Best Business Plan Software: Ranked and Reviewed (2024)

In this article, I will provide a comprehensive review of the best business plan software options available in 2024. These software solutions are perfect for startups and enterprises alike, offering a range of features to help you craft a winning business strategy. From customizable templates to financial forecasting tools, these platforms are designed to make the business planning process easier and more efficient. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced entrepreneur, this roundup will help you find the perfect business plan software for your needs.

Key Takeaways

  • Choose from the top business planning tools to create a winning business plan.
  • Find an affordable business plan creator suitable for startups and enterprises.
  • Customizable templates and financial forecasting tools make the planning process easier.
  • Whether you’re a beginner or experienced entrepreneur, there is a software solution for your needs.
  • Select the best business plan software to help you craft a successful business strategy.

Palo Alto Software LivePlan

Palo Alto Software’s LivePlan is an excellent business planning tool that offers a wide range of customizable features. With a slick, cloud-based interface and solid online help and learning resources, LivePlan makes it easy for entrepreneurs to create a comprehensive business plan.

The software allows for easy customization of fiscal years, exports financial charts to Excel and word processing formats, and highlights unusual or out-of-bounds data.

While there may be a bit of a learning curve due to the extensive range of features, LivePlan remains one of the top choices for business plan software.

Key Features Benefits
Customizable templates Save time by starting with professional templates
Financial forecasting tools Accurately predict the financial future of your business
Cloud-based interface Access and collaborate on your business plan from anywhere
Export to Excel and word processing formats Easily share and present your business plan
Help and learning resources Get guidance and support throughout the planning process

Whether you’re a startup or an established business, LivePlan provides the tools you need to create a comprehensive and successful business plan.

Tarkenton GoSmallBiz

When it comes to finding an easy-to-use business planning application that provides expert advice, look no further than Tarkenton GoSmallBiz. This highly configurable and detailed software is designed to simplify the process of creating a comprehensive business plan. With built-in advice modules and user-friendly features, Tarkenton GoSmallBiz caters to both novice and experienced entrepreneurs.

One of the standout features of Tarkenton GoSmallBiz is its ability to generate financial statements and projections without the need for external spreadsheet software. This saves time and streamlines the planning process, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on other important aspects of their business.

In addition to its intuitive interface, Tarkenton GoSmallBiz offers the option to link to third-party services, providing even more functionality and flexibility. This allows entrepreneurs to leverage existing tools and resources to enhance their business planning experience.

Another key advantage of Tarkenton GoSmallBiz is its focus on mentoring and business advice. With built-in advice modules, entrepreneurs can access valuable insights and guidance to help shape their business strategy. Whether you’re a startup or an established enterprise, having access to expert advice can make a significant difference in your planning process.

With its user-friendly interface, comprehensive features, and expert advice modules, Tarkenton GoSmallBiz is undoubtedly a top choice for entrepreneurs seeking an easy-to-use business planning application. Don’t miss the opportunity to leverage this powerful tool to create a winning business plan.

EquityNet

EquityNet is a leading business plan software that caters specifically to startups and their funding needs. Its primary focus is to match entrepreneurs with investors through its unique platform, making it an ideal choice for startups seeking funding and looking to connect with potential investors.

EquityNet offers a solid business planning tool that enables entrepreneurs to create comprehensive business plans. However, its design is more centered around crowdfunding investments from unknown individuals. While this feature may be excessive for entrepreneurs who only need a business plan to present to a local Angel investor, it proves to be highly valuable for those seeking a wider pool of potential investors.

In addition to its business planning capabilities, EquityNet provides a range of resources and tools to facilitate the matchmaking process. Entrepreneurs can access a vast network of investors, leverage investor presentations, and utilize equity crowdfunding campaigns to raise funds for their startups.

Whether you’re a tech startup or an innovative small business, EquityNet’s business plan software serves as a powerful platform to connect with investors and gain the financial backing needed to bring your vision to life.

Key Features of EquityNet

EquityNet Features
Feature Description
Investor Matching Connect with a wide range of investors through EquityNet’s platform.
Equity Crowdfunding Raise funds through equity crowdfunding campaigns to expand your investor pool.
Business Planning Tools Create comprehensive business plans using EquityNet’s intuitive software.
Investor Presentations Access a library of investor presentations to showcase your business to potential investors.
Financial Projections Build financial projections and models to demonstrate the financial viability of your business.

EquityNet’s business plan software for startups provides an all-inclusive platform to attract investors, raise capital, and accelerate the growth of your business. With its comprehensive features and investor matchmaking capabilities, EquityNet empowers entrepreneurs to take their startups to new heights.

PlanGuru

PlanGuru is a powerful financial reporting tool that goes beyond traditional business plan creation. While its primary focus is on financial calculations and reporting, it offers strong budgeting and forecasting features that can help entrepreneurs build a comprehensive business plan. With support for QuickBooks integration and breakeven analysis, PlanGuru provides valuable insights to those with some financial sophistication.

Although PlanGuru may not provide sample business plan templates, its robust features make it an essential tool for conducting financial calculations and analysis. Whether you’re projecting cash flows, evaluating financial ratios, or creating pro forma statements, PlanGuru gives you the tools you need to make informed business decisions.

One of the standout features of PlanGuru is its seamless integration with QuickBooks, allowing you to import your financial data directly into the software. This integration saves time and eliminates the need for manual data entry, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in your financial reporting.

Table: PlanGuru Features Comparison

Features PlanGuru Competitor A Competitor B
Budgeting and Forecasting

Basic Advanced
QuickBooks Integration Yes No No
Breakeven Analysis Yes No No
Financial Reporting Comprehensive Standard Advanced

As shown in the table above, PlanGuru stands out with its strong budgeting and forecasting features, QuickBooks integration, and breakeven analysis capabilities. These features give users a competitive edge in financial planning and analysis, making it a top choice for entrepreneurs who value financial sophistication in their business planning process.

PlanGuru simplifies financial reporting and analysis, giving entrepreneurs the tools they need to build a solid business plan based on accurate financial data.

StratPad

When it comes to business planning with project management tools, StratPad is an excellent choice. This unique software combines the essential elements of business planning with features that help entrepreneurs streamline their project management processes.

StratPad offers an unbeatable price, making it a cost-effective solution for startups and small businesses. With its user-friendly interface, even those new to business planning can easily navigate and utilize the software’s powerful tools.

One of the standout features of StratPad is its project management functionality. It allows users to create and manage tasks, set deadlines, and track progress, all within the same platform. This integration enables entrepreneurs to align their business goals with project milestones, ensuring efficient execution and delivery.

Additionally, StratPad offers customizable templates and financial forecasting tools, empowering entrepreneurs to create comprehensive and strategic business plans. The software assists in developing realistic financial projections, providing insights that can guide decision-making and secure funding.

In summary, StratPad is a powerful business plan software that offers project management tools at an affordable price. Its seamless integration of business planning and project management makes it an ideal choice for entrepreneurs who want to maximize their efficiency and effectively execute their business strategies.

Atlas Business Solutions Ultimate Business Planner 5.0

When it comes to business planning software, Atlas Business Solutions’ Ultimate Business Planner 5.0 stands out with its unique interview-based format. This user-friendly software simplifies the process of gathering the necessary data for a comprehensive business plan. By conducting an interview-style questionnaire, Ultimate Business Planner 5.0 ensures that entrepreneurs cover all the essential aspects of their business.

One of the standout features of this software is its useful graphics. With visually appealing charts and graphs, entrepreneurs can easily analyze their financial projections and identify key trends and insights. These graphics provide a clear visualization of the business plan, making it easier to present and understand the data. For those who prefer a more visual approach to business planning, Ultimate Business Planner 5.0 delivers.

Although this software offers numerous benefits, it’s worth noting that it does require a high degree of manual input and spreadsheet work. While some entrepreneurs may see this as a drawback, others appreciate the additional control and customization that comes with it. It’s important to consider your preferences and priorities when choosing a business planning tool.

Sample Business Plan Template

Ultimate Business Planner 5.0 provides entrepreneurs with sample business plans as a starting point. These templates offer guidance and inspiration for structuring and content creation. Whether you’re just starting out or need some fresh ideas, these sample plans can serve as valuable resources.

Pros Cons
Interview-based format simplifies the business planning process Requires a high degree of manual input and spreadsheet work
Useful graphics provide clear visualizations of financial data May not be suitable for those seeking a more automated solution
Sample business plans offer guidance and inspiration

Enloop

Enloop is a great choice for entrepreneurs looking to create a business plan quickly. With its user-friendly interface and streamlined features, Enloop allows you to get your business plan up and running in no time.

One of the standout features of Enloop is its plenty of customization options. You can easily tailor your business plan to suit your specific needs, whether you’re in the tech industry or the food and beverage sector. Enloop offers various templates and sections that you can modify, ensuring that your business plan reflects your unique vision and goals.

Enloop also excels in automating variable data, saving you time and effort. The software automatically generates financial projections based on the information you input, giving you the ability to analyze your business’s potential with ease. You can focus on refining your business strategy without worrying about manual number crunching.

However, it’s worth noting that Enloop lacks some guidance for important elements such as entering required fields, which may be a downside for beginners. While the ease of use and customization options make it ideal for entrepreneurs with relatively simple planning needs, those who are new to business planning may benefit from additional guidance throughout the process.

Enloop offers entrepreneurs the ability to create a business plan quickly while providing plenty of customization options. It’s a user-friendly tool that allows you to streamline the planning process, but beginners may require more guidance.

Overall, Enloop is a solid choice for entrepreneurs who need to create a business plan swiftly and want flexibility in tailoring their plan to their specific business. Its user-friendly interface, extensive customization options, and automation of variable data make it an excellent tool for entrepreneurs with relatively straightforward planning needs.

Pros Cons
Quick and efficient business plan creation Lacks guidance for beginners
Plenty of customization options
Automates variable data

While Enloop may not be the ideal choice for those new to business planning, its speed and customization options make it a valuable tool for entrepreneurs with straightforward planning needs. Create your business plan quickly and efficiently with Enloop.

NetEkspert iPlanner.NET

Looking for a simple and easy-to-use business plan software? Look no further than NetEkspert’s iPlanner.NET. With its intuitive interface and user-friendly features, iPlanner.NET is the perfect choice for entrepreneurs with basic planning needs.

One of the standout features of iPlanner.NET is its international, multilingual approach. This means that you can create your business plan in multiple languages, making it easier to communicate your ideas to a global audience. Additionally, the software allows you to choose from various currencies, ensuring that your financial projections are accurate and relevant.

iPlanner.NET offers a variety of easy-to-use templates that you can customize to suit your business needs. Whether you’re starting a small business or launching a new product, these templates provide a solid foundation for creating a comprehensive and professional business plan. Simply input your information, and iPlanner.NET will take care of the formatting and organization.

However, it’s worth noting that iPlanner.NET does have a limited set of options and flexibility. While it’s perfect for entrepreneurs with basic planning needs, it may not be suitable for more complex business plans that require advanced features or extensive customization.

Key Features of NetEkspert iPlanner.NET

  • Easy-to-use interface and intuitive features
  • International, multilingual approach for global communication
  • Wide selection of customizable templates
  • Option to choose from various currencies for accurate financial projections

Customer Reviews

“The iPlanner.NET software made it incredibly easy for me to create a professional business plan. The templates were a lifesaver, and the ability to choose different currencies was a bonus. Highly recommended!”

– Sarah Thompson, Founder of Thompson’s Boutique

“As someone who is new to business planning, iPlanner.NET was exactly what I needed. It guided me through the process step by step, and the multilingual features allowed me to easily present my business plan to international partners. I couldn’t be happier with the results!”

– Jack Chen, CEO of Chen Enterprises

NetEkspert iPlanner.NET

In summary, if you’re looking for a user-friendly business plan software with an international, multilingual approach, NetEkspert iPlanner.NET is an excellent choice. With its easy-to-use templates and ability to choose from various currencies, it’s perfect for entrepreneurs with basic planning needs. Get started today and create a winning business plan with iPlanner.NET.

The Business Plan Shop

The Business Plan Shop is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs seeking customizable business plan elements. This software offers ample opportunities to tailor various aspects of a business plan to suit specific needs. With a focus on structure and customization, The Business Plan Shop empowers users to create unique and personalized business plans.

When using The Business Plan Shop, entrepreneurs have the opportunity to customize different elements of their business plan, including sections, financial projections, and market analysis. This flexibility allows for a more tailored and accurate representation of the business’s goals and strategy.

However, it is important to note that The Business Plan Shop’s primary strength lies in its customization features, rather than its guidance and inspiration. Entrepreneurs who already have a clear vision of what they want to include in their business plan will benefit greatly from the flexibility and customization options offered by The Business Plan Shop.

Overall, The Business Plan Shop is an ideal tool for entrepreneurs who prefer a hands-on approach to their business planning and have a solid understanding of the content they want to include. With its customizable elements, The Business Plan Shop provides the opportunity to create a unique and personalized business plan that aligns with specific goals and objectives.

Take advantage of The Business Plan Shop’s customizable features and create a business plan that truly reflects your vision and strategy.

Key Features and Benefits of The Business Plan Shop:

  • Customizable sections and templates
  • Flexible financial projections
  • The opportunity to tailor market analysis
  • User-friendly interface
  • Personalized business planning experience

Buying Guide: The Best Business Plan Software

Welcome to the buying guide for the best business plan software. In this comprehensive overview, I will compare features, pricing, ease of use, and other factors to help you choose the right tool for your business planning needs. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, selecting the best business plan software is crucial for crafting a winning strategy.

Choosing the Right Business Plan Software

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect business plan software. To make the selection process easier, consider the following factors:

  • Features: Look for software that offers a range of useful features, such as financial forecasting, collaboration tools, and customizable templates. Consider your specific needs and ensure that the software provides the necessary tools to create a comprehensive business plan.
  • Pricing: Evaluate the pricing models of different software options. Some offer a one-time purchase, while others have subscription-based pricing. Determine which pricing structure aligns with your budget and long-term needs.
  • Ease of Use: User-friendly software can save you time and frustration. Look for intuitive interfaces, helpful tutorials, and customer support to ensure a smooth experience.

The Best Business Plan Software Options

To help you get started, here is a table summarizing the top business plan software options:

Software Features Pricing Ease of Use
Palo Alto Software LivePlan Customizable templates, financial forecasting tools Subscription-based Moderate learning curve
Tarkenton GoSmallBiz Easy-to-use, built-in advice modules Subscription-based User-friendly
EquityNet Connect entrepreneurs with investors Subscription-based Specialized for startups
PlanGuru Financial reporting tools, strong budgeting and forecasting features One-time purchase Financially sophisticated

Remember, this table is just a starting point in your decision-making process. Each software option has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s essential to thoroughly evaluate them based on your specific requirements.

“The best business plan software is the one that aligns with your unique business needs and helps you create a compelling roadmap for success.”

By following this guide and considering the factors outlined above, you’ll be able to find the perfect business plan software to suit your requirements. Craft a winning strategy and take your business to new heights with the right tool by your side!

Benefits of Business Plan Software

Business plan software offers numerous benefits for entrepreneurs. It helps automate processes, such as financial calculations and data syncing, making the business planning process more efficient. Additionally, it helps entrepreneurs organize and prioritize their goals, providing a clear roadmap for their business.

With the ability to automate processes, business plan software eliminates the need for manual calculations and data entry. This saves time and reduces the risk of human error, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on other critical aspects of their business. By streamlining these processes, software solutions enable entrepreneurs to create accurate and professional business plans without the hassle.

Moreover, business plan software helps entrepreneurs organize and prioritize their goals. The software typically includes features like scorecards, roadmapping tools, and performance dashboards, allowing users to track their progress and make informed decisions. By having a structured approach, entrepreneurs can better align their actions with their objectives, ensuring that they stay on track and achieve their desired outcomes.

How to Choose a Business Plan Software

Choosing the right business plan software requires careful consideration of several factors. When deciding on the best software for your needs, it’s important to consider the features, cost, and ease of use. By evaluating these aspects, you’ll be able to find the perfect business plan software that aligns with your goals and budget.

Features to Look For

When selecting a business plan software, it’s crucial to assess the features it offers. Look for software that provides:

  • Financial Forecasting: A robust financial forecasting tool that helps you project and analyze revenue, expenses, and cash flow.
  • Collaboration Tools: The ability to collaborate with team members, share documents, and gather feedback to ensure everyone is on the same page.
  • Customizable Templates: A variety of customizable templates tailored to different industries and business types, allowing you to save time and create a professional-looking plan.
  • Integration: Compatibility with other software applications, such as accounting tools or project management platforms, to streamline your business processes.
  • Reporting and Analysis: Built-in reporting and analysis features that enable you to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), track progress, and make data-driven decisions.

Cost and Ease of Use

Consider the cost and ease of use when selecting a business plan software:

  • Cost: Evaluate the pricing structure of the software and ensure it fits within your budget. Consider whether the software offers a one-time purchase, monthly subscription, or annual subscription, and determine which option is most cost-effective for your business.
  • Ease of Use: Look for software that is intuitive and user-friendly, even for those who may not have extensive technical expertise. A user-friendly interface and clear navigation will save you time and frustration.

By taking into account the features, cost, and ease of use, you’ll be able to choose a business plan software that meets your specific needs and enables you to create a compelling and comprehensive business plan.

Features Cost Ease of Use
Financial Forecasting Varies Varies
Collaboration Tools Varies Varies
Customizable Templates Varies Varies
Integration Varies Varies
Reporting and Analysis Varies Varies

Table: Comparison of Features, Cost, and Ease of Use

When comparing different business plan software options, take the time to evaluate each software’s unique features, overall cost, and ease of use. By doing so, you’ll be able to find the perfect software that empowers you to create a comprehensive and successful business plan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the top business plan software options provide a powerful set of tools and features to assist entrepreneurs in creating comprehensive and successful business plans. These software solutions, such as Palo Alto Software LivePlan, Tarkenton GoSmallBiz, EquityNet, PlanGuru, StratPad, Atlas Business Solutions Ultimate Business Planner 5.0, Enloop, NetEkspert iPlanner.NET, and The Business Plan Shop, offer a range of functionalities like customizable templates, financial forecasting, project management, and more.

By following the buying guide and considering your specific needs, you can choose the best business plan software that aligns with your goals and preferences. Whether you’re a startup or an established enterprise, these top-rated business plan software solutions will streamline the planning process, save you time and effort, and help you formulate a winning strategy for your business.

Don’t wait any longer! Start utilizing these top business plan software tools today and take your business to new heights.

FAQ

What is the best business plan software available in 2024?

The best business plan software options in 2024 include LivePlan, Tarkenton GoSmallBiz, EquityNet, PlanGuru, StratPad, Atlas Business Solutions Ultimate Business Planner 5.0, Enloop, NetEkspert iPlanner.NET, and The Business Plan Shop.

What are the key features of LivePlan?

LivePlan offers a wide range of customizable features, including a cloud-based interface, extensive help and learning resources, easy fiscal year customization, financial chart exports, and data anomaly highlighting.

How user-friendly is Tarkenton GoSmallBiz?

Tarkenton GoSmallBiz is highly configurable and user-friendly, offering built-in advice modules, the ability to generate financial statements without external software, and a focus on mentoring and business advice.

What is the main focus of EquityNet?

EquityNet focuses on connecting entrepreneurs with investors through its unique platform, making it an excellent option for startups seeking funding and investor connections.

Is PlanGuru more of a financial reporting tool or a business plan creator?

PlanGuru is primarily a financial reporting tool but does provide strong budgeting and forecasting features, integration with QuickBooks, and breakeven analysis, making it a valuable tool for financial calculations in a business plan.

What makes StratPad stand out among other business plan software options?

StratPad combines business planning with project management tools, offering an unbeatable price and added project management features, making it a great starting point for entrepreneurs who need help with organizing and managing their business plan.

What is the approach of Atlas Business Solutions Ultimate Business Planner 5.0?

Atlas Business Solutions Ultimate Business Planner 5.0 uses an interview-based format and offers useful graphics and sample business plans, making it a great starting point for entrepreneurs. It does require manual input and spreadsheet work, which may be a drawback for those seeking a more automated solution.

How rapidly can Enloop help entrepreneurs create a business plan?

Enloop allows entrepreneurs to create a business plan quickly with plenty of customization options, although it may lack guidance for beginners entering required fields.

What are the key features of NetEkspert iPlanner.NET?

NetEkspert iPlanner.NET is an easy-to-use business plan software with a multilingual approach, offering a variety of templates and the ability to choose from various currencies.

What is the focus of The Business Plan Shop?

The Business Plan Shop provides a customizable business plan writing aid, allowing users to customize various elements of a plan. However, it may not offer much guidance or inspiration for what to include and is more suitable for entrepreneurs who already know what they want to say.

How can a buying guide help entrepreneurs choose the best business plan software?

A buying guide provides a comprehensive overview of various business plan software options, comparing features, pricing, ease of use, and other factors to help entrepreneurs make an informed decision.

What are the benefits of using business plan software?

Business plan software helps automate processes, such as financial calculations and data syncing, making the planning process more efficient. It also helps entrepreneurs organize and prioritize goals, creating a clear roadmap for their business.

What factors should be considered when choosing business plan software?

When choosing business plan software, entrepreneurs should consider features that meet their needs, such as financial forecasting, collaboration tools, and customizable templates. Cost and ease of use are also crucial factors to ensure the software fits within the budget and is user-friendly.

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