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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
Business Owners’ Guide to Workers’ Compensation
By David Gargaro | January 07, 2026

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
How to Increase Your Restaurant’s Profits in 2026
By Sean Peek | January 07, 2026

The restaurant industry is highly competitive. Here's how your restaurant can save money and attract new customers.

Article
Roth IRA Self-Employed Guide: What to Know About Roth IRAs
By Jennifer Dublino | January 07, 2026

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

Article
Purchasing a Copier? Here Are the Copier Features You Need
By Miranda Fraraccio | January 07, 2026

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

Article
Business Loans: Questions Lenders Ask Potential Borrowers
By Donna Fuscaldo | January 07, 2026

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

Article
Make It Memorable: Tips for Creating an Effective Brand Name
By Jennifer Dublino | January 07, 2026

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
Successful Entrepreneurs Who Failed at First — Lessons in Persistence
By Sean Peek | January 07, 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
62 Uplifting Quotes from Famous Women
By Sean Peek | January 07, 2026

Discover famous and inspirational quotes by women—uplifting female quotes from trailblazers that resonate, empower, and uplift.

Article
The 7 Biggest Challenges of Starting a Business (and How to Overcome Them)
By Jennifer Dublino | January 07, 2026

Starting a business is a difficult endeavor. Learn the biggest challenges that come with entrepreneurship and how to overcome them and find success.

accountants using computers and calculators
Article
Is Your Small Business Achieving Profitable Growth?
By Emil Abedian | January 07, 2026

Small businesses must understand if their growth is profitable. Learn about the profitability-growth relationship and achieving profitable growth.

Article
10 Tips for Young Entrepreneurs
By Jennifer Dublino | January 06, 2026

Many people dream of starting their own company, but not all entrepreneurs are successful. Get a good start in your business-owning career with these tips.

Article
Builders Risk Insurance: Not Just for Builders
By Nicole Urbanowicz | January 06, 2026

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.

mentor consulting an intern
Article
Excess Liability Insurance Explained
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 06, 2026

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 Is a Business Owner’s Insurance Policy?
By Max Freedman | January 06, 2026

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

Article
How Do Workers’ Compensation Rates Work?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 06, 2026

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

Man in a suit writing on paper
Article
How to Write an Executive Summary in a Business Plan
By Jennifer Dublino | January 06, 2026

Learn how to write an executive summary. This guide shows you why to write it last, tailor it to your audience, include product details and a funding ask.

Article
7 Stats That Will Make You Rethink Your Document Management Strategy
By Mark Fairlie | January 06, 2026

Forty-eight percent of workers struggle to find files, 45 percent of SMBs still use paper, and e-signatures can boost close rates by 28 percent or more.

Article
Funding Woes, Be Gone: 10 Ways to Minimize Your Startup Costs
By Jennifer Dublino | January 06, 2026

Minimize startup costs by following tips like working from home, outsourcing strategically, negotiating with suppliers, and improving cash flow management.

Article
How to Keep Your Business Competitive
By Sean Peek | January 06, 2026

Follow these four strategies to beat your competitors in today's cutthroat business world.

Article
The Art of Words: How to Write the Perfect Mission Statement
By Sean Peek | January 06, 2026

Keep mission statements under 25 words with strong, specific language. Use action-oriented verbs, avoid generalities and address the "how" not just "what."

Article
Why Are Small Businesses So Important? 10 Ways They Empower Communities
By Mark Fairlie | January 06, 2026

Small businesses employ 43.5% of America's workforce, generate local tax revenue, attract tourists, and support communities through charitable giving efforts.

Article
Cheapest Business Ideas to Start from Home (Under $1,000)
By Donna Fuscaldo | January 06, 2026

You don't need a ton of cash to launch a business. Opportunities abound to start an at-home business with less than $500 or $1,000. See ideas and pro tips.

Article
The Netflix Business Model: What to Learn From Netflix’s Industry Disruption
By Mark Fairlie | January 06, 2026

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

Businesswoman walking through an airport
Article
International Business Etiquette From Around the World
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | January 06, 2026

Master business etiquette by learning key tips from countries like Japan, Germany and Brazil for greetings, gift-giving, meeting protocols and more.

Article
Henri Fayol’s Administrative Management Theory Explained
By Sean Peek | January 06, 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
The 8 Cheapest Franchises to Buy in 2026
By Sean Peek | January 06, 2026

Discover the cheapest franchises to start in 2026, with low entry costs and high potential in travel, cleaning, real estate, and more.

Article
Grants For Felons, SBA Programs & More Funding Options
By Sean Peek | January 06, 2026

The government and nonprofits provide funds for felons who want to start a business. Here is a list of options, from grants to crowdfunding to loans.

Article
Resources for Business Owners With Disabilities
By Julie Thompson | January 06, 2026

Learn about all the government programs and other initiatives available for business owners with disabilities.

man in a suit holding a green leaf
Article
5 Ways to Reduce Your Business’s Carbon Footprint
By Michael Wood | January 06, 2026

Find out what a carbon footprint is, how to reduce your company’s environmental impact and why it matters.

Article
14 KPI Tools to Track Your Business’s Goals
By Skye Schooley | January 05, 2026

Key performance indicators (KPIs) measure how effective your company is at achieving its goals. Learn how to find the right tools to track your business.