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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
What Is a Pharmaceutical Wholesaler?
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | January 17, 2025

Pharmaceutical wholesalers purchase medications directly from manufacturers and then sell the medications to pharmacies.

Power Pause book cover
Article
Mother Untitled CEO Neha Ruch On “How to Plan a Career Break After Kids” (Full Q&A)
By Ali Saleh | January 16, 2025

An interview with the author of The Power Pause

Article
The Management Theory of Henri Fayol
By Sean Peek | January 16, 2025

Learn how small businesses can use Henri Fayol's management theory to improve management and increase efficiency.

Article
How to Cash In on Your Excess Inventory
By Bennett Conlin | January 15, 2025

Surplus stock is an opportunity to make some cash and get further exposure for your business.

Article
How Much Does It Cost to Start an Online Business?
By Zac Johnson | January 15, 2025

While expenses to begin an online business vary, here are some common costs you can expect to see with your new venture.

Article
The Game of Pricing: How the Number 9 Affects Purchase Behavior
By Jennifer Dublino | January 14, 2025

Charm prices end in the number nine. Learn about charm vs. prestige pricing and how your ideal customer should dictate your pricing strategy.

Article
How to Choose and Open a Business Checking Account
By Meredith Wood | January 13, 2025

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.

Article
5 Ways Your Company Can Benefit From Security Cameras
By Bennett Conlin | January 13, 2025

Here are five ways your company can benefit from using security cameras. Learn how to choose one that works best for your needs.

Article
What Is Cyber Insurance?
By Sean Peek | January 13, 2025

Cyber insurance can help companies notify customers about data breaches involving their personal information and can protect from cyberattack damages.

Article
Private Labeling: How It Works, Advantages & Disadvantages
By Stella Morrison | January 13, 2025

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.

Article
Workers’ Comp Insurance: How Much Do You Need?
By Max Freedman | January 07, 2025

Too much coverage wastes money, but too little can expose your company to claims and court awards. Here is how to calculate exactly what you need.

marketing meeting
Article
How to Rebrand Your Business
By Stella Morrison | January 07, 2025

Rebranding is meant to change public perception of your organization. Here is how to make the process a success.

businessman talking on a phone in an office setting
Article
What Is Supply Chain Distribution?
By Max Freedman | January 07, 2025

Supply chain distribution is used to balance supply and demand. Learn more about the importance of having a distribution plan for your business.

Article
How to Start a Clothing Store
By Shari Weiss | January 06, 2025

Our guide breaks down everything you need to know about starting an in-person or online clothing store, with expert advice from retailers.

Article
Can You Make a Profit and Be Socially Responsible?
By Jennifer Dublino | December 19, 2024

It's possible for a business to make money and stay socially responsible. Learn about maintaining corporate social responsibility while boosting profits.

Article
Starting an Advertising Agency
By Sean Peek | December 18, 2024

If you have a background in marketing and communications, an advertising agency could be a smart startup option. Here's what you need to know.

Article
Choosing the Right Outsourcing Partner
By Shahid Mansuri | December 18, 2024

Outsourcing is often great for business but it can offer challenges. Learn how to find the right partner to help you grow your company.

Article
Writing a Business Growth Plan
By Jennifer Dublino | December 16, 2024

Our step-by-step guide outlines what to include in your company's business growth plan and features expert advice from business strategy experts.

Businesswoman presenting in a meeting
Article
The Best Business Advice of 2025
By Shari Weiss | December 16, 2024

See the best business advice, strategies and insights from top company leaders at Whole Foods, Google and more.

Article
The 8 Cheapest Franchises to Buy in 2025
By Sean Peek | December 16, 2024

Franchises are a good way to own and run a business without having to determine what to sell or how to market it. Learn about low-cost opportunities.

Article
The State of the B2B Sharing Economy
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | December 12, 2024

The sharing economy, also known as the peer-to-peer sharing economy, is a system where assets or services are shared between consumers.

Article
9 Surefire Strategies to Help You Stand Out From the Competition
By Stella Morrison | December 09, 2024

Differentiating your brand from the competition gives you a competitive advantage. Learn ways to differentiate your product from the competition.

Article
What to Know When Choosing Business Insurance
By Sean Peek | December 04, 2024

Choosing insurance for your company or employees is important, and should not be done casually. Here’s what to consider when getting insurance.

Article
The Road Map to Starting a Membership Site From Scratch
By Mark Thompson | December 04, 2024

A subscription site is easy to start and can offer big rewards. Follow these steps to build a loyal member base.

Article
5 Reasons Your Business Should Have Strategic Partnerships
By Chad Brooks | December 03, 2024

Strategic partnerships have mutual benefits and can lead to long-term profits. Here are the advantages of partnering with another company and examples.

Article
10 Successful Businesses You Didn’t Know Were Run By Women
By Jennifer Dublino | November 27, 2024

Female entrepreneurs own 42 percent of American firms. Check out this list of women-led companies and some great resources for small business owners.

Article
How Women-Owned Businesses Can Use Social Media Marketing
By Ryan Ayers | November 25, 2024

How women-owned companies can highlight their business’s unique features using social media marketing.

Article
5 Tips for Setting SMART Goals in Your Business Plan
By Jennifer Dublino | November 22, 2024

SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-based. Learn how to apply SMART goal principles to your business to boost success.

Article
Outgrowing Your Office Space? Should You Lease or Buy?
By Karina Fabian | November 20, 2024

Here is a list of things to consider before deciding whether to purchase or lease your new office space, including pros and cons of both options.

Article
4 Reasons Why Texas Is a Hot State for Starting a Business
By Sean Peek | November 20, 2024

The heat and the sun aren't the only reasons Texas is a hot state. Check out why Texas is a fantastic state to start a business.