Small Business

Why You Need to Write a Business Plan

Here's what to include in your business plan to attract investors and keep your business on track. Learn why writing a business plan is important -- even if you're not trying to raise money.

Fiduciary Responsibility and Corporations

Officers, directors, and sometime even stockholders, have fiduciary duties, or obligations of trust.

Basic Profit and Loss Forecast

A profit and loss, or P&L, forecast is a projection of how much money you will bring in by selling products or services and how much profit you will make from these sales.

Sample Cash Flow Statement

To prepare a cash flow statement, you'll use many of the same figures you use for a profit and loss forecast.

Small Claims Court and Business Disputes

Resolve disputes and collect debts in small claims court -- without a lawyer.

Business Equipment: Buying vs. Leasing

Decide whether to lease or buy by learning about the pros and cons of each.

Your Business Image: Ten Ways to Build and Market It

Marketing strategies to build your business brand.

Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed

Create your own retirement plan if you work for yourself.

Preserving Your Status as an Independent Contractor

Follow these strategies to avoid being reclassified as an employee.

Close Down Your Business Yourself: The Out-of-Court Work Out

When you're going out of business but you don't have enough money to pay the business's debts, you need some portion of your debts forgiven or discharged.