Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Melissa Houston covers financial issues that affect women in business. Creating a business plan is a critical first step for any ...

When starting a business, a business plan is essential. Whether you are launching an online store or opening a brick-and-mortar shop, having a well-written business plan is crucial to your success. A ...

A business plan outlines the what, why, when, and how of business operations. The “what” represents the products or services the business will offer to the market. The “why” denotes the purpose of the ...

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Running a business can be unpredictable, which is why having a solid business plan as a foundation is vital to surviving and thriving in ...