Business guide

Start and run a small business with clear, practical steps.

Independent plain-language guides to planning, funding, marketing and growing a small business, from first idea to long-term growth.

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153 in-depth guides

17 topics

Nov 2026 latest guide

Featured guides

Guides to start with

Each one links on to more specific articles in its topic.

Start here · Essential guide

Building a Strong Business Plan

A plain-language overview of what a business plan contains, who reads it, and how to keep it a living working document instead of a one-time exercise.

Planning Your Idea 5 min read

How to Build a Business from Scratch

A realistic, step-by-step overview of going from a business idea to a first paying customer, including the trade-offs and why results vary so widely.

Getting Started 5 min read

Introduction to Business Finance

A plain-language overview of revenue, costs, profit, assets and liabilities, and the three main financial statements every small business owner should know.

Money Basics 4 min read

Navigating Business Regulations and Laws

A plain-language overview of the registration, licensing, tax, employment and consumer rules a small business may meet, and how to find what applies to you.

Rules and Risk 5 min read

Marketing Strategies for Entrepreneurs

A big-picture look at building a marketing strategy on a small budget: who to reach, what to say, which channels to try first, and how to learn from results.

Marketing and Sales 4 min read

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Getting Started

Turn an idea into a plan and a launch.

Planning Your Idea Business plans, models, niches and goals for a new idea. 9 guides Getting Started Starting up, avoiding mistakes and launching a first product. 6 guides Structure and Setup Choosing a legal form, naming the business and handling first registrations. 10 guides

Money and Rules

Finance, legal basics and risk.

Money Basics Budgets, cash flow, credit, capital and taxes in plain terms. 6 guides Rules and Risk Regulations, insurance, security, ethics and weighing risk. 5 guides Bookkeeping and Accounts Records, statements, margins and getting paid on time. 10 guides Financing Options How outside money works, its costs and how to judge whether to use it. 9 guides

Customers

Marketing, pricing and selling.

Marketing and Sales Finding customers, positioning, pricing and selling. 11 guides Brand and Content Building a recognizable brand and attracting people through useful content. 10 guides Customer Service and Loyalty Serving customers well so they return and recommend you. 10 guides

Running and Growing

Metrics, skills and growth.

Growing and Exiting Scaling, expanding, partnering and planning an exit. 7 guides Measuring and Deciding Metrics, data, decisions and everyday tools. 7 guides Owner Skills Skills, habits and support for the person running the business. 11 guides

Team and Operations

Hiring people, managing suppliers and keeping work running smoothly.

Hiring and Managing People Hiring, paying, training and leading a small team. 12 guides Operations and Suppliers Processes, inventory, suppliers and quality in daily work. 10 guides

Business Types

How the basics differ for service, freelance and online businesses.

Service and Freelance Businesses Running a business that sells your time and skills. 10 guides Selling Online and Locally Basics of online shops, local shops and selling products. 10 guides