Turning a creative hobby into a business is a rewarding journey. For makers of unique goods, Etsy provides a global marketplace to connect with millions of buyers. If you specialize in crafting jewelry, candles, clothing, or leather goods, you have a unique opportunity to build a successful brand on the platform. These categories thrive because they offer handcrafted quality and personal touches that mass-produced items lack.

Passion, a plan, and sweat equity will get you far. But capital can take your business to the next level.

We go on a cross-country road trip to examine the five U.S. states without a sales tax and what you need to know if you’re conducting business there.

Installment loans are a type of loan where a lender provides a borrower with a lump-sum upfront payment. The loan amount plus interest and fees are then repaid through regular payments over a specific period.

Use these questions to find out if someone has what it takes to be a self-motivated, responsible and engaged worker — from day one.

Social commerce is the process of selling products directly through social media. The entire shopping experience happens within a single social platform — allowing customers to explore products, fill their virtual shopping carts and make purchases without ever leaving the app.

An insurance company owns and underwrites insurance policies. In contrast, an agency sells insurance on behalf of an insurance company.

Everything from deodorant to shampoo to laundry detergent marketed to women can have a higher price tag.

A passion for man’s best friend is a non-negotiable for a career in dog walking—but that’s just the start. Follow these steps to become the most popular dog walker in the neighborhood.

The corporate structure you choose impacts taxes and liability, but it can be a lot to figure out. We breakdown the differences between sole proprietorships and LLCs.

One of the keys to growing your landscaping business is how you price your services. We're sharing on how to bid on landscaping jobs. Learn more.

Over the next ten years, the number of photographers is expected to grow by more than double the average growth rate for all industries.

The job outlook for personal trainers is making impressive gains.

The landscaping industry will grow about 8% over the next ten years, signaling robust growth for the industry.

Learn to assess your business’s cyber risk; determine your cyber liability insurance budget; how to find a cyber liability insurance policy; and create a risk management plan.

Vandalism insurance covers a business’s first-party property from accidental damage, including vandalism. For vehicles, comprehensive auto insurance covers acts of vandalism.

Fortunately, you can legally continue working, even if you’re already collecting money from a workers’ compensation claim — but there are a few catches to navigate.

A portion of an employee’s workers’ compensation can become taxable if they collect SSDI benefits and receive more than 80% of their average current earnings.

As a freelancer, you're make all the business decisions from how your business is structured to when you work. But you also have to do all your own taxes. Use this guide to learn what and how you file taxes as a freelancer.

An LLC creates a barrier between a business’s obligations and the owners’ assets.

As a caterer, you're required to have the proper food handlers permits, licenses, and paperwork. This guide explains what you need to launch your catering business.

A business without a plan is like a ship without a sail—you won’t get very far, no matter the weather. Use this guide to help ensure you have a solid plan.

You’re probably wondering: what types of insurance does your small business need? These ten categories of coverage can help protect your company from a range of risks.

Construction is an inherently risky business and insurance is key, but what type of construction insurance do you need? We break it down. Learn more.

How you structure your business is a key decision. Use this guide to understand the different types of business structures to help you get started.

Risk is a part of business. We breakdown what goes into a risk profile and the different types of business risk. Learn more.

Starting your own wedding planning business is less daunting than it seems. Learn how to take your attention for detail and start your own business.

We're breaking down the benefits and drawbacks to a sole proprietorship business structure to help you get started.

When you start freelancing a common question is if you are an independent contract or self-employed. We explain the difference. Learn more.

Cleaning houses is all about keeping things neat, tidy, and polished to perfection. Use this professional house cleaning checklist to keep your cleaning routine in tip-top shape, too.

There’s no one-size-fits-all Ohio general contractor license: these licenses are actually awarded by local municipalities. Here’s what you need to know.

What licenses do landscapers need and how do they vary by state? Use this guide to landscaping licenses to learn more and start your own business.

Window cleaning can be a lucrative career with relatively low overhead costs. Follow these simple steps to launch your window cleaning business.

We're sharing tips on how to start your own pressure washing business. Learn more and become your own boss!

If you’re a whiz with a paintbrush and roller, a house painting business can be a great way to cash in on your skills and brighten people’s lives. We’ve assembled this short guide to show you how to start a painting business.

Landscapers transform commercial and residential outdoor terrains into welcoming places for socializing and connecting with nature. But what does it take to grow a thriving landscaping business? Use this guide to get started!

Are you an auto aficionado? Does your dream job involve spending time around hot rods of every vintage and color? Building your own auto detailing business might be the career for you!

Before becoming an HVAC business owner, there are some steps you’ll need to take. Wondering what those are? Continue reading.

Are you thinking about starting a carpet cleaning company? If so, there’s never been a better time. In fact, the Cleaning Services Market Report by Allied Market Research forecasts the global cleaning market to experience an annual CGR (compound growth rate) exceeding 6%, and a total market value of $74 billion by 2022.

Are you ready to make your business official? Registering your business name is an important way to do just that. Here’s your guide to the process.

Creating and running a wedding venue can be a great business venture. We're sharing a few steps to help you transform your dream into your business and one that’s geared for long-term success.

Making your own hours, doing what you love, and working from anywhere are a few perks of starting a freelance career. Learn how to get started.

Painters are the finishers of the construction world, tying a project up into a polished, presentable package. Let’s take a look at the rules for painting the town in different states across the country.

Finding new clients as a new freelancer can be overwhelming. Use these tips to find work as a freelancer and build your book of clients.

Crunches, squats, and General Liability? A sound insurance policy should be part of your regular fitness regimen—here’s how to select the best coverage for your needs.

Transform your passion for capturing life's moments and events on video into a career. Use this guide to launch your own videography business.

Take your passion for photography to the next level and become your own boss. Use this handy guide to learn more starting your own photography business.

There’s more to becoming a successful plumber than installing, repairing, and maintaining pipes and fixtures—you’ll also have to establish the right business infrastructure. We’ll walk you through the necessary steps.

Put your love for everything fitness to work and start your own online personal training business. Use this guide to get started and then enjoy the flexibility to work from anywhere!

If you're ready to start a locksmith business, but struggling to decode the first steps, this guide can help. Follow these simples steps and open the doors to your own business.

Leverage your passion for writing and keen eye for details to become a freelance editor. Use this guide to start your own editing business. Learn more.

Private tutoring can be a great career or side hustle. In this short guide, we’ll go over the basic steps for how to become a tutor. Sharpen those pencils, and let’s get started!

If you have an eye for photographing large-scale subjects in natural lighting, real estate photography might be right for you. Learn how to get started.

Want to know more about how to become a general contractor? Use this handy guide to learn more.

Want to know more about how to become a DJ and start booking gigs? Use this handy guide to learn more about being your own boss.

Professional house cleaners often negotiate their wages and contracts. To be competitive and maximize your income, it pays to know how much house cleaners can make and how to clean up your finances.

If you work as a contractor, your job site is about as risky as they come. Liability insurance protects you from risks, but how much should it cost? We break it down in this guide.

Before you can earn your certified general contractor license in Florida, there are a few standard requirements. Use this guide to get started.

Transform your passion for fitness into your own personal training business. We're breaking down what you need to invest to get started. Learn more.

We're breaking down the different types of contractor licenses & how to get a general contractor's license. Learn more.

Technology E&O insurance is a form of small business insurance that protects policyholders from losses accrued from the failure of technology products or services they sell to their customers.

Take your passion of planning parties and turn it into your own business doing something you love. We've covering what you need to get started. Learn more.

For self-employed individuals, workers’ compensation insurance is usually not required. Here are some reasons you might want to look into it.

Having a constant social media presence is an important way for small businesses to win clients.

Want to know more about how to become a life coach? Use this handy guide to learn more about pursuing helping others reach their full potential and being your own boss.

It’s important to find a manufacturer who is aligned with your mission, and who you enjoy working with every day.

Join a community of 50,000+ small business owners and get insights and inspo.

“Doing something new is really hard, and the only thing we know for sure is that some curveballs are coming our way. How we adapt is the key.” Brian Farkas, Freelance Creative Director + Thimble Customer

Thinking about becoming a personal trainer? If you want to be a part of this booming industry, you’ll need to get certified. Before you get certified, you’ll need to satisfy some prerequisites. Sound confusing? Let us break it down for you.

Workers’ compensation insurance is vital to any business that has employees. Read this guide to discover what’s covered under a workers’ comp policy and how to respond after a workplace incident.

No longer a pipe dream: read our guide to becoming a plumber in the United States.

Want to know more about how to become a carpenter? Use this handy guide to learn more about pursuing a carpentry career and being your own boss.

Want to know more about how to start your own cleaning business? Use this handy guide to learn more about becoming your own boss.

Being put out of work because of an injury or illness can be a financial nightmare for anyone. Workers’ comp and disability insurance are both designed to provide financial relief for injured workers. However, there are some important differences between the two.

Workers’ compensation is a type of business insurance that’s required for most (but not all) businesses. Learn whether or not your business is required to carry workers’ comp and if so, why it’s necessary.

Certain types of injuries and workers are not covered by workers’ comp insurance. Some exceptions may surprise you. Here’s what you need to know.

Are you an aspiring restaurateur? We share the 10 steps you need to take to open a restaurant, from drafting a business plan to marketing your grand opening.

Dreaming of opening a cafe? Follow this 10-step checklist. We cover everything you need to know, from drafting your cafe business plan to hiring staff.

If you’ve been working out of your home or selling through an e-commerce store, signing a retail lease agreement has many perks — like boosting sales.

Don’t go into business with a half-baked plan. Follow these 12 steps to open a bakery. We cover everything, from drafting your business plan to designing your bakery layout and branding.

News flash: writing’s only half the job. If you want to win clients, you need to market yourself as a freelance writer. Score more writing work with these pro tips.

Selling at a farmers’ market? Read this to make your day a success. From permits to products, we cover everything you need to know.

Virtual trade shows are here to stay for the foreseeable future.

When looking for an office building to rent, you’ll come across three types: Class A, B, and C space.

With a single glance at your storefront, customers can learn if you’re a luxury or casual retailer, your brand’s personality, and why they should walk through your front door.

Looking into statistics and trends that are shaping the ever-growing beauty industry.

Let’s dig into the industry’s current and projected growth with these landscaping industry statistics.

Contractors can take on construction or maintenance jobs while still being self-employed. In this guide, we’ll hammer in how to do it.

What exactly is a gig worker and what's the difference between gig workers and freelancers? We’ll answer all of these questions and more.

Are you a graphic designer, house sitter, or management consultant? Protect your livelihood with General Liability insurance to ensure you’re covered against claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury to others.

These leashes, whistles, and waste bags were made for walking.

Your wedding venue literally sets the scene for your wedding, but how do you choose one? Follow these 13 tips to choose the wedding venue of your dreams.

A new business comes with a few awkward situations to navigate. Read our guide to navigate small business growing pains.

We're sharing tips on how to become your own boss as a freelance makeup artist. Learn more and get started today!

Focus on booking gigs, not worrying about protecting your business. So do you need a DJ license? learn more and how to protect your DJ business from risk.

In this short guide, we’ll share the reasons why sole proprietorship insurance is a smart initiative for one- and two-person business ventures.

Your bid or pitch to a prospective client can be the difference between winning more work or not. Learn how to bid on cleaning jobs and grow your business.

Create a business as powerful as your designs from the ground up. We'r sharing tips on how to become a freelance designer. Learn more.

With your own painting business, you determine when you work and for how much. We share tips on how to bid on jobs so you can earn more work. Learn more.

Looking to make a go of music as a profession? Here’s how to write your own ticket to success.

Curious how to become a carpenter? The first step is to work as a carpenter apprentice. Learn more about how to find an apprenticeship.

You might need a business license, even if you’re just working as an independent contractor on the side. Keep reading to learn why.

Use this step-by-step guide to learn how to write a business plan, whether you’re seeking investors or starting a business from scratch.

A property manager requires wearing many hats. Find out the primary responsibilities to decide if this is the career for you.

Starting a business in any state requires a few steps. This guide walks you through everything you need to start your company in the Lone Star State.

There are a few steps to take before starting your business in California. Use this guide to ensure your business is legitimate and set up for success.

Yoga teachers help their students connect with their bodies and breath. This short guide will go over the steps to leading your first yoga class and the vital business basics for success in your new career.

Before starting your own general contractor business you need to meet the California licensing requirements. Use this guide to kickstart your business.

General contractors are the face of a construction project—planning, coordinating, budgeting, and supervising construction projects from start to finish. As such, there’s a pretty penny to be made in this line of work.

Want to transform your love of music into a bopping career as a DJ? Here’s how much you can expect to earn (and some ways to boost your income).

Join a community of 50,000+ small business owners and get insights and inspo.

The average annual salary for yoga teachers is about $69,000. Self-employed teachers can make up to $50,000 in annual gross revenue.

In this short guide, we’ll conduct our own bagatelle on the art of creating a successful piano tuning business. Here’s how to become a piano tuner.

Property management can be a great career path and way to be your own boss. Find out what you need to do to become a property manager.

How do you go from coding for fun to building the websites you’re landing on? We're sharing a few steps to help you become your own boss as a freelance web developer.

Join a community of 50,000+ small business owners and get insights and inspo.

Catering starts with the heart and soul behind the food. What unique culinary talents will make you stand out to event planners? Do you have a signature dish, a unique concept, or a gift for beautiful plating?

Creating a financial plan for your small business can seem challenging and intimidating at first; however, once you educate yourself and understand the different components of a plan and how they fit together, it’s quite simple!

Although some handymen specialize in or originate from a specific field, most work as a jack of all trades—doing a little of this and that here and there.

The loan process can be daunting, especially for a business owner going through the process for the first time. We're here to help.

Subcontractors can help you scale your business. Use these tips to find good, reliable subcontractors and grow your business.

Use this guide to take your passion for writing and turn it into a career where you set your hours. Learn how to become a freelance writer.

If you love pets of all kinds a pet sitting business might be your dream job. Learn more about how to get started with this guide.

Dog walking is a great way to spend your time and earn a living but do you need a license? We help answer this question. Learn more.

As a handyman you help clients fix everything under the sun. But you also need to protect your business starting with a license. Learn more.

Join a community of 50,000+ small business owners and get insights and inspo.

Join a community of 50,000+ small business owners and get insights and inspo.

As you look to start a small business, three of the main things you’re going to worry about are location, location, and location. And for good reason: the specific place and time in which you start up a small business, freelance operation, or independent contractor career can have a huge impact on the longevity and success of your venture.

To protect yourself and your business, get acquainted with photography laws and your responsibilities. Learn more.

Understanding the common terms and roles of who is on a jobsite is important. We explain subcontractor vs contractor vs. independent contractor. Learn more.

Becoming a carpenter includes training, education, and certification in order to legally become a professional carpenter. Learn more.

Certification typically documents your skill in a particular field, while licensure is a document that is often legally required in order to work in certain industries.

Figuring out what to do when disaster strikes from what you need to know about crisis management and protecting your business. Learn more.

The answer is, it depends. We help explain the ins and outs of workers compens insurance and how it applies to your business. Learn more.

An operating agreement is an official, legally-enforced contract that addresses many situations that could happen to your small business.

Ready to start your own lawn care business and be your own boss? Here’s everything you need to know to get started, from defining your services to getting the legal stuff sorted out.

Ready to be your own boss and set your own hours? We're sharing how you can get started and a few tips. Learn more!

Take your love for helping friends and family plan events and become your own boss. Use this handy guide to learn more about pursuing an event planning career.

Short-term and side jobs have been around since the advent of employment. However, the pandemic led to an increasing number of people seeking to be part of the gig economy.

Get a clear idea of the type of consultant business you are going to run, how to check all the legal boxes and identify common business structures for consultants.

Want to learn more about the path to becoming an electrician? Use this handy guide to learn more about pursuing an electric career.

Good news: Small business marketing doesn’t have to break the bank! Try these 12 ideas to grow your customer base.

Becoming a travel photographer is a dream for many—but the logistics of starting a business can pose a challenge. Make it happen with this guide.

Setting your rates can be one of the most difficult parts of running a consulting business. Follow these steps to determine how much to charge as a consultant.

Curious how to start a small business at home? You’ll need a winning idea, the right equipment, proper insurance, a license, and more. Here are seven vital considerations to help you get started.

A booming solo career is every esthetician’s dream. Here’s how to make it a reality.

Every handyman knows the importance of proper preparation. Here’s how that mentality applies to launching your professional handyman career, from carving out your market niche to properly insuring your new business.