Your free business.com+ membership unlocks exclusive tech deals and advisor support
Join Free
BDC Hamburger Icon

Menu

Close
BDC Logo with Name
Search Icon
Search Icon

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.

Presented by in Partnership with
Intuit QuickBooks
Business.com earns commissions from some listed providers. Editorial Guidelines.

Expert Business Advice, Tips and Resources

The Best Business Products and Services

More Best Picks

Expert Business Advice, Tips and Resources

How to Increase Your Restaurant’s Profits in 2026
Master the art of profitable restaurant hospitality with these 16 strategies to elevate your customer loyalty and overall success.
Sean Peek
Sean Peek
Executive Cars: Guide to the Best CEO Cars
Discover 10 of the best vehicles for CEOs, along with how each one reflects different leadership styles and priorities.
Miranda Fraraccio
Miranda Fraraccio
Open for Business: 5 Options for Setting Up an Online Store
Whether you have a new business or want to add online sales as a revenue stream, setting up an e-commerce store is easy. Here are some options to get started.
Jennifer Dublino
Jennifer Dublino
Trademark Examples: Learn From These Trademark Infringement Cases
You could be committing trademark infringement without knowing it. Here are several trademark cases to learn from.
Sean Peek
Sean Peek

Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources

person signing a contract
Article
Business Insurance Guide
By David Gargaro | October 08, 2026
Learn how business insurance can protect your company, what types of coverage are available and how to choose the right policy for your needs.
Article
How Small Businesses Empower Their Communities
By Mark Fairlie | October 08, 2026
Becoming part of the neighborhood benefits everyone.
The Hartford Insurance Logo
Review
The Hartford Review
By Max Freedman | October 07, 2026
Every business needs insurance and The Hartford offers a wide range of products, many available online. Business.com reviews its policies and customer service.
Article
Business Owners’ Guide to Workers’ Compensation
By David Gargaro | October 07, 2026
Workers' compensation insurance is a key policy most businesses are required to have.
Article
Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Business Insurance
By Sean Peek | October 07, 2026
Choosing an insurance policy for your company or employees is a major step, and not one to take casually.
Article
What Is Tail Insurance in Business?
By Kimberlee Leonard | October 07, 2026
You can't predict when a business insurance claim will arise. Tail coverage offers essential protection for incidents that occur during a coverage period.
Article
What Is a Surety Bond?
By Mark Fairlie | October 07, 2026
Surety bonds act as legally enforceable guarantees that help small business owners secure third-party contracts. Learn how they work.
accountant
Article
Specialty Insurance Basics
By Mark Fairlie | October 07, 2026
Businesses need specialty insurance for items not covered by ordinary homeowners or automobile insurance.
mentor consulting an intern
Article
What Is Risk in Business Insurance?
By Mark Fairlie | October 07, 2026
Insurance risk is the probability of an adverse event that causes an insurance claim. Learn how business insurance risk is assessed and how to lower it.
Article
What Is Professional Negligence?
By Kimberlee Leonard | October 07, 2026
Some professionals are vulnerable to lawsuits when mistakes occur, even unintentionally.
Article
What Is a Business Owner’s Insurance Policy?
By Max Freedman | October 07, 2026
A business owner's policy offers the coverage of liability insurance and property insurance in one package.
Article
Why Your Business Needs Indemnity Insurance
By Mark Fairlie | October 07, 2026
While indemnity insurance isn't a specific policy type, it does play a critical role in the types of insurance your business needs.
Article
What Is General Liability Insurance?
By David Gargaro | October 06, 2026
If a customer is hurt on your premises, they can sue you. But general liability insurance can protect your business.
Article
The Insurance Claims Process and How to File
By Nicole Urbanowicz | October 06, 2026
If your business suffers a loss that’s covered by insurance, you’ll need to file an insurance claim. Learn how an insurance claim works and how to file one.
Article
Insurance Deductions and Expenses for Small Businesses
By Nicole Urbanowicz | October 06, 2026
Stop paying too much in taxes. Be sure to take all the deductions possible for your business insurance expenses.
Article
What Are Insurance Endorsements?
By Nicole Urbanowicz | October 06, 2026
Effectively mitigate business risk by understanding different types of insurance endorsements and how to use them.
Article
Understanding Data Breach vs. Cyber Liability Insurance
By Kimberlee Leonard | October 06, 2026
Cyber and data breach insurance cover data breach costs, but cyber adds more protection. Learn how to choose the right insurance for your business.
Article
What Is Cyber Insurance?
By Sean Peek | October 06, 2026
Protect your business’s reputation and bottom line with insurance that helps you navigate a data breach or cyberattack.
Article
What Is Commercial Property Insurance? A Complete Guide to Insurance on Commercial Building
By Mark Fairlie | October 06, 2026
Commercial property insurance covers the building and items that you own or lease against threats such as fire, explosions, theft and vandalism.
Article
Commercial Car Insurance Laws by State
By Mark Fairlie | October 06, 2026
What are your state’s requirements for commercial auto insurance coverage? Learn what you and your business need to do to avoid penalties.
Article
How Do Commercial Car Insurance Deductibles Work?
By Kimberlee Leonard | October 06, 2026
Commercial car insurance deductibles work just like personal auto insurance deductibles. Learn about collision and comprehensive claims deductibles.
Delivery driver wearing a mask
Article
Average Commercial Car Insurance Costs
By Kimberlee Leonard | October 06, 2026
Choose the right coverage to protect your business.
creative marketing team
Article
Are You Telling the Right Story About Your Brand?
By Sean Peek | October 05, 2026
Here's how to identify and share the right story about your brand.
Article
How to Develop a Unique Product That Stands Out
By Jared Haw | October 02, 2026
If you want to take a larger share of the market, win clients and have higher margins, you’ll need to develop your own product.
Article
4 Reasons Why Texas Is a Hot State for Starting a Business
By Sean Peek | October 02, 2026
Here’s why so many startups are heading to Texas.
Article
How Businesses Can Support Other Local Small Businesses
By Jennifer Post | October 02, 2026
Consumers aren’t the only ones shopping locally these days. Learn how your small business can better support fellow small businesses in your area.
Article
The Shocking Truth: Why Every Company Is a Technology Company
By Kimberlee Leonard | October 02, 2026
Tech is at the heart of every business, helping to streamline processes and better serve customers.
Article
Welcome to America: What Nonresidents Need to Consider When Forming a Company in the U.S.
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | October 02, 2026
Here’s what non-U.S. residents need to know about starting a business in the United States.
graphic of someone signing a paper
Article
What Insurance Is Required for My Type of Business?
By Adam Uzialko | October 02, 2026
Article
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for Small Businesses
By Jennifer Dublino | October 02, 2026
Learn how your business can further these crucial goals.