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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
11 Scams That Prey on Small Businesses
By Jennifer Dublino | August 19, 2024

Scammers often target small and midsize businesses. Beware of these 10 business-related scams, and learn how to avoid cybercriminals and hackers.

Smart Rivals book cover
Article
Smart Rivals: How to Compete Against Tech Giants [Full Q&A]
By Tina Nazerian | August 16, 2024

An interview with Harvard Business School’s Feng Zhu and Bonnie Cao

Article
6 Benefits of Forming an S Corporation
By Jamie Johnson | August 15, 2024

An S corporation helps you avoid double taxation and the self-employment tax. Learn the pros and cons of S corporations and other corporate structures.

Office workers
Article
Get It Together: 7 Quick Ways to Make Your Business More Organized
By Leah Zitter | August 13, 2024

Use these simple tricks to make your business more efficient with the minimum resources.

Hyper Efficient book cover
Article
Hyperefficient: Dr. Mithu Storoni Shares Productivity Brain Hacks
By Jane Meggitt | August 05, 2024

Our full Q&A with the author and neuroscience researcher.

Article
How to Attract Customers to Your Restaurant
By Jennifer Dublino | August 02, 2024

Here are several online and offline marketing techniques that you can use to reach more potential customers for your restaurant business.

Article
Why You Need to Develop Your Own Unique Product
By Jared Haw | July 31, 2024

If you sell products anyone can get, you'll never become a leader in your market. Here's how to develop unique products instead.

Article
Why You Need a SWOT Analysis for Your Business
By Kiely Kuligowski | July 31, 2024

SWOT ― which stands for “strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats” ― is a type of analysis that helps you develop your business strategy.

Article
Business Owners’ Guide to Workers’ Compensation
By David Gargaro | July 30, 2024

If your business has employees, nearly every state requires you to have workers' compensation insurance. Learn about what it covers and how much it costs.

Article
What Is a Hold Harmless Agreement?
By Kimberlee Leonard | July 29, 2024

A hold harmless agreement releases a party from the consequences of another's actions. Learn how and when to use a hold harmless agreement in business.

Article
Do You Need Product Liability Insurance?
By David Gargaro | July 29, 2024

Product liability insurance is needed for businesses that make, sell or distribute products. Learn about what it covers and how much it costs.

Article
Funding Woes, Be Gone: 10 Ways to Minimize Your Startup Costs
By Jennifer Dublino | July 29, 2024

Minimize your costs by following these tips.

Article
What Is Professional Liability Insurance?
By David Gargaro | July 26, 2024

An insurance policy that service-related businesses need is professional liability insurance. Learn about what it covers and protects against.

Article
How the Self-Employed Can Make Roth IRA Contributions
By Jennifer Dublino | July 26, 2024

This guide explains how self-employed people can make Roth IRA contributions to save for their retirement.

Article
What Is a Business Owner’s Policy?
By Max Freedman | July 25, 2024

A business owner's policy is a packaged insurance policy that includes general liability coverage and property insurance coverage. Learn more here.

Article
What Is Errors and Omissions Insurance?
By David Gargaro | July 24, 2024

Errors and omissions insurance guards your business against lawsuits brought by dissatisfied customers.

Article
Digital Disrupt: What Businesses Can Learn From Netflix
By Mark Fairlie | July 24, 2024

Netflix's digital disruption shows how embracing innovation, customer data and adaptability can help businesses outpace competitors and reshape industries.

Article
9 Little-Known Ways to Network With Hospitality Industry Insiders
By Jennifer Dublino | July 23, 2024

Making contacts within the hospitality industry can create opportunities for your business. Learn how to start networking effectively.

Article
Requirements for Keeping Paycheck Records
By Julie Thompson | July 10, 2024

Employers keep paycheck records to comply with federal and state laws, complete tax returns, and use in audits. Here's what you need to know.

Article
How Color Can Impact Your Restaurant
By Sean Peek | July 09, 2024

Learn how color affects your restaurant's atmosphere and sales.

Article
Before the Business Loan: Questions That Must Be Asked
By Donna Fuscaldo | July 09, 2024

Here's a look at seven questions lenders ask small business borrowers and the reason for each one.

Article
Write Your Way to a Win: Business Proposal 101
By Jennifer Dublino | July 08, 2024

In some industries, writing business proposals is a crucial way to win new clients. Learn how to write a successful business proposal..

Article
Movin’ on Up: Why Relocating Offices Doesn’t Have to Suck
By Jennifer Dublino | July 08, 2024

Use an office relocation as an opportunity to streamline and improve operations. Learn how to make your office move a success.

Article
Should You Go Global?
By Mark Fairlie | July 05, 2024

Going global means expanding your business overseas. Learn the pros and cons of going global and what steps to take to expand your company internationally.

Article
A Gamble You Can’t Afford to Lose: Finding the Right Materials for Your Product
By Steve Cartier | July 05, 2024

Learn the crucial steps to finding the best materials for your manufactured products.

Article
12 Pain Points Entrepreneurs Should Expect and Embrace
By Sean Peek | June 28, 2024

As an entrepreneur, you have to roll with the punches. Learn how to deal with these common pain points of running a business.

Article
How Workers’ Compensation Rates Work
By Kimberlee Leonard | June 28, 2024

Workers' compensation rates are affected by several factors. Learn what workers' compensation covers, and how to calculate rates and meet requirements.

mentor consulting an intern
Article
What Is Excess Liability Insurance?
By Kimberlee Leonard | June 27, 2024

Excess liability insurance is extra coverage that kicks in once an underlying policy hits its limits. Learn how it works and what it covers.

Article
What Does Commercial Auto Insurance Cover?
By Nicole Urbanowicz | June 27, 2024

Commercial auto insurance is critical for businesses that operate vehicles and have employees driving for work purposes. Here is what you need to know.

Article
Builder’s Risk Insurance: Not Just for Builders
By Nicole Urbanowicz | June 27, 2024

If a property is at risk for loss or damage during construction, consider builder's risk insurance. Learn what builder's risk covers and who needs it.