 2024

Coinsurance for small businesses helps cover property and business assets, so the insurer knows there's adequate coverage. Here's how it works.

Article
What Is a Surety Bond?
By Mark Fairlie | February 20, 2024

Surety bonds act as a legally enforceable guarantee that help small business owners secure third-party contracts. Learn how they work.

Article
Workers’ Comp and Taxes
By Kimberlee Leonard | February 14, 2024

Workers' compensation has tax implications that every employee and business owner should understand. See our guide.

Article
What Is OSHA Compliance?
By Max Freedman | February 14, 2024

This guide explains OSHA and the regulations it sets for workplace safety and employee health. Learn how your small business can comply with OSHA.

Hello Alice CEO Carolyn Rodz
Article
Hello Alice CEO Carolyn Rodz On 2024’s Biggest Challenges for Small Businesses (Full Q&A)
By Maya Afilalo | February 14, 2024

Plus her reasons for optimism — and how small businesses benefit whole communities

Article
Rockefeller Foundation President Rajiv Shah Wants You to Make Big Bets (Full Q&A)
By Tess Barker | February 14, 2024

How to turn ambitious plans into measurable results

Lynsi Snyder book cover
Article
In-N-Out Burger President Lynsi Snyder Serves Up ‘Slow-Growth Philosophy’ (Full Q&A)
By Rob Gabriele | February 14, 2024

She took over the company at 27 and “Double-Doubled” its success.

Article
3 Tips for Building an Investor-Ready Franchise Business
By Howard Goldstein | February 14, 2024

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
Specialty Insurance Basics
By Mark Fairlie | February 14, 2024

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 | February 09, 2024

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.

Article
What Is an Insurance Rider in Business?
By Kimberlee Leonard | February 09, 2024

While standard business insurance policies protect your business, when extra coverage is needed, you'll obtain a rider. Learn how riders work.