Small Business

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.

Before you start retrofitting an Airstream for comfortable cooking in the Georgia humidity, it pays to study the market.

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.

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

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.

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

From researching the competition to securing all the necessary licenses and permits, these steps will help you quickly start your Florida food truck business to get up and trucking.

Your first step should be to evaluate the local food truck scene to research the market demands and opportunities near you.

Food trucks are restaurants on wheels, so approach your business like a professional restaurateur — that means budgeting, marketing and licensing.

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.

As a social media manager for a small business, your job is to manage the company’s online presence by creating strategized content to capture attention and drive sales.

Consultants are professionals who provide expert advice to individuals and other businesses.

Online thrift stores have low upfront costs that make the dream accessible to first-time business owners. Opening one can be a great way to clean out your overflowing collection, earn passive income or even build a booming retail business.

Your professional photography portfolio must attract potential clients who can picture working with you.

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.

You’ll need to create a formal business plan that demonstrates you’ve researched your market, considered food costs and potential profits, and figured out the special sauce that’s going to help you corner the local market.

An LGBTQ certification provides official recognition and advocacy for your business and gives you access to a nationwide network to help you meet your goals.

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

Honing your recruitment process doesn’t just mean vetting for the best applicants, but delivering with diversity as well.

Through our own survey, which assessed 1,500 respondents, we discovered exactly what people say they are willing to give up to be their own boss.

Property management is a growing profession with a lot of flexibility but it comes with some unique challenges. Set yourself up for success by knowing the common challenges.

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

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.

Using lessons from entrepreneurs who survived the Great Recession and other financial crises, we’ve compiled advice that every business owner can learn from to survive the current financial crisis.

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.

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.

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

Discover how America's small business confidence compares to other U.S. institutions and ways to protect your own business by increasing consumer confidence.

Tax deductions for self-employer workers can take lots off your taxable income, which leads to lower estimated tax payments. Learn more in our guide about self-employment taxes.

We analyzed and outlined data on the most popular pet businesses to help you figure out which pet-related career or side hustles to consider, and ways to protect your business along the way.

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!

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.

The best Small Business Saturday ideas for marketing your business emphasize the community spirit of the holiday. Here is your guide to standing out on the big day.

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.

An SSTB is a business designation that is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

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

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

As a business owner, you can use TikTok ads to create a campaign that helps you reach and earn the business of an engaged audience.

“Retail store layout” is a broad term used to refer to the way a retailer arranges fixtures, product displays, and merchandise within a store.

The cost of insurance can vary greatly depending on several factors. Use this Business Insurance Calculator to take the guesswork out of shopping for coverage.

While being a part of a restaurant team can be fun and exciting, it is hard work! Make sure to budget for success and compensate your employees fairly.

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

A hybrid office allows some portion of your employees to work in the office while the other portion works remotely.

Using bakery display themes that make sense for your brand can help you provide a unique experience for your customers.

Business insurance helps keep your business healthy by protecting you from the costs of accidents and claims. This guide will explain each type of business insurance and what they cover.

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.

How will you receive payments from your customers and clients? We review today’s top online payment options for small businesses and freelancers.

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

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.

Good communication is the secret sauce to business success, which is one of the most significant open office benefits.

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.

For employers overseeing workers in any industry, it’s critical to understand what hazards could put your employees at risk and work to prevent injuries and deaths.

When it comes to the work-from-home lifestyle, people tend to be fairly polarized on the topic: some love it, and some can’t wait to get back into a brick-and-mortar office.

If an employee tests positive for COVID-19, the most important thing you need to do is make sure they don’t reenter the workplace.

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

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.

50 entrepreneur stats that will inspire you to take your expertise and creativity to the next level this year.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can and can’t write off when it comes to business insurance expenses.

Help prospective clients find your business and increase your website traffic with these 8 simple tips on how to optimize your small business website.

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.

We asked nearly 150 entrepreneurs, across a variety of industries, to speak on the habits that make them most successful in their careers and in life.

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.

Google My Business is a powerhouse tool for small businesses that want to take control of how they show up in search results. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your profile.

Starting a business during the pandemic? Below are 10 virtual grand opening ideas that can help you generate buzz for your business, from a social distance.

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.

A business loan agreement is a two-way street; this document protects both you (the borrower) and the lender. Read on for everything you need to know before you sign on the dotted line.

Depending on the type and structure of your loan, there are different options for what you can deduct from your taxes. We're breaking down the ins and outs of accounting for your loan payments during tax season.
*This post was updated on July 3, 2021 to include the most recent and updated information.

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!

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

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.

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.

To calculate workers’ compensation premiums, your insurance company won’t just consider the general risk of the work your employees are performing. It will also want to know about the risk level within your specific business.

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.

As a small business owner, it's important to know how your business insurance can respond to the effects that COVID-19 has had on your business.

Are you a freelancer or an independent contractor? Get ready for tax season with our guide to self-employment taxes.

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

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.