Small Business Guides

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

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What is tap to pay — and can it help you avoid late invoices?
Learn how tap to pay works and why it’s becoming essential for small businesses to speed payments and boost cash flow.
What is a W-2 form? A guide for small business owners
Employers must prepare and file W-2 forms showing their employees' wages and withholdings for the year. Here’s how.
Ohio sales tax guide: rules, rates, and filing returns
Learn Ohio sales tax rates, nexus rules, registration steps, exemptions, and filing deadlines for your small business.
How to get a Georgia business license
Georgia business license requirements, costs, and steps to get started.
W9 vs 1099 tax forms: what small business owners need to know
Your small business needs special tax forms to work with independent contractors – let's look at a 1099 form vs W9 form.

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: a step-by-step guide
Learn how to start an online business, from choosing an idea to launching your store.
How to get a business loan: options, lenders, checklist
Need finance for your business? Learn about the types of finance, approaching lenders and investors and more.
How to expand your business: a plan to grow safely
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 make an invoice: Simple steps for small businesses
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

Profitability ratios: what they are and how to calculate them
Learn which profitability ratios matter most for your small business and how to calculate them.
Direct debit for small business
Learn how direct debit works, when to use it, and how to set it up for your small business.

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

What is a business credit score and how to improve yours
Learn what a business credit score is, how to check yours, and practical steps to build and improve it.
How to improve business efficiency: 10 proven strategies
Learn what business efficiency means, how to measure it, and 10 proven ways to reduce waste and grow your small business.
How to write a business proposal that wins new clients
Learn how to write a business proposal that wins you clients and closes deals faster.
Rebates vs discounts: which strategy helps your cash flow most?
Rebates are when customers get money back after a sale. Learn how they differ from discounts and how to use them.

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

How to write a business plan: a step-by-step guide
Learn how to write a business plan that attracts investors and guides your growth.
Inventory management systems: A guide for small businesses
Learn how an inventory management system helps your small business track stock, reduce costs, and improve cash flow.

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

Employee retention strategy: how to reduce turnover
Discover an employee retention strategy that keeps your best people engaged and reduces hiring costs.

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? A guide for small business owners
Learn what accountants do, the types that suit small businesses, and how to find the right one.
Cash flow analysis: a guide for small businesses
Learn how to analyze cash flow, spot trends, and make smarter financial decisions for your small business.
What does FICA stand for?
Learn what FICA stands for, how it's calculated, and what it means for your business payroll.

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

What is a value proposition? How to write one that works
Learn what a value proposition is, why it matters, and how to write one that sets your business apart.
Upselling techniques: proven strategies to grow your revenue
Learn 10 proven upselling techniques to boost revenue and build stronger customer relationships.

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

What is dropshipping and how does it work?
Learn what dropshipping is, how it works, and how to start a profitable dropshipping business.
Online reputation management guide for small businesses
Learn how online reputation management builds trust, boosts reviews, and grows your small business.

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.