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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
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
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
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
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.
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
Everything You Need to Know About 7702 Plans
By Max Freedman | January 05, 2026
A 7702 plan, also called a Section 7702 plan, is a privately issued, standalone life insurance policy. Learn how it differs from typical retirement plans.
Article
5 Steps to Remove a Shareholder
By Stella Morrison | January 05, 2026
Although removing a majority shareholder can be difficult, it is possible. Here are the steps to make the process a smooth one.
Article
How to Become a Full-Time Airbnb Entreprener
By Mark Fairlie | January 05, 2026
Airbnb has revolutionized rentals, giving entrepreneurs a way to earn. Learn how to start and grow a successful Airbnb business with this guide.
Article
How Businesses Can Support Other Local Small Businesses
By Jennifer Post | January 05, 2026
You've asked your customers to buy local and you should too. Here's why your local B2B purchases have a positive ripple effect on the SMB community.
Delivery driver wearing a mask
Article
Average Commercial Car Insurance Costs
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 05, 2026
The average cost of commercial car insurance depends on vehicle, location, driving record, industry, and more. Learn how to choose the right coverage.
Article
Time for Change: When to Rebrand and How to Begin the Process
By Julie Thompson | January 05, 2026
Businesses rebrand for various reasons, including growth and new market outreach. Learn how to begin rebranding and what rebranding mistakes to avoid.
hands packing a box
Article
How Your Product Packaging Can Win Buyers’ Hearts
By Julie Thompson | January 02, 2026
Find out how product packaging can win over customers, and get tips for successful packaging strategies.
Article
Discover the Unique Selling Proposition of Your Business
By Shane Barker | January 02, 2026
Without a unique selling proposition, you have nothing that distinguishes your company. Learn how to create an effective USP for your business.
Article
How to Attract Customers to Your Restaurant
By Jennifer Dublino | January 02, 2026
Here are several online and offline marketing techniques that you can use to reach more potential customers for your restaurant business.
Article
The Dropbox Effect: How to Utilize the Lean Startup Methodology
By Sean Peek | December 19, 2025
The lean startup technique is a three-step approach designed to help companies improve their decision-making in order to reach a broader market.
stressed businessman
Article
How to Learn From Your Failures: 4 Valuable Lessons
By Thomas Griffin | December 19, 2025
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.
Article
How Virtual Reality Technology Is Changing Manufacturing
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | December 19, 2025
The manufacturing industry is changing as next-generation VR and AR become readily available.
Article
How to Celebrate National Women’s Small Business Month
By Mona Bushnell | December 18, 2025
October is National Women's Small Business Month, which means it's time to celebrate women-owned businesses everywhere.
Article
Choosing the Best Pricing Model for Your Business: License vs. Subscription
By Jamie Johnson | December 18, 2025
Licenses and subscriptions are popular pricing models. Learn how licenses and subscriptions work and how to choose a pricing strategy for your business.
Article
How to Start a Clothing Store
By Shari Weiss | December 10, 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
How to Write a Company History
By Skye Schooley | November 11, 2025
A well-written company history on your website can do wonders in attracting customers to your brand. Here is how to write one.
Article
How Color Can Impact Your Restaurant
By Sean Peek | October 21, 2025
Red and yellow stimulate appetite, while blue suppresses hunger. Discover how color psychology affects restaurant sales, customer mood and dining duration.
Article
Small Business Guide to Energy Conservation
By Jennifer Dublino | September 19, 2025
Conserving energy can help your business save money, reduce its carbon footprint and help the environment. Learn how your business can save energy.
Article
50 Free Websites to List Your Business
By Max Freedman | September 19, 2025
List your business free on 50+ sites, including Google Business Profile, Bing, Yelp, Angi, and HomeAdvisor. Boosts exposure, builds trust and drives traffic.
Article
6 Reasons Your Business Should Have Strategic Partnerships
By Chad Brooks | September 12, 2025
Strategic partnerships like Starbucks & Google combine resources to expand reach, share costs, and access new markets. Six partnership types explained.
Article
What is business.com+? Everything You Need to Know About Our Exclusive Membership Program
By Shari Weiss | June 26, 2025
The business.com+ membership program takes the pain out of choosing new business services by providing dedicated advisors and unbeatable deals. Learn more.
Article
Time Trapped: The Productivity Crisis Facing Small Business Leaders
By Chad Brooks | June 23, 2025
Small business leaders spend more time on email and admin than strategy. Learn how to reclaim time through delegation, focus and technology.
There's Nothing Like This book cover
Article
She’s Got a Blank Check, and She’ll Write Your Name: Taylor Swift’s Billion-Dollar Business Playbook
By Tess Barker | March 26, 2025
Our full Q&A with There’s Nothing Like This author Kevin Evers