planning
Even in a crisis, managing and starting a business doesn't need to stop. Here are our top 15 business ideas you can start while at home during the current crisis.

15 Ideas for Businesses to Start in a Crisis

By Noah Parsons

In a crisis business or the dream of starting one doesn’t have to stop. Here are 15 business ideas that you can start online and out of your home. Read more »

planning
An effective and well defined executive summary can be the key to securing funding from a bank or outside investor. See what needs to be included and what the best way to approach writing your summary is.

How to Write an Effective Executive Summary

By Tim Berry

An executive summary is a brief introduction to a business plan. A winning executive summary grabs your reader’s attention and describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights. Read more »

managing
Learn effective cash flow forecasting methods from Palo Alto Software CEO, Sabrina Parsons to help you take control of your cash and get your business through the economic effects caused by COVID-19

COVID-19 Strategy: How to Forecast Cash Flow in a Crisis Webinar

By Sabrina Parsons

Managing your cash flow in today’s environment is more important than ever. Learn how to forecast your cash flow and save your business. Read more »

managing
In good and bad times, understanding your cash flow, especially your burn rate, is vital to the success of your business. In times of crisis, understanding your cash runway is just as important. See how to find these financial pieces and what you can do to remain cash flow positive and extend your runway.

The Importance of Burn Rate and Cash Runway

By Noah Parsons

It's important to understand your cash position at all times, but especially in times of uncertainty. This can be a daunting task, but the best place to start is understanding and calculating your cash burn rate and your cash runway. Read more »

managing
In the face of the drastic health and economic effects of the coronavirus on your business, now more than ever, the answer is business planning, which right now, you might call it your emergency plan, contingency plan, disaster plan, or whatever.

In a Crisis, Planning Matters More than Ever

By Tim Berry

To help your business mitigate the effects of COVID-19, you need to review and update your business plan. See how some simple adjustments can help you minimize loss and avoid lay-offs. Read more »

managing
The coronavirus pandemic and accompanying economic struggles can make it difficult to find a route to success. Rather than panic, the best thing you can do is go back to basics and start by actively managing and adjusting your cash flow. Here are five tips on how to get your cash flow back in good standing.

How to Manage Cash Flow in a Crisis

By Tim Berry

Cash flow management in a crisis is absolutely vital. Check out our five tips to improve your cash flow and help your small business survive and thrive. Read more »

starting
13 Tips to Open a Successful Coffee Shop

13 Tips to Open a Successful Coffee Shop

By Candice Landau

Thinking about opening a coffee shop? Our complete guide to starting a coffee shop will help you get up and running, and includes advice from successful coffee shop owners. Read more »

planning
one page business plan lean plan

How to Write a Business Plan on Just One Page [Updated for 2020]

By Noah Parsons

Writing a business plan can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Instead, try starting with a simple business plan on a single sheet of paper. Here's how to do it, and a free template to help you get started. Read more »

planning
If your planning on pitching your business to potential investors, you'll want to design your business plan around these core standard business plan sections.

A Standard Business Plan Outline [Updated for 2020]

By Tim Berry

To make the best impression on banks and investors, your plan should be presented using the standard business plan outline format. This guide gives you an outline to follow and explains what each section should entail. Read more »

starting
We've compiled the top 4 industries that show the most promise for growth, profitability and disruption for startups in 2020. Read on for the full list and tips on how you can position your business.

The 4 Hottest Industries To Start a Business in For 2020

By Nina Bamberger

Looking to start a new business? Check out the Top 4 industries that show the most promise for startups in 2020 and see where your business idea may fit in. Read more »

managing
The cannabis industry is a fast-growing market in an incredibly competitive environment, making new customer acquisition a difficult task. Check out these marketing and advertising tips to help you attract a new customer base.

How to Acquire New Cannabis Customers

By Jon Lowen

Acquiring cannabis customers is difficult in such a competitive market. Learn how to leverage customer insights to target new customers and grow your brand. Read more »

managing
Many entrepreneurs are unaware of the importance of TAM, SAM and SOM in their busienss plan. Learn what these mean and how to apply them to your planning and pitching.

The Importance of TAM, SAM, and SOM in Your Business Plan

By Caroline Cummings

TAM, SAM, and SOM, are vital parts of your business plan, but what do they mean? Here's a breakdown, plus how they apply to your business (plus examples). Read more »

managing
Mission driven nonprofit leadership encourages collaboration amongst your team and helps you avoid the pitfalls of for-profit management. Here's the process for how to encourage a collaborative leadership culture.

How to Build Collaborative Leadership Skills at Your Growing Nonprofit

By Paula Martin

What makes growing a nonprofit possible? Developing a collaborative mission-first culture, starting with leadership. Here's how to empower your team. Read more »

managing
For a startup, the first few hires can be critical, and can either help your company scale or cause a terrible misstep. Be on the lookout for these qualities to assure every hire only benefits your business.

How to Hire For a Startup: Look For These Qualities

By Daniel Pigg

The first few hires for a startup are critical. Look for these qualities when hiring to single out the very best candidates to help grow your business. Read more »

planning
Having a video go viral can be a bid deal for any business, but there's no secret recipe for going viral every time. Even so, if you follow these 4 steps when making videos, you'll have a better chance at going viral or at least making effective videos that connect with your customers.

4 Steps to Create a Viral Video

By Hope Horner

Creating a viral video can be a big deal for a brand. While there's no magic formula for going viral, there are steps you can take to make it more likely. Read more »

managing

How to Unlock Retail Profits with a Smart Inventory Management Process

By Alix Fraser

Without the visibility that a well thought out inventory management process can give you, you could be losing profits. Luckily, you just need a plan. Read more »

starting
What are the licenses and permits necessary to legally start a small business? Depending on the industry it can be a number common licenses or state and county specific permits. Read on to find out which licenses and permits your business may need and where to find them.

How and Where to Obtain Business Licenses and Permits

By Angelique O'Rourke

It can take multiple business licenses and permits at the local, state, and federal levels to make your business a legal entity. Here's how to find them. Read more »

managing
Accurate and successful cash flow management is necessary to stay in business. Check out these tips on ways to achieve better cash flow for your business.

Tips for Better Cash Flow for Your Business

By Anna Eschenburg

Solid cash flow management is crucial to business success. If you’re having trouble managing your cash flow, these strategies will help you improve. Read more »

planning
What’s the Best Business Proposal Format?

What’s the Best Business Proposal Format?

By Briana Morgaine

A business proposal can often make or break your chances of securing a new client. So, how do you write a business proposal, and what’s the proper format? We're here to help. Read more »

planning
Grow Your Business With the Right Mix of Strategy and Culture

Grow Your Business With the Right Mix of Strategy and Culture

By Colin Ellis

Both culture and strategy are equally important, require equal amounts of time and development, and you should continually invest in them to ensure your business is successful. Read more »