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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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Expert Business Advice, Tips and Resources

How to Increase Your Restaurant’s Profits in 2026
Master the art of profitable restaurant hospitality with these 16 strategies to elevate your customer loyalty and overall success.
Sean Peek
Sean Peek
Executive Cars: Guide to the Best CEO Cars
Discover 10 of the best vehicles for CEOs, along with how each one reflects different leadership styles and priorities.
Miranda Fraraccio
Miranda Fraraccio
Open for Business: 5 Options for Setting Up an Online Store
Whether you have a new business or want to add online sales as a revenue stream, setting up an e-commerce store is easy. Here are some options to get started.
Jennifer Dublino
Jennifer Dublino
Trademark Examples: Learn From These Trademark Infringement Cases
You could be committing trademark infringement without knowing it. Here are several trademark cases to learn from.
Sean Peek
Sean Peek

Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

Article
Successful Entrepreneurs Who Failed at First — Lessons in Persistence
By Sean Peek | September 18, 2026
Learn how some of the most successful entrepreneurs bounced back from rejection — and how you can too, with expert-backed tips for dealing with failure.
Article
Why Are Small Businesses So Important? 10 Ways They Empower Communities
By Mark Fairlie | September 18, 2026
Small businesses employ 43.5% of America's workforce, generate local tax revenue, attract tourists, and support communities through charitable giving efforts.
Article
Managing Resources: ERP Industry Trends That Impact the Bottom Line
By Mark Fairlie | September 18, 2026
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) helps businesses drive quality by recording and storing real-time business performance data. Learn ERP trends to watch.
Article
Henri Fayol’s Administrative Management Theory Explained
By Sean Peek | September 18, 2026
Learn how Henri Fayol’s management theory shaped administrative principles still used by modern businesses. Explore all 14 principles and real-world use.
Article
A Crash Course in the Business Legal Terms You Need to Know
By Mark Fairlie | September 18, 2026
From comparable worth to torts, here's the legal lingo all business owners should know.
marijuana leaves
Article
How to Open a Cannabis Dispensary Legally: Complete 2026 Guide
By Mark Fairlie | September 18, 2026
Cannabis is a big business. Here is a startup guide for how you can enter this industry legally.
stressed businessman
Article
How to Learn From Your Failures: 4 Valuable Lessons
By Thomas Griffin | September 18, 2026
Failure is inevitable as an entrepreneur, so it’s important to develop a healthy attitude about it. Here are four lessons you can learn from failing.
woman getting hired
Article
Insurance Needs When Hiring Employees
By Adam Uzialko | September 18, 2026
When you hire employees, your business insurance needs change, including coverage for workers’ compensation. This guide includes what you need to know before hiring.
person signing a contract
Article
Insurance Considerations When Buying Another Business
By Adam Uzialko | September 18, 2026
When you’re buying another business, you may need additional insurance coverage. This guide explains what types of insurance you need and why.
Article
Industries That Take Full Advantage of the Subscription Business Model
By Kimberlee Leonard | September 18, 2026
See how specific industries have taken advantage of the subscription model. Learn subscription model benefits and tips for using it in your business.
Article
How Dual Monitors Can Save You Time and Money
By Jennifer Post | September 18, 2026
With a dual-monitor workspace, you can boost your productivity and accomplish tasks in less time. Learn how to add a second monitor.
person signging a notorized contract
Article
When to Increase Business Insurance Coverage Limits
By Adam Uzialko | September 18, 2026
Business insurance coverage limits cap your covered losses, so it’s important they provide sufficient coverage for the risks your business actually faces.
person signing a contract
Article
Important Things to Do After Your Trademark Is Registered
By Julie Thompson | September 18, 2026
Registering your trademark is the first step in protecting your brand. Learn what to do next to ensure you're handling the trademark process properly.
Article
You Can Start a Business With as Little as $0: A Complete 2026 Guide
By Tom Drake | September 17, 2026
It is possible to go into business with limited startup capital. Here is how to become a successful entrepreneur, even without huge assets.
Article
How to Start a Clothing Store
By Shari Weiss | September 15, 2026
Whether you want to start a physical or online clothing store, this guide details everything you’ll need to know, from cost estimates to finding suppliers.
hands packing a box
Article
How Your Product Packaging Can Win Buyers’ Hearts
By Julie Thompson | September 15, 2026
Find out how product packaging can win over customers, and get tips for successful packaging strategies.
Article
How to Identify Industries That Are Ready for Disruption
By Sean Peek | September 14, 2026
Learn how to identify industries ready for disruption by spotting market gaps, customer frustration and emerging technology trends.
Article
9 Surefire Strategies to Help You Stand Out From the Competition
By Stella Morrison | September 14, 2026
Distinguishing yourself from your competition is essential in today’s competitive marketplace. Learn strategies that will help you create a successful niche.
Article
How to Determine How Much Office Space You Need
By Jennifer Dublino | September 14, 2026
When buying or leasing an office, planning the right amount of space is crucial for efficient operations. Learn how to determine your office space needs.
sustainable business plan
Article
How to Create a Sustainable Business Model
By Drew Hendricks | September 14, 2026
A sustainable business model is a top priority for SMBs. Learn how to build a sustainable business that benefits customers without jeopardizing the planet.
Article
How to Structure a Stock Purchase Agreement (Template)
By Max Freedman | September 14, 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.
person with a credit card
Article
How to Choose and Open a Business Checking Account
By Meredith Wood | September 14, 2026
Creating a new company banking account is important so you want to do your research. Here are three steps to opening your business checking account.
marketing meeting
Article
Songs About Business: These Hit Tracks Have Hidden Lessons for Entrepreneurs
By Mike Berner | September 14, 2026
Entrepreneurs and business owners can learn some valuable lessons from the lyrics of hit songs by Beyoncé, Frank Sinatra and more.
businesswoman using a smartphone
Article
Best Business Newsletters of 2026
By Sammi Caramela | September 10, 2026
Make this the year you become a better business owner or entrepreneur — all thanks to these newsletters.
business tools
Article
Fast, Good or Cheap — The Iron Triangle
By Jamie Johnson | September 10, 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
Time Crunch: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Prioritizing Your Tasks
By Jennifer Post | September 10, 2026
Entrepreneurs often find themselves overburdened with tasks. Learn how to allocate your time and prioritize your tasks.
person drawing logos in a sketchbook next to a color palette
Article
How to Create a New Brand Image From Scratch
By Jennifer Dublino | September 10, 2026
Creating a brand image is a crucial marketing task to establish a brand identity. Learn what's involved in a new brand image and branding do's and don'ts.
Article
Build a Brand That Attracts Gen Z and Millennial Customers
By Sean Peek | September 09, 2026
Check out these branding tips for business owners to connect with Generation Z and millennial consumers.
person holding a credit card
Article
The Best Places for Purchasing Office Supplies
By Mark Fairlie | September 09, 2026
Many office supply places offer savings programs for corporate accounts, volume sales and other benefits. Learn how small businesses can save.
person holding an insurance contract
Article
How to Review Your Business Insurance Annually
By Adam Uzialko | September 09, 2026
Reviewing your business insurance annually to make sure you’re still adequately covered can save you big as your business grows. Here’s how to audit your policies.