Small Business Guides

Find guides and articles to help you do better business, and understand the often weird world of accounting.

Starting and growing a business

Your intro to the milestone moments in small business.

How to start your own business in the US
Starting a business requires the right legal structure and financial footing. Here are the steps to take so you can get started.
How to start an online business
Find out what it takes to start and run an online business. With insights from experts and owners who’ve done it before.
How to finance your business
Need finance for your business? Learn about the types of finance, approaching lenders and investors and more.
Growing your business
Are you ready to drop the hammer and take your business to the next level? Let’s look at how to grow.
How to hire employees
Hiring help can improve your business, and your lifestyle. But it’s a big process. Here are the main things to keep in mind.
How to invoice
Looking for help on making and sending invoices and getting them paid? Check out these tips on the art of invoicing.
How to do bookkeeping
Bookkeeping includes everything from basic data entry to tax prep. Let’s look at the core jobs and see how they’re done.
What is bookkeeping?
Whether you’re bookkeeping for a family business, or planning a career in it – this is a good place to start learning.
Guide to inventory
Inventory management is more than just knowing what’s been sold and what you’ve ordered. Find out what else is involved.

Your intro to getting money in from customers, and out to suppliers and employees. See all payments guides

7 basic invoicing questions you were afraid to ask
Want to know more about invoicing? What to put on them? Which type to send? What invoice accounting is? It’s all here.
Getting your head around small business payroll
Starting to employ people? Here’s your introduction to the basics of pay, deductions, and dealing with the tax office.
How to build a watertight accounts receivable process
There’s one way to stay in business – you have to get paid. That’s why a good accounts receivable process is critical.

Your intro to budgeting, cash flow, and what to do when you need more money. See all money guides

How to create a small business budget
Businesses need budgets. So how do you go about setting a business budget? What are the main things you need to put in?
5 rules for managing small business cash flow
Cash flow management is vital for a growing business. Here are five rules to help you keep cash flow under control.
How to manage debt
Debt can be a useful tool to start and grow your business. But what can you do if that debt starts to become a problem?

Your intro to business planning, goal setting, key performance indicators, and financial reporting. See all planning and performance guides

How to create the perfect business plan in 10 steps
Every business needs a plan. But how do you write one? Here are 10 steps to help you get it right.
How to create an efficient inventory management system
Inventory management can be hard for any business to do well. Here's how you can create an efficient system.
What are KPIs and how can your business use them?
How do you measure the success of your business? KPIs (key performance indicators) can help you. Here's how they work.

Your intro to building a vision, establishing consensus, and inspiring action. See all leadership guides

How to build a great small business team
Hiring the right employees is important, but it's not enough. You'll have to shape those employees into a winning team.
When to give a raise
If you want the best out of your employees, a well-timed raise can help. But how much do you give them – and when?
How to improve gender equality in the workplace
Gender equality is still an issue in business. As a business owner, how can you help change this situation?

Your intro to financial admin, taxes, and the technical side of running a business. See all accounting and bookkeeping guides

What does an accountant do?
Accountants do tax and compliance work – we all know that. But the best ones do so much more.
Understanding cloud computing
Cloud computing got you perplexed? We’re clearing the air on cloud computing and how it can benefit your small business.
Small business bookkeeping for beginners
Bookkeeping lets you know how your small business is doing. So what does it involve and how do you make it less boring?

Your intro to finding and winning new customers, and keeping the old ones. See all marketing guides

How to do market research
Good research can improve your service or product, and make you a better marketer. Here’s a guide to get you started.
12-step Amazon seller checklist
Selling on Amazon makes a lot of sense, but it’s different to running a retail operation. Here’s what you need to know.
How to handle customer complaints
Most small businesses will receive complaints at one stage or another. But it's how you deal with them that matters.

Your intro to starting, managing, and making money from an online business. See all ecommerce guides

What is dropshipping?
Dropshipping is a popular form of online selling. Learn more about how online selling without inventory works.
Online business ideas
Learn about small online business ideas, get tips to generate your own idea, and find out how to make it a reality.
Online reputation management for small businesses
Word of mouth can make or break a business. Especially if you’re online. Learn how to put your best foot forward.

Download helpful templates for things like quoting, invoicing, reporting and planning.

Use accounting calculators to help plan and run your business.

Learn the meaning behind all those weird and wonderful accounting terms.