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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

Woman leaning up against a vehicle reading a travel guide
Article
How Lonely Planet Navigated From Print Travel Guides to Award-Winning Social Media
By Tess Barker | May 21, 2024

A Q&A with Lonely Planet’s social media director Deepa Lakshmin

open plan workspace
Article
Renewable Resources: The Impact of Green Energy on the Economy
By Jennifer Dublino | May 20, 2024

Green energy is good for the planet, but it also affects businesses and the economy. Learn why some countries are shifting toward renewable resources.

Article
Welcome to America: What Nonresidents Need to Consider When Forming a Company in the US
By Sean Peek | May 15, 2024

Non-U.S. residents can form a business in the United States, but there are a few things they need to consider. Learn what with this guide.

Article
MLMs Are Preying on the Dream of Entrepreneurship
By Mona Bushnell | May 15, 2024

Learn how to tell the difference between legitimate business prospects and scams.

Article
4 Marketing Hacks to Help You Attract the Right Investors
By Jennifer Dublino | May 15, 2024

Marketing strategy is a crucial aspect of landing investors. Use your marketing skills to identify, message and pitch potential business investors.

Article
Time Crunch: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Prioritizing Your Tasks
By Jennifer Post | May 15, 2024

Entrepreneurs often find themselves overburdened with tasks. Learn how to allocate your time and prioritize your tasks.

Article
A 6-Step Guide to Making a Change Within Your Organization
By Sean Peek | May 02, 2024

Making changes in a company isn't easy, especially for non-managers, but anyone can make a difference. Take these steps to encourage meaningful change.

Article
What Is Fiduciary Liability Insurance?
By Kimberlee Leonard | May 02, 2024

Fiduciary liability insurance protects a business from claims that a benefits plan was mismanaged. Learn what fiduciary liability insurance covers.

Article
10 Ways to Reduce Operational Costs for Your Small Business
By Jennifer Dublino | May 02, 2024

Because small businesses operate on tight margins, sustaining a healthy profit is critical. Learn how to increase revenue and reduce expenses. 

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What Is Directors & Officers (D&O) Insurance?
By Kimberlee Leonard | May 02, 2024

If a lawsuit targets a firm's directors and officers, directors and officers insurance protects their personal assets. Learn how D&O insurance works.

Uptime book cove by Laura Mae Martin
Article
Maximize Your “Uptime” With Tips From Google’s Productivity Expert (Full Q&A)
By Tina Nazerian | April 25, 2024

An interview with author Laura Mae Martin

Article
Apple vs. Apple: 6 Trademark Cases and What You Should Learn From Them 
By Sean Peek | April 24, 2024

You could be committing trademark infringement without knowing it. Learn from these six trademark cases.

Delivery driver wearing a mask
Article
Average Commercial Car Insurance Costs
By Kimberlee Leonard | April 24, 2024

The average cost of commercial car insurance depends on vehicle, location, driving record, industry, and more. Learn how to choose the right coverage.

Article
The Solopreneur’s Guide to Retirement Funds
By Donna Fuscaldo | April 23, 2024

How do self-employed people plan for retirement? Here are a few retirement plan options for the solopreneur.

Article
When Is Auto Insurance Tax Deductible?
By Kimberlee Leonard | April 19, 2024

Auto insurance can be tax deductible when you use your vehicle for business. Learn what you can write off and how to find the best tax strategy for you.

tropical island
Article
3 Famous Restaurants and Bars That Weren’t Supposed to Be
By Ali Saleh | April 19, 2024

An unexpected origin story adds character.

Financially Lit book cover
Article
Podcaster Jannese Torres Wants to “Level Up Your Dinero”
By Antonio Ferme | April 19, 2024

Our full Q&A with the author of Financially Lit!

Article
How to Handle a Business Lawsuit
By Mark Fairlie | April 19, 2024

Business owners are vulnerable to lawsuits. Learn common lawsuit types, as well as how to handle a lawsuit, deal with insurance, and protect your company.

Article
What Is ERP Software and How Can It Increase Efficiency?
By Jamie Johnson | April 19, 2024

Find out how ERP software can help you efficiently manage the most important operations of your business.

Article
Open for Business: 5 Options for Setting Up an Online Store
By Jennifer Dublino | April 18, 2024

There are various ways to open an e-commerce store and start selling online. Learn your online store options and their pros and cons.

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
‘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.

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

Article
Learn by Example: 7 Great Mobile-Friendly E-Commerce Websites
By Mark Fairlie | April 10, 2024

Boost your mobile website conversion rates by emulating excellent mobile-friendly e-commerce websites. Learn how to create a great mobile user experience.

Article
Things to Consider Before Presenting Your Idea to Investors
By Jennifer Dublino | April 10, 2024

Investor presentations require careful planning and organization. Learn what to consider before presenting an idea to investors and signs you're not ready.

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.