# How to Set up a Small Business Plan

> This article provides ideas for using YNAB with your small business.

Source: https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-set-up-a-small-business-plan-rJ483f2Qh

Last updated: 2026-07-02T17:31:52.105Z

Incorporate your business planning into YNAB by either creating a separate business plan or creating a category group within your personal plan. Explore which option is the best way for you and your small business! Opt for a separate business plan if you have distinct business bank accounts, and consider a category group within your personal plan if you use personal accounts for business.

#### In This Article

[Create a Separate Plan for your Business](#separate)

[Create a Separate Category Group in Your Current Plan](#category)

* * *

## Create a Separate Plan for your Business

We recommend creating a separate business plan if you have separate bank accounts for your business. Creating a separate business plan will ensure that business money is not assigned to personal categories and vice versa. It will also facilitate an opportunity to reflect on business income and expenses. If you plan on giving your accountant [an export of your reflection data](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-export-reflection-data-Bykou09) for tax purposes, using a separate plan will ensure that all the necessary business information is in one place.

To set up a separate business plan, [create a new plan](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/creating-a-new-plan-Hyl4uc5Cq) and add your business accounts. Customize categories for your business needs and set targets.

If you intend to use your business plan for both planning and bookkeeping, we recommend asking your tax preparer or CPA to recommend categories that will align with your tax expense categories.

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## Create a Separate Category Group in Your Current Plan

If you are currently using your personal accounts for your freelance work or side gig, you can track it in your personal plan using a category group but it is important to remember that all the money will be mixed together in your plan. We still recommend categorizing all inflows (business and personal) as Ready to Assign.

[Back to Top](#backtotop)

* * *

## Help Us Help You!

Our Knowledge Base team reviews article feedback responses weekly, and we actively revise these articles to make them as helpful as possible. That's where you come in! Our articles are scored based on the _Yes_ or _No_ ratings received below. We also collect freeform feedback for any _No_ ratings (so our team can focus in on what you were specifically searching for!).

**Success**: Found what you were searching for? It would be super helpful if you click _Yes_ below.

**Suggestions**: Didn't find what you're searching for and you'd like to share what terms or topics you wanted? Click _No_ below. You'll then be able to submit your feedback about this article. **Please note:** the feedback submissions are anonymous, and we’re not able to respond, so make sure to use the next option if you have a specific scenario or question you would like a response to.

**Support**: If you have a question or would like a response to your specific question, [tell the chatbot you need a human or send us an email](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/how-to-get-help-SygqcvtC5) to ensure that your message gets to our Support team!