Starting your business

You have a business idea. Now it's time to turn it into a reality with these how-to guides and practical tips that will set you up for success.

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Partial Payments: Should Your Business Accept Them

Learn the pros and cons of accepting partial payments, and discover whether allowing part payment of amounts due would be a wise move for your business.

How Business Accelerators and Incubators Can Benefit You

Maximize your business potential business by leveraging a business accelerator or incubator. Learn what each has to offer and which program could be right for you.

How to Start a Life Coaching Business

Learn how to start a life coaching business and grow it, beginning with a business plan to identify your niche and establishing an online presence for your business.

8 Simple Steps to Starting and Growing a Towing Company

Learn how to start a tow truck business with this helpful guide. Plan out the moving parts of a towing business and find a winning strategy to grow yours.

What Are the Benefits of Direct-to-Consumers Businesses Over B2B and B2C?

Learn the similarities and differences between companies that are structured to function as direct-to-consumers, business-to-business and business-to-consumers.

15 Small Office Space Ideas

Offset ever-increasing property prices by running your business from a small space. Check out these small office ideas to make the most of workspaces of any size.

Starting and Growing a Trucking Business

Discover the ins and outs of starting and growing a successful trucking company. From planning to attracting customers, here's how to start a trucking company.

How to Prepare for Your Business Grand Opening (With 10 Grand Opening Ideas)

Take these steps to narrow down and finalize your grand opening ideas for your new business. Having a clear plan for your grand opening makes the event go smoothly.

Casual vs. Fine Dining: What to Know When Starting a Restaurant

Learn about casual vs. fine dining definitions and all the differences and factors to consider when starting your own casual or fine dining restaurant.

Fleet TCO: Calculating Total Cost of Ownership from Cost to Depreciation

Learn the factors involved in calculating the total cost of ownership and the benefits fleet management provides to companies. There are hidden costs to consider.

Start and Grow Your Dump Truck Business

Do you know how to start a dump truck business? This is a promising field to get into for truckers and entrepreneurs alike. Find out what you need to know.

How to Start a Home Daycare

Learn how to start a home daycare. Find out how childcare can be a rewarding and lucrative career opportunity for people who like working with children.

13 Steps to Turn Your Business Idea Into a Workable Strategy

Give your latest business idea a shot at success. Learn how to turn an idea into a business plan that transforms your concept into a tangible product people can use.

Are You Ready To Be an Owner Operator?

Find out if it's time for you to take control of your truck driving career as an owner operator and what steps are necessary to start your new business.

Why Defining Responsibility in a Workplace Is a Must

Outlining the responsibilities of each employee in your workplace can promote key factors that contribute to an effective business. Learn more here.

Top 10 Qualities and Characteristics of Entrepreneurial Leaders

Learn about the characteristics and qualities that entrepreneurial leaders should cultivate to inspire teams and drive sustainable, long-term success.

Food Cost Formula: How and Why to Calculate It

Understand what the food cost formula is, how to calculate food cost percentage and how to use food cost percentages to improve your restaurant’s cost efficiency.

When to Spend: Costs of Opening a Restaurant

Learn about how restaurants overspend and underspend, and how to successfully navigate the costs of opening a restaurant and optimize long-term success.

The Basics of Opening a Bakery

Explore the costs, financing and permits needed when opening a bakery. Get tips on how to open a bakery and hire employees to help your startup succeed.

Commercial Truck Leasing: A Guide for Business Owners

Learn all about leasing a commercial truck for your business in this guide, which covers leasing vs purchase, advantages of leasing and costs to expect.

When and How to Increase Prices

Determine if and when your business should increase product or service prices, and learn about methods for raising prices without losing customers or revenue.

Business Name Generator

Consider using one or more of these 26 company name generators to help you find the best name for your business.

How to Calculate Profit Margin for Your Small Business

Learn how to calculate profit margin and measure the health and performance of your business. Here are three different profit margin formula examples.

What Are Small Business Grants and How to Get Them

Find out more about small business grants, including who is eligible, where to find them and simple tips about ensuring your application process starts well.

21 Small Business Associations to Know

Learn how small business associations can benefit small business owners like you, leading to increased success through networking, education and support.

Formula for Optimal Order Quantity

Holding costs can increase overhead, but you lose sales when your items run out of stock. Learn how an EOQ calculator can help you manage inventory more efficiently.

Employer's Guide to Understanding IRS CP-575 Form

Find out what IRS Form CP-575 is and what it means for your business. Learn why it's important to save it in a secure location and what to do if it's misplaced.

Running Your Business in a Downturn

Learn how to keep your business stable during a recession, and discover seven reasons why brand new startups thrive in economic downturns.

An Intro to Tax ID Numbers for Small Businesses

Find out more about tax IDs and which ones you might need for your business.

Hobby vs Business: Pros and Cons

Understanding the difference between a hobby and a business allows you to make an informed decision about your income and side hustle.

Running a Business from Your Home: Pros and Cons

Weigh the pros and cons of running a home business, and learn tips for running a successful home-based business if you decide it's right for you.

Recovering from Business Failures

Recover from even the worst business failures quickly and profitably by following these crucial strategic steps.

Setting Prices For Your Products and Services

Boost your sales and stand out from the crowd by setting prices strategically for your products and services, whether they're digital, manufactured or handmade.

10 Tips for Acquiring Your First Clients or Customers

Explore tips for acquiring your first client, including how to target and attract the right customers.

Hiring and Managing Employees in a Family-Owned Business

Manage your family-owned business effectively and fairly with these helpful tips, whether you only work with family or share duties with non-family employees.

How to Find a Business Partner (and vet them)

Find a business partner to help your company grow. From silent partners to general partnerships, there are multiple partnership options to consider.

How to Buy HR Software Tools

Learn about the benefits of HR automation, 13+ types of HR software and tips for choosing and buying the right tools for your business.

Comparing Small Business Checking Accounts

Find the best small business checking account for your business. Learn the pros and cons of each to help you make the right choice for you.

What Does Price Elasticity Mean for Small Businesses?

Find out what price elasticity means and how it helps businesses determine the optimal price for their products.

How to Start a Business: Do's and Don'ts

Thinking about starting a business but unsure of where to begin? Use this guide to understand the steps you need to take to lay a foundation for your business' success.

Business Licences and Permits: An Overview

Learn about business licenses and permits you may need for your own business in this comprehensive guide.

VA Business Loans: An Overview

VA loans help veterans and their loved ones achieve their career goals. Learn more in this comprehensive guide.

Opening a Franchise: Do's and Don'ts

Learn what a franchise is, dos and don'ts when opening one, the costs involved and how to hire employees to work at the franchise.

How to Choose the Right Project Management Methodology for Your Business

Learn about some of the main project management methodologies used today and discover how they can benefit your business workflow.

Getting a Business Coach: How to Find a Good Fit

Discover the benefits of working with a business coach and how to find a coach that meets your professional needs.

Common Office Layouts: How To Choose the Best One for Your Business

Learn what an office layout is, possible office layout options for your business and tips for picking the best layout for your company.

Making an Operational Plan for Your Business: Key Concepts

Operational plans are a useful business tool. Learn what an operational plan is and how to write one. Review answers to frequently asked questions about these documents.

Choosing a PR Agency: 5 Considerations

Learn what public relations is, the services PR agencies offer, what to look for in a PR agency and how to choose the best one for you.

What Is Product Design? An Overview

Product design is a multi-step process that requires keen oversight and knowledge from a product designer. Learn about this process and the role of product designer.

Veteran-Owned Business? Benefits and How to Get Certified

Learn what a veteran-owned business is, the benefits of getting certified and how your business can potentially qualify.

Website vs Mobile Apps: What's Right for Your Business?

Learn what a mobile website and app are, discover the differences between the two, and review tips for choosing the best one for your business.

Subscription Business Models: 3 Tips and Considerations

Learn what a subscription business model is, the benefits to using one, types of businesses that have one and tips to determine if it's right for you.

Locating an Investor: Five Steps for Your Business

Learn how to find investors for your business, what to prepare before you connect with them and the best ways to approach them.

Distribution Channels: Establishing a Strategy for Your Business

Distribution channels help get your product from manufacturing to the customer. Learn about the different types of distribution channels and how to select one for your business.

Women- and Minority-Owned Business: How to Get Certified

Learn what a women- and minority-owned business is, what it means to get certified and how your business can earn its certification.

What Is a Cooperative? An Introduction

Learn the basics of how cooperatives work and what they can provide in different industries.

What Is a Small Business? Understanding Definitions and Benefits

Learn the qualifications to be considered a small business for various industries.

How to Start an Online Business: Best Practices for Entrepreneurs

Learn how to start an online business including projecting costs and creating a business plan.

How to Start a Franchise: Tips and Best Practices

Learn about the benefits of becoming a franchisor by licensing out your business model to distributors.

A Guide to Accounting Software for Your Small Business

Learn why it's important for a small business to use accounting software, view features to look for and explore possible options to consider.

Wholesale Buying: Steps for Your Business

Wholesale buying allows businesses to acquire products and materials at an affordable price point. Learn more in this comprehensive guide.

A Guide to Merchant Accounts in Banking

Discover what a merchant account is, when and why your business needs one, how to choose and set one up and answers to FAQs regarding merchant accounts.

Budgeting in Business: Best Practices and Examples

Learn about best practices for creating and maintaining a business budget.

What Is the Definition of Target Audience? An Introduction

Identifying your target audience is an important part of creating effective advertisements. Learn the target audience definition and the importance of this term.

Donations for Tax Deductions: A Guide for Businesses

Learn everything you need to know about tax deductions for donations to make smart financial decisions for your business, including how to claim exemptions and how to choose a charity.

Registering a Domain Name for Your Business: Best Practices

Learn what a domain name is, why you need one and how to set up a business domain name.

Starting, Growing and Managing a Fully Remote Business

Tips for identifying (or pivoting to) a new remote business opportunity and hiring and managing a distributed team.

Business Loan Rates: Key Considerations

Learn what business loans and business loan rates are as well as some of the most common business loans and the average loan rates for each.

Private Labels: Best Practices for Your Business

Learn what private labels are, why they're important, pros and cons and tips about finding the best private label manufacturer.

Small Business Insurance: What Policies Do You Need?

Learn about the types of insurance that small businesses should consider.

What Is a Franchise Tax? An Introduction

Learn what franchise taxes are, which states require them and how they're calculated in certain states.

Series A, Series B and Series C Funding: How Do They Work?

Learn about the purpose of Series A, B and C funding and how each impacts a business.

Break-Even Analysis: A Guide for Business Owners (With Examples)

Learn about what breaking even means and how to perform a break-even analysis for your business.

LEED Certification for Your Business: Getting Certified

Instilling sustainability values within your company culture can promote green initiatives and make your business stand out. Learn more about the LEED certification, here.

How to Get a DUNS Number for Your Business

Learn about why a DUNS number is important to your business, plus steps on how to register.

How to Start a Social Media Management Company

Learn the benefits of starting a social media management company, types of services to offer, how to hire employees and the best ways to market your company.

How to Start a Pool Cleaning Business

Learn how to start your own pool cleaning service, how much money you'll need, how to register your small business and the best ways to market your company.

How to Start a Landscaping Business

Learn how to start your own landscaping business, explore the benefits, how to register, how to hire employees and ways to market.

How to Start an Internet Marketing Company

Learn the benefits of starting your own internet marketing company, how to hire employees, how to register your business and ways to market your organization.

How to Start Your Own Direct Sales Company

Learn what a direct sales company is, how to start one, how to determine the products you'll sell, the estimate of how much it'll cost and ways to market it.

How to Start a Bar: An Overview

Learn how to start a bar and the necessary steps to welcome patrons. Consider marketing, licenses and permits to ensure you're ready for the marketplace.

How to Start a Catering Business

Learn the basics of running your own catering company including coming up with a concept, hiring employees and finding loyal customers.

How to Start a Clothing Line

You have many options when it comes to starting a clothing line. Learn how to go about writing a business plan, establishing prices and creating a marketing strategy for your new clothing line.

Best Practices for Opening a Fast-Food Restaurant

Discover what resources you'll need to open your own fast food restaurant and plan for its success.

Starting a Construction Company: Key Considerations

Starting a construction company takes time and research. Learn the key considerations to starting your own construction business.

How to Start a T-Shirt Business

Starting a t-shirt company requires some forethought and planning. Know what you need to do in order to run a legal and profitable t-shirt business.

How to Start a Business Website (With Downloadable Templates)

Learn how to start a website with these best practices. Select the ideal website design program, know what information to include and review answers to FAQs.

Opening a Restaurant: Startup Costs and Best Practices

Learn the basic costs and responsibilities associated with opening your own restaurant.

Creating a Marketing Plan for Your Business (With Template)

Learn how to develop a strong marketing plan to guide your business development, reach an audience and drive profits strategically.

Finding the Best Business Broker: Things to Look Out For

Learn what a business broker is and how to find one who will benefit your bottom line.

Business Grants for Women: Key Opportunities

Learn about some of the best grant opportunities for women entrepreneurs looking to establish or grow a small business.

9 Steps to Writing a Business Plan (With 2 Templates)

Use business plan templates to help you provide direction for your business, set effective goals and showcase your organization's potential to investors.

Google My Business: How to Get Started

Learn more about how you can use Google My Business to optimize your customer engagement.

Applying for an EIN: Steps to Take

Find out what exactly an EIN is, why and when you should apply for one, the steps of the application process and answers to FAQs regarding EINs.

What Is the Definition of Royalties in Business?

Learn what royalties are and how they are important to your small business.

A Guide to Angel Investors

Learn the basics of angel investing.

Minority Small Business Grants: Where to Find Them and Tips for Writing Proposals

Learn what small business grants are available for minority business owners.

Creating a Business Model Canvas: Best Practices

Learn how to use the business model canvas tool to improve company operations.

Leasing vs Buying Space for Your Business

Decide whether buying or leasing an office space is right for your business in this comprehensive guide.

How to Get Started With an X (Twitter) Business Account (In 5 Steps)

Wondering if Twitter is the right platform for your business? Take a look at these tips on creating a Twitter account for your business.

Best Practices for Setting Up Business Email

Learn what a business email is, the benefits of having one, tips to follow when creating one and possible options for email services and domains to use.

How to Accept Credit Card Payments: An Introduction

Learn about how to start accepting credit cards at your business.

Examples of Niche Marketing for Small Business

Learn about different examples of niche marketing and how to find a niche for your business.

Investing in the Right Franchise

Learn what a franchise is and how to choose one to invest in.

Domain Name Ideas (and Alternatives) for Your Business: Best Practices

Choosing the right domain name for your website can convey your business purpose and enhance brand identity. Learn more in this comprehensive guide.

How to Determine Pricing for Your Business

Learn what pricing is in business, common types of pricing strategies and price vs. cost.

A Guide To Starting a Vending Machine Business

Start your own vending machine business by following this guide for entrepreneurs.

What Is a Call to Action? An Overview

The right call to action can make the difference between successful sales and low engagement. Learn more about how a call to action can benefit your business in this comprehensive guide.

A Guide to Customer Relations Management

Learn the basics of customer relations management for business owners.

Creating a Marketing Strategy for Your Small Business

Learn how to develop a marketing strategy for your small business.

A Guide to Expanding Your Business through Franchising

Thinking about franchising your business? Learn what a franchisor does, how they make money and other frequently asked questions about becoming a franchisor.

What Is the Definition of Sales?

Learn what selling is, the types of selling and the roles that fall under this profession. Use the list of good salesperson qualities to help you make the best hiring decision.

What Is the Definition of Publicity?

If you want to grow your business, publicity will be required so more people know about you. Here is how you can get publicity for your company.