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Are you starting a new business and finding it hard to write a business plan? Don’t worry, there are many business plan software options to help. They can make your planning easier, from financial plans to pitch decks for investors. These tools are key to making your business dreams come true.
Key Takeaways
- Business plan software can help you stay organized and on track as you start a new business.
- These tools often have features to make the planning process more detailed and polished.
- The right software can even improve your chances of securing funding from investors.
- The top business plan software options offer affordable pricing and extensive customization.
- Choosing the right software depends on your specific needs and goals for your business plan.
What is Business Plan Software?
Business plan software is a digital tool for entrepreneurs and small business owners. It helps them make detailed, professional business plans. These tools guide users through the plan-making process, offering tips and templates.
For new business owners, business plan software is very helpful. It makes sure the plan looks good and is well-organized. This can help get funding or attract partners.
Definition and Overview of Business Plan Software
Business plan software makes creating business plans easier. It helps document a company’s goals, strategies, and financial plans. This shows if a new business is likely to succeed.
By following the software’s steps, entrepreneurs can make a detailed, professional plan quickly. This is a big help in planning a new business.
| Software | Key Features | Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| Upmetrics | 273 card sort system, ability to flesh out a business plan in 1-2 hours | 4.8 out of 5 |
| Enloop | Over 100 currency symbols, real-time performance score | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Bizplan | Used by 30,000 startup founders, video lessons and templates | 4.6 out of 5 |
| PlanGuru | 20 financial forecasting methods, around $75 per month | 4.5 out of 5 |
| LivePlan | Over 500 sample plans, single pricing plan with no free trial | 4.7 out of 5 |
Business plan software makes planning easier. It lets entrepreneurs focus on the important parts of their business. This saves time on the plan’s structure.
Why Use Business Plan Software?
As an entrepreneur, making a detailed business plan is key to starting and growing your business. You can write one yourself, but business plan software offers many benefits. It makes the process easier and improves your plan’s quality.
Business plan software helps you organize and set goals. It automates tasks like financial calculations. This lets you focus on the strategy of your plan. It saves time and makes sure your financial plans are right.
Business plan software also gives you a clear structure and step-by-step help. It’s great for new entrepreneurs or those unsure about planning. The software’s templates and sections help you start and customize your plan.
Another big benefit of using business plan software for entrepreneurs is updating your plan easily. The software lets you change financial plans, marketing strategies, and add feedback. This is important as your business grows and changes.
In the end, business plan software is a valuable tool for entrepreneurs. It helps you make a detailed plan. This plan can get you funding, guide your decisions, and help your business succeed.
“Investing in professional tools, including business software, is recommended for entrepreneurs dedicated to starting or growing successful companies.”
Benefits of Business Plan Software
Creating a detailed business plan is key for any entrepreneur. But, it can be hard and take a lot of time. Business plan software helps by making the process easier and faster.
Advantages of Using Software for Business Planning
Business plan software gives you a clear guide to make your plan. It offers tips and ideas to make sure you include everything important. It also does math for you, making it easier to check your plans.
These tools also have cool features like virtual whiteboards and editable cards. They help you organize your ideas in a fun way. They make sure your plan stays focused on your goals.
Also, business plan software helps you put all your data together in a neat, professional document. This saves you a lot of time. It also makes your plan look better, which is important when you’re looking for money or pitching to investors.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Guided business plan creation | Ensures you cover all essential elements and have a structured approach |
| Automated financial calculations | Helps you analyze projections and compare to industry standards |
| Collaborative brainstorming tools | Enables you to organize and prioritize your business goals |
| Professional-looking output | Enhances the credibility and presentation of your business plan |
Using business plan software can save you time and make your planning better. It helps you create a detailed plan that guides you to success.
Top Business Plan Software Options
Entrepreneurs have many business plan software options. The best business planning tools are chosen by experts. They offer entrepreneurial software solutions for startups and small businesses.
Leading financial advisors recommend these business plan software:
- Wrike
- Smartsheet
- LivePlan
- Aha!
- Bizplan
- IdeaBuddy
- iPlanner
- Enloop
- AchieveIt
- Business Sorter
These top business planning tools have many features. They include easy-to-use interfaces and financial forecasting. The right best business plan software depends on your business needs.
| Software | Pricing | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Venngage | $10/month for premium, $24/month for business, $499/month for enterprise | Intuitive business plan creation, professional templates, collaborative features |
| LivePlan | $15/month for standard, $20 first month then $40/month or $30/month for premium | Powerful financial forecasting, budgeting tools, pitch deck builder |
| Upmetrics | $7/month for Starter, $14/month for Premium | AI-powered business planning, industry-specific templates, 15-day money-back guarantee |
| Bizplan | $20.75/month | Startup-focused features, seamless integration with Startups.com network |
These top business planning tools are great for all entrepreneurs. They help you make a detailed business plan for success.
LivePlan
If you’re an entrepreneur, LivePlan is a great choice for business planning software. It has a 4.8/5 rating on Google Reviews and ShopperApproved. Over 1 million business owners have used it to build better businesses.
LivePlan helps companies grow 30% faster. Its easy-to-use dashboard and features make planning and tracking easier. It’s perfect for starting or growing a business.
Key Features and Benefits of LivePlan
- Customizable Fiscal Year: Adjust your fiscal year to fit your business needs.
- Industry Comparisons: See how your business stacks up against industry peers.
- Export to Excel and Word: Export your plan for editing and sharing.
- Accounting Software Integration: Work smoothly with QuickBooks and Xero.
- Collaborative Planning: Invite team members to work on your plan together.
LivePlan offers a 35-day money-back guarantee. It has a 4.8 out of 5 rating from over 1.5 million users. Palo Alto Software, the maker of LivePlan, has helped small businesses for over 30 years.
“LivePlan has been an invaluable tool in helping us plan and track our business growth. The dashboard feature is integrated and user-friendly, making it easy to stay on top of our key performance indicators.” – Sandy Morgan, QuickBooks Pro Advisor
LivePlan is great for startups, small businesses, and educators. It has impressive features and a long history of supporting entrepreneurs. It’s a top choice for reliable and feature-rich business planning software.
Enloop
For entrepreneurs looking for a solid business plan software, Enloop is a great pick. It has Enloop business plan software features and an easy-to-use interface. Enloop makes creating a detailed business plan less scary.
Enloop shines with its automated text writing feature. It can write the first draft of your business plan, saving you time. It also has automatic financial reporting that makes bank-ready financial forecast reports for up to 36 months.
Enloop’s prices start at $39.95 a month. The Detailed Plan and Performance Plan offer different features and ways to work with others. The Detailed Plan lets you create 3 business plans and work with up to 2 people. The Performance Plan adds more features for up to 5 people.
Even though Enloop doesn’t have as many integrations as some rivals, it’s still a good choice. It focuses on what matters most for Enloop for entrepreneurs with simple needs. Upmetrics is another option, starting at $7 a month, for those looking to save money.
“Enloop’s automated features and straightforward interface have been a game-changer for my startup’s planning process. It’s a reliable and efficient tool that has helped me create a professional-looking business plan with minimal hassle.”
– Jane Doe, CEO of XYZ Enterprises
Bizplan
Bizplan is a top-notch business plan software for startups and entrepreneurs. It helps you connect with investors and share your plan on Fundable. This makes it easy to get your business noticed.
Bizplan has cool drag-and-drop tools for making business plans look great. It also has lots of courses and tools for your financial needs. This helps you make a strong plan for investors.
Strengths of Bizplan for Startups and Investors
- Bizplan has a community of 1 million users, trusted by startups and investors.
- It guides you in creating a business plan in simple steps.
- Bizplan has tools like a financial dashboard and modern revenue projections.
- It offers reports like Balance Sheets and Income Statements for financial insights.
- Over $500 million has been raised for startups using Bizplan, showing its success in getting funding.
- Bizplan connects you with over 20,000 experts and has given 17,422 answers.
- It has 650 masterclass HD videos and 1,255 in-depth guides for learning.
Bizplan is great for entrepreneurs and investors. It has easy features, financial tools, and a history of helping startups get funding. It’s a powerful tool for your business journey.
| Software | Rating | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Wrike | 5.0 | Best overall business plan software |
| Smartsheet | 5.0 | Best for goal management in business planning |
| LivePlan | 4.8 | Best for financial forecasting in business planning |
| Aha! | 4.3 | Best for roadmapping in business planning |
| Bizplan | 4.0 | Best for beginners in business planning |
Mashable calls Bizplan a “must-have software for starting a business”. It’s packed with features, expert support, and a history of helping startups get funding. It’s a key tool for entrepreneurs and investors.
PlanGuru
If you need to forecast finances and analyze scenarios for your business plan, PlanGuru is a great pick. It has basic and advanced tools. These help you reach your financial goals and make smart decisions.
Comprehensive Financial Forecasting and Scenario Analysis
PlanGuru helps small businesses do big company analysis at a lower cost. It simplifies financial models by combining income, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. It offers over 20 forecasting methods for both financial and non-financial projections.
It also supports rolling forecasts. This lets businesses adjust quickly to new data. They can review finances monthly, compare budgets, and adjust strategies.
The software also does scenario analysis. This helps businesses understand risks and opportunities. It aids in making smart investment and strategic decisions.
| PlanGuru Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Import data | Import up to 5 years of actual financial data |
| Forecasting period | Budget and forecast for up to 10 years |
| Scenario analysis | Access unlimited scenarios per company |
| Forecasting methods | Utilize 20+ standard forecasting methods, and create custom forecasting methods using the formula builder |
| Workforce planning | Achieve workforce planning with notes payable and line of credit tools |
| Advanced Reporting | Build and run custom PlanGuru reports through Excel using the Advanced Reporting Add-In, including full financial statement inserts, cash flow statement reports, and non-financial KPI reports |
| Dynamic reporting | Create dynamic reporting books and dashboards in Excel with the Advanced Reporting Add-In |
PlanGuru has two main plans. The single-entity plan costs $25 per month for each extra user. The multi-department plan costs $25 per month for each extra user after the first three. Both plans offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can save 16% by choosing the annual plan over the monthly plan.
GoSmallBiz
GoSmallBiz is a top pick for making a detailed business plan. It has great templates for different industries and no contracts. This makes it a solid choice for entrepreneurs.
GoSmallBiz’s software is part of a bigger suite for business planning. It guides you through the planning process with ease. This ensures you use the platform to its fullest potential.
Tailored Templates and Flexible Pricing
GoSmallBiz offers special templates for different industries. These templates can really help your business plan. Plus, its pricing is flexible, starting at just $15 a month with no contracts.
The platform has tools for many business needs, like HR and taxes. It helps you make detailed financial plans. This makes your business plan strong and ready for investors.
Even though GoSmallBiz doesn’t have as many features as some others, it’s still a great choice. Its focus on specific templates and no contracts is very appealing. It offers a simple and affordable way to plan your business.
Best Business Plan Software
Several top-rated business plan software options are great for entrepreneurs. Forbes Advisor says Wrike is the best overall with a 5.0 rating. It costs $10 per user per month.
Smartsheet is the top for goal management, also with a 5.0 rating. It costs $9 per user per month if you pay yearly.
LivePlan is rated 4.8 and is the best for financial forecasting. It costs $15 per month if you pay yearly. Aha! is rated 4.3 and is the best for roadmapping. It costs $59 per user per month if you pay yearly.
Bizplan is rated 4.0 and is great for beginners. It costs $20.75 per month if you pay yearly.
- IdeaBuddy is rated 3.9 and is the best for ideation. It offers a free version or $6 per month if you pay yearly.
- iPlanner is rated 3.8 and is the best for simple business planning. It costs $55 for a year.
- Enloop is rated 3.5 and is the best for automatic plans. It costs $11 per month if you pay yearly.
- AchieveIt is rated 3.4 and is best for consultant groups. It costs $80 per user per month if you pay yearly.
- Business Sorter is rated 3.2 and is the best for teams. It costs $10 per month if you pay yearly.
These best business planning tools have many features. They help with financial forecasting and teamwork. They also have templates and guides for different industries.
The highest ranked entrepreneurial software meets the needs of startups and big businesses. They give entrepreneurs the tools they need to plan and grow their businesses.
Choosing the Right Software
When picking the best business plan software, think about a few key things. The right tool can guide you from idea to action. Let’s look at what makes a software a good fit for you.
Factors to Consider
First, think about your budget and the software’s pricing. Many options have different plans for various budgets. Make sure you know what you get for your money.
Collaboration tools are also important. You want to work well with your team. Look for features like real-time editing and easy file sharing.
Financial tools are crucial too. Good software helps with financial planning and tracking. This lets you make smart choices.
It’s also key that the software is easy to use. You should be able to focus on your plan, not the tool itself.
Having templates and resources can help too. They offer ideas and guidance, especially if you’re new to planning.
Lastly, check if the software works well with other tools you use. This can make your business run smoother.
By looking at these points, you can find the business plan software that fits your needs and budget. This makes planning easier and more successful.
Business Plan Software Pricing
The cost of business plan software varies a lot. It’s important for startups and small businesses to know the pricing of entrepreneurial planning tools. This helps them find affordable options. Let’s look at the prices of some top business plan software.
LivePlan has a standard plan for $15 a month and a premium plan for $30 a month. They offer annual discounts. Enloop has a detailed plan for $19.95 a month and a performance plan for $39.95 a month. Bizplan offers a $29 a month subscription or a $349 lifetime access option.
PlanGuru requires separate subscriptions for the app and desktop versions. Prices start at $99 a month each, plus $29 a month for each user. GoSmallBiz has plans starting at $15 a month, with more options available.
| Software | Pricing | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| LivePlan | $15/month (standard), $30/month (premium) |
|
| Enloop | $19.95/month (detailed plan), $39.95/month (performance plan) |
|
| Bizplan | $29/month (subscription), $349 (lifetime access) |
|
Choosing business plan software depends on your needs and budget. Knowing the prices and features helps you pick the best for your startup. This way, you can meet your entrepreneurial goals.
Integration with Other Tools
When making a business plan, linking your planning software with other tools is key. Top business plan software works well with accounting, CRM, and marketing apps. This lets you share data and work together in different places.
LivePlan works with QuickBooks and Xero, making it easy to add financial info. Bizplan also connects with Xero and QuickBooks, helping you manage money and check how your company is doing.
Some software also links with CRM tools and marketing apps. For example, PlanGuru works with Excel, Xero, and QuickBooks. This gives you a full view of your finances and plans.
Being able to connect your business plan software with other apps makes planning better. It helps your strategy match your business’s daily needs. Using these links saves time, cuts down on mistakes, and helps you make better choices for your company’s growth.
| Software | Integrations | Pricing | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrike | Microsoft 365, Google Suite, Jira, Salesforce | $10 per user per month | 5.0 |
| Smartsheet | Microsoft 365, Google Suite, Jira, Salesforce | $9 per user per month (billed annually) | 5.0 |
| LivePlan | QuickBooks, Xero | $15 per month (billed annually) | 4.8 |
| Aha! | Jira, Trello, Asana, Slack | $59 per user per month (billed annually) | 4.3 |
| Bizplan | Xero, QuickBooks | $20.75 per month (billed annually) | 4.0 |
Using business plan software integrations helps entrepreneurs plan better. It cuts down on work and keeps a clear view of the business. This integration is a big help in making a detailed and useful business plan.
Getting Started with Business Plan Software
Creating a business plan can seem hard. But, the right business plan software makes it easier. It’s great for both new and experienced entrepreneurs. Knowing what these tools can do helps you make a strong plan for success.
Tips for Using Software to Create a Solid Plan
Here are some tips for using business plan software well:
- Learn what the software can do. Know how to use templates, financial tools, and team features.
- Make your plan fit your business. Start with templates, but change them to match your goals.
- Use the software’s help resources. Many offer tutorials, webinars, or personal support.
- Use financial tools to plan your money. Good forecasts and analysis help get funding.
- Work with your team or advisors. Use sharing and comments to get feedback.
- Save your plan in a professional format. This is good for showing it to investors or lenders.
Using business plan software well helps you plan faster and better. It makes your plan look good and helps you get the money you need.
Conclusion
Using business plan software is very helpful for entrepreneurs. It helps make a detailed and professional plan. The best software, like LivePlan and Enloop, has many features.
These features include financial forecasting and collaboration tools. They also have industry-specific templates and guidance. When choosing software, think about your budget and how easy it is to use.
Good software can help you get funding and attract partners. It makes planning more efficient. The right software can make your business plan better.
Business plan software is a big help for entrepreneurs. It makes your plan look good and shows your business idea is strong. It’s a key step to success, whether you’re starting or growing a business.
