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Resources to plan your small business

When you’re thinking about starting your own business, get off on the right foot by planning ahead—from determining what licenses you’ll need to drafting up your business plan.

Plan

Plan your business: top articles

4 sales commission structure options for small businesses

4 sales commission structure options for small businesses

Discover four sales commission structure options for small business owners, including the benefits and challenges of each.
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Accounting software for small business

Accounting software for small business: 8 helpful features

Discover what you need to know about accounting software for small business owners, including its benefits and key features.
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How to write an elevator pitch your audience won’t forget

How to write an elevator pitch your audience won’t forget

This guide on how to write an elevator pitch will leave a memorable first impression and help you turn chance encounters into potential new clients.
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Tips for successful small business accounting

9 tips for successful small business accounting

Small business accounting may not be the most thrilling part of running your company, but it’s one of the most important. Learn how to manage it now.
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Marketing budget for small business

4 steps to create a marketing budget for small business

Learn how to create a marketing budget for small business, including different methods for setting costs and tracking success.
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How to incorporate a small business in 9 steps

How to incorporate a small business in 9 steps

Should your company be a corporation? Learn how to incorporate a small business and whether it makes sense for you.
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How to choose a business name that stands out

How to choose a business name that stands out

Use the following tips to learn how to choose a business name that fits your brand and generates consumer interest.
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How to do market research with a small business budget

How to do market research with a small business budget

Learn how to do market research and gain valuable insights about your potential customers and what motivates their shopping choices. 
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Do business credit cards affect personal credit scores?

How do business credit cards affect personal credit scores?

Do business credit cards affect personal credit? Get the facts about business credit cards and how to protect your personal credit.
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How to obtain the right business licenses for your company

Types of business licenses for small businesses

Getting business licenses is a key part of getting your company off the ground. Find out how to obtain the right licenses now.
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How to write a business description: Man in apron working at laptop

How to write a business description that makes your business plan shine

Learn how to write a business description with this easy formula and top tips for making it shine.
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How to write a business plan

How to write a business plan and why you need one

Learn how to write a business plan, including traditional and lean startup plans, and discover why these documents are crucial for success.
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Massage therapy business plan: masseuse taking notes from a customer

What to include in a massage therapy business plan

Learn about the specific details you should include in a massage therapy business plan to set up your small business for success.
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How to write an effective auto repair shop business plan

How to write an effective auto repair shop business plan

Learn how to write an auto repair shop business plan from start to finish and how it can increase your chance for success.
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How to write an effective cleaning services business plan

How to write an effective cleaning services business plan

Discover the six key sections you need to include in your business plan template to set up your cleaning company for success.
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How to price a product: Business owners reviewing clothing items

How to price a product when starting a business

One of the trickiest parts of starting a new business is determining how to price a product. Learn common pricing strategies to help you get the maximum return.
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How to write razor-sharp barbershop business plans

How to write razor-sharp barbershop business plans

Learn how to stay ahead of the competition with this guide to writing compelling and complete barbershop business plans.
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How to register your business: Open sign at a cafe

How to register your business: a beginner’s guide

When starting a new business, a key question is how to register your business. With this guide, you’ll learn about the steps to take before registering plus the actual registration process.
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Questions to ask when starting a business: barista couple working in coffee shop

6 questions to ask when starting a business

There are many questions to ask when starting a business. You want to make sure you’re prepared for the huge undertaking by anticipating what you need, what could go wrong, and how to make it right.
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Small town business ideas: Barista creating latte art

14 small town business ideas with big potential

Whether you live in a small town or want to take your entrepreneurial dreams beyond the city, these small town business ideas will inspire you.
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How to create an HVAC business plan like a pro

How to create an HVAC business plan like a pro ‌

Learn everything you need to know about creating your HVAC business plan and why the HVAC industry is ripe with opportunity.
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How to write an effective landscaping business plan

How to write an effective landscaping business plan

Learn how to write your landscaping business plan so you can set your company up for success and secure the funding you need from potential investors.
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