Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. “The absolute biggest business plan mistake you can make is to not plan at all.” So writes Noah Parsons in his helpful blog post 17 Key ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Melissa Houston covers financial issues that affect women in business. Creating a successful business starts with a strong plan.

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You’re set on becoming a franchisee. You may think it’s time to call a franchisor, tell them you’re interested, and get funding from your local bank, right? Wrong. If you’re considering buying a ...

In 2026, a business plan is no longer a 40-page document built to impress bankers. It is a thinking tool. One that helps founders clarify strategy, test assumptions, and communicate clearly with ...

So you’ve come up with an idea for a business and made the courageous decision to strike out on your own. You’ll get to work on your terms, become your own boss, and hopefully turn a profit by doing ...

Last week, we discussed writing a business plan to describe your invention or innovation so you can raise funds necessary to get your prototype up and running. Depending on your depth of experience — ...

At the foundation of every strong business is a solid business plan. A business plan outlines important information regarding a company's operations and goals and serves as a blueprint for achieving ...

Matt Webber is an experienced personal finance writer, researcher, and editor. He has published widely on personal finance, marketing, and the impact of technology on contemporary arts and culture.