INTRODUCING: THE 2026 CO—100— See the Full List

Ready, Set, Startup

If you're looking to open a new business, this could be your year. Follow our step-by-step guide and before you know it, you'll be putting your business ideas into action.

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Data Privacy Compliance Basics

The complex network of data privacy regulations means small business owners should have a thorough approach to protecting customer data.

A Small Business Guide to Nondisclosure Agreements

A nondisclosure agreement can help protect your confidential business information and give you legal recourse if anyone shares valuable company secrets.

What Is EBITDA?

EBITDA is a metric commonly used to estimate a company's value. Here’s how to calculate EBITDA and when to use it.

How to Find Your Small Business Credit Score

Check your credit with one of the credit agencies to understand how well positioned your company is to get favorable interest rates.

What Are Net Payment Terms?

Net terms are a way to offer customers favorable billing terms, and they can help you manage your cash flow—when they’re set up properly.

The Power of Micro-Communities: Startups Turn Small-But-Passionate Followings Into Mainstream Growth

How toy brand Flo-Magic, ALOHA protein bars, and Essiespice condiments have turned passionate followings into mainstream growth.

How CAVA, Alexis Bittar, and JCPenney Are Engaging Customers With Bite-Sized, Episodic Content That Keeps Them Coming Back for More

The food chain, jewelry brand, and department store are winning customer loyalty with bingeable short-form social content—from a reality dating show to a micronovela to a mockumentary. Execs share how.

How Fast-Food Disruptor Konala Is Driving Franchise Growth With High-Protein Meals and a Quick-Serve Strategy

The startup chain gives drive-thru customers high-protein meals in under three minutes and is on a mission to make fast-casual dining faster and more nutritious.

Subscription-Driven Brands PrettyLitter, Omaha Steaks, and Stitch Fix on Personalizing Strategies to Meet Evolving Consumer Demands

These CPG businesses are adding value by keeping their fingers on the pulse of their customers via hyper-tailored rewards, heightened convenience, and AI, execs from the brands told CO—.

How to Set Up a Business Email Address

Whether you’re starting a nonprofit, or working with a small business attorney to launch your company, setting up a professional email is one of the easiest ways to establish a legitimate business presence from day one.