Best business plan software of 2024

For planning your business finance

Best overall

Best budget, best established, best for speed.

  • How we test

The best business plan software makes it simple and easy to plan your business finances in order to present them to a bank or investors.

Business Plan

1. Best overall 2. Best budget 3. Best basic 4. Best established 5. Best for speed 6. FAQs 7. How we test

The whole point of a business plan is that it allows you to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, not least via your Unique Selling Point (USP) ,and make product or service comparisons with competitors.

Of course, even the best business plan relies on estimates and guesstimates, as it's impossible to predict market changes, developments, and future performance under such conditions. 

Ultimately, though, a business plan will demonstratively prove why your business is a solid enough investment to risk putting money into, and shows that you have properly and thoroughly researched your market, and details the real potential of a new business opportunities.

Here then are the best business plan software providers currently available.

You may also be interested in our featured business guides on best business laptops , best business computers and best business smartphones .

The best business plan software of 2024 in fill:

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Website screenshot for Bizplan

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

Bizplan is the online business planning tool that claims usage of 30,000 startup founders from the Startups.co platform. They use a guided creator that can break the big project down into the component pieces that get tracked with a Progress Tracker, and expert guidance each step of the way including templates that can be dropped in, and completed, along with simple integration of visuals along the way.

Additional resources are also provided via the Bizplan Academy, with lessons on relevant topics, for example, “Building a Brand: How to Tell a Powerful Brand Story,” and “Critical Path Your Way to Higher Revenues,” among the many offerings. Those that need even more assistance also can take advantage of an expert consultation from a financial expert.

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Website screenshot for PlanGuru

2. PlanGuru

PlanGuru is a comprehensive, and powerful software package in the business planning space. Education is provided via a series of case studies at their PlanGuru University and a whole slew of video tutorials.

The feature set includes flexible budgeting that can handle a simple small business, or a larger multi-department operating budget, and financial forecasting that uses multiple methods, including intelligent and turn-key methods - twenty methods in total. Historical results can also be imported with the general ledger import utility which can then applied to produce a rolling forecast. They also offer PlanGuru Launch, a service to bring in expertise and is charged per hour of assistance.

A significant downside is Planguru charges a higher cost than other software options. The cheapest option is around $75 per month for one business entity when billed annually. While there is no free trial, PlanGuru does offer a 30 day money back guarantee. 

Website screenshot for Enloop

Our expert review:

Enloop is a great choice for business planning software for the cash strapped business as it is the rare offering that has a free tier. Step up up to the next tier, and this is no barebones product, as it has over 100 currency symbols, can automatically generate bank-ready financial reports, and even has automated text writing that can sync with financial data to turn it into text. There is also a real time performance score assigned, that dynamically changes as the business plan is strengthened.  

The plans start with the Free tier, which is limited to a single business plan with simple text, no images, and does not offer any advanced features. The next plan up is the Detailed plan, that supports three business plans, and offers a significant 55% discount when paid annually, making it even better value. This plan costs around $20 per month. For a more comprehensive package you can buy the Performance plan costing around $40 per month.

Read our full Enloop business plan software review .

Website screenshot for LivePlan

4. LivePlan

LivePlan is business planning software that offers a simple pricing scheme as there is only a single plan to choose from. As they have a 15+ year track record, they offer a clean and simple interface, that can create business plans that look like they were done by an expert consultant, and the software includes a live dashboard that can track day-to-day performance. Those with writer’s block will benefit from the over 500 included sample plans that can be turned to for inspiration.  

Rather than complicate things with too many tiers to choose from, LivePlan only has a single plan which can be paid for monthly or annually.

Website screenshot for Business Sorter

5. Business Sorter

Business Sorter promises to simplify and speed up business planning and claims to be able to flesh out a plan in an hour or two, via a novel 273 card sort system that covers many common situations.

The ability to reword cards is included, or also to add cards to the already expansive deck, so no worries if there is not a pre-made card for your situation. Unlike some sites that have videos, the educational resources here are provided as PDFs and Word files, which can be quicker to access, but harder to follow for some learners. 

The lowest tier plan, Basic is fully featured, and includes up to three team leaders. 

Read our full Business Sorter review .

Other business plan software to consider

We've only covered some of the most popular business plan software platforms out there, but there are a number of other notables worth mentioning, plus a wide variety of providers of business plan templates. Below we'll briefly cover a range of some of the additional options out there that are worth considering to get your business plan right.

Go Business Plans is more of a consultancy than a software solution, but is worth mentioning for the simple fact that it's one of America's biggest business plan companies. While software might be able to do the job for you, if you're looking for significant funding, it's probably useful to get some professional advice, not least in terms of strategic planning, feasibility studies, and financial projections to ensure you have a solid base for your business plan.

Wise Business Plans provides a very wide range of templates to work from in constructing a business plan. These are particularly designed with funding in mind, no matter what kind of business you run. What is especially helpful is that Wise doesn’t simply deal with business plan templates for a diverse range of business types, the company also provides plan templates for franchises and non-profits.

Plan Writers  is another bespoke service that essentially listens to what you want and then puts the plan together for you. Again, this technically falls outside of business plan "software", but the chances are you'll use a software package as a platform to build from, and Plan Writers can then help you build up from that base.

Bplans is another provider of business plan templates, but goes beyond that with additional pitch and SWOT analysis templates. There are also business plan guides, industry reports, and a free course on writing a business plan. Bplans also publishes a lot of free-to-use articles on business planning, financials, and tax reporting, to help ensure you can keep your figures and projections accurate and compliant.

We've also listed the best free software for small business .

A business plan is essentially your roadmap to profitability from an initial investment. Whether it's your own money, or a loan from a bank, it's still a good idea to set up a business plan for yourself.

Main things to look to are a SWOT analysis to provide an idea of your business idea's strengths and weaknesses, as well as identify a unique selling point (USP) that will give your business an edge.

While business plans inevitably demand the use of figures, and while these can be impossible to be accurate with, at least by making intelligent guesses you can set yourself targets to work towards.

That's another common feature of a plan, so that specific periods you can review your business progress and make adjustments to your plan as required. This allows you to use real figures for your projections, allowing you to better plan ahead.

Which business plan software is best for you?

When deciding which business plan software to use, first consider what your actual needs are, as sometimes free platforms may only provide basic options, so if you need to use advanced tools you may find a paid platform is much more worthwhile. Additionally, free and budget software options can sometimes prove limited when it comes to the variety of tools available, while higher-end software can really cater for every need, so do ensure you have a good idea of which features you think you may require.

How we tested the best business plan software

To test for the best business plan software we first set up an account with the relevant software platform, whether as a download or as an online service. We then tested the service to see how the software could be used for different purposes and in different situations. The aim was to push each business plan software platform to see how useful its basic tools were and also how easy it was to get to grips with any more advanced tools.

Read how we test, rate, and review products on TechRadar .

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Home > Business > Business Startup

  • 5 Best Business Plan Software and Tools in 2023 for Your Small Business

4.5 out of 5 stars

Data as of 3 /13/23 . Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Chloe Goodshore

We are committed to sharing unbiased reviews. Some of the links on our site are from our partners who compensate us. Read our editorial guidelines and advertising disclosure .

A business plan can do a lot for your business. It can help you secure investors or other funding. It can give your company direction. It can keep your finances healthy. But, if we’re being honest, it can also be a pain to write.

Luckily, you don’t have to start from scratch or go it alone. Business plan software and services can help you craft a professional business plan, like our top choice LivePlan , which provides templates, guidance, and more.

You’ve got quite a few choices for business plan help, so we’re here to help you narrow things down. Let’s talk about the best business plan tools out there.

  • LivePlan : Best overall
  • BizPlanBuilder : Most user-friendly
  • Wise Business Plans : Best professional service
  • Business Sorter : Best for internal plans
  • GoSmallBiz.com : Most extra features
  • Honorable mentions

Business plan software 101

The takeaway, business plan software faq, compare the best business plan software.

Cloud-based software $12.00/mo. 60-day money back guarantee

Windows app and cloud-based software $20.75/mo. 60-day money back guarantee

Professional service Custom quote N/A

Cloud-based software $10.00/mo. 14 days

Cloud-based software $39.00/mo. N/A

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LivePlan: Best overall business plan software

Data as of 3 /13/23 . Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *With annual billing

LivePlan has been our favorite business plan software for a while now, despite the stiff competition.

There’s a lot to like about LivePlan. It has pretty much all the features you could want from your business plan software. LivePlan gives you step-by-step instructions for writing your plan, helps you create financial reports, lets you compare your business’s actual financials to your plan’s goals, and much more. And if you ever need inspiration, it includes hundreds of sample business plans that can guide your writing.

LivePlan software pricing

$12.00/mo.$15.00/mo.
$24.00/mo.$30.00/mo.

But the best part? You get all that (and more) at a very competitive price. (You can choose from annual, six-month, or monthly billing.) While LivePlan isn’t quite the cheapest business plan builder out there, it’s not too far off either. And if comes with a 60-day money back guarantee. So there’s no risk in trying LivePlan out for yourself.

With a great balance of features and cost, LivePlan offers the best business plan solution for most businesses.

BizPlanBuilder: Most user-friendly

Need something easy to use? BizPlanBuilder fits the bill.

BizPlanBuilder doesn’t have a flashy, modern user interface―but it does have a very clear, intuitive one. You’ll be able to see your plan’s overall structure at a glance, so you can quickly navigate from your title page to your market trend section to that paragraph on your core values. And as you write, you’ll use a text editor that looks a whole lot like the word processing programs you’re already familiar with.

BizPlanBuilder software pricing

$20.75/mo. $29.00/mo.$349.00

Data effective 3/13/23. At publishing time, amounts, rates, and requirements are current but are subject to change. Offers may not be available in all areas.

BizPlanBuilder also offers lots of helpful guidance for actually writing your plan. It gives you pre-written text, in which you just have to fill in relevant details. It offers explanations for what information you need to include in each section of your plan and way. It even gives you helpful tips from experts, so you’ll have all the information you need to plan like a pro.

So if you want planning software with almost no learning curve, you’ll like BizPlanBuilder.

Wise Business Plans: Best professional service

  • Custom quote

Unlike all the other companies on this list, Wise Business Plans doesn’t offer software. Instead, it offers professional business plan writing services―meaning someone does all the hard work for you.

Now, you might think that sounds expensive―and you’re probably right (you have to request a custom quote for your plan). But there’s a lot to be said for expertise, and Wise Business Plans has plenty of that. Your business plan will get written by an experienced writer (with an MBA, no less). They’ll get information from you, do their own research, and then write your plan. You get one free revision, and you can always pay for more.  

Wise Business Plans service pricing

N/AN/ACustom quote

Your end result will be a polished, entirely original business plan. (You can even get printed copies.) And best of all, you won’t have to spend your precious time working on the plan yourself. Wise Business Plans takes care of all the hard parts, and makes your business look good while doing it. Sounds like a service worth paying for, right?

Put simply, if you want the most professional business plan possible, we recommend using Wise Business Plans’s writing service.

Business Sorter: Best for internal plans

Many businesses need plans to show to people outside the company (to get financing, for example). But what if you just need a plan for internal use? In that case, we suggest Business Sorter.

Business Sorter uses a unique card-based method to help you craft the perfect business plan. (You can watch a demo video to see how it works.) You’ll plan some of the usual things, like finances and marketing. But Business Sorter also lets you make plans for specific teams and team members. It also emphasizes more internal matters, like operations, that might get overlooked in a business plan for outsiders.

Business Sorter software pricing

$10.00/mo.$80.00/yr.
$30.00/mo.$240.00/yr.
$80.00/mo.$640.00/yr.
Custom pricingCustom pricing

After you’ve made your business plan, Business Sorter also helps you stay accountable to it. You can create tasks, give them deadlines, and assign them to team members―giving you basic project management tools to make sure your business plans become business actions. (Oh, and did we mention that Business Sorter has the lowest starting prices of any software on this list?)

It all adds up to a business plan software that works great for internal planning.

GoSmallBiz: Most extra features

Want to get way more than just business planning software? Then you probably want GoSmallBiz.

See, GoSmallBiz offers business plan software as part of its service―but it’s just one part of a much bigger whole. You also get everything from discounts on legal services to a website builder to a CRM (customer relationship manager) to business document templates. And more. In other words, you get just about everything you need to get your startup off the ground.

GoSmallBiz software pricing

$39.00/mo.
$49.00/mo.
$199.00/mo.

Don’t worry though―you still get all the business planning help you need. GoSmallBiz gives you business plan templates, step-by-step instructions, and the ability to create financial projections. And if you get stuck, GoSmallBiz will put you in touch with experts who can offer advice.

If you want business planning and much, much more, give GoSmallBiz a try.

  • PlanGuru : Best financial forecasting
  • EnLoop : Cheapest tool for startups

We recommend the software above for most business planning needs. Some businesses, though, might be interested in these more specialized planning software.

Honorable mention software pricing

$899.00/yr. $99.00/mo. N/A

$11.00/mo.$19.95/mo. N/A

PlanGuru: Best financial forecasting features

Plan Guru

PlanGuru is pretty pricey compared to our other picks, but you might find its forecasting features worth paying for. It has more forecasting methods than other software (over 20) plus it lets you forecast up to 10 years.

EnLoop: Cheapest tool for startups

enloop logo

EnLoop doesn’t have our favorite features or interface, but it does have really, really low pricing plus a seven-day free trial. It's the most affordable software for startup business planning and still provides all the essential features like financial analysis, team collaboration, charting, and more.

Data as of 3 /13/23 . Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. * With annual billing

Several of our previous favorite planning software, including BusinessPlanPro and StratPad, seem to have gone out of business.

A business plan is a written, living document that tells the story of your business and what you plan to do with it. It serves as the source of truth for you—the business owner—as well as potential partners, employees, and investors, but it also serves as a roadmap of what you want your business to be.

Why you need a business plan

While some small-business owners don’t see the point of creating a formal business plan, it can have some concrete benefits for your business. For example, one 2016 study found that business owners with written plans are more successful than those that don’t. 1

Still too vague? Then let’s get specific.

If you ever seek business funding (from, say, banks, angel investors , or venture capitalists ), you’ll have to prove that your business deserves the money you want. A formal business plan―complete with financial data and projections―gives you a professional document you can use to make your case. (In fact, most potential investors will expect you to have a business plan ready.)

Even if you’re not seeking funding right now, a business plan can help your business. A formal plan can guide your business’s direction and decision making. It can keep your business accountable (by, for example, seeing if your business meets the financial projections you included). And a formal plan offers a great way to make sure your team stays on the same page.

What to include in your business plan

Not all business plans are created equal. To make a really useful business plan, you’ll want to include a number of elements:

  • Basic information about your business
  • Your products/services
  • Market and industry analysis
  • What makes your business competitive
  • Strategies and upcoming plans
  • Your team (and your team’s background)
  • Current financial status
  • Financial and market projections
  • Executive summary

Of course, you can include more or fewer elements―whatever makes sense for your business. Just make sure your business plan is comprehensive (but not overwhelming).

How business plan software can help

With so many elements to include, business plan creation can take a while. Business plan software tries to speed things up.

Most business plan software will include prompts for each section. In some cases, you can just fill in your business’s specific information, and the software will write the text for you. In other cases, the software will give you specific guidance and examples, helping you write the text yourself.

Plus, business plan software can help you stay organized. You’ll usually get intuitive menus that let you quickly flip through sections. So rather than endlessly scrolling through a long document in a word processor, you can quickly find your way around your plan. Some software even lets you drag and drop sections to reorganize your plan.

Sounds way easier than just staring at a blank page and trying to start from scratch, right?

Choosing business plan software

To find the right business plan builder for your business, you’ll want to compare features. For example, would you rather write your own text, getting prompts and advice from your software? Or would you rather go with a fill-in-the-blank method?

Likewise, think about the elements you need. If your plan will have a heavy focus on finances, you’ll want to choose business plan software with robust financial projection features. If you care more about market and competitor analysis, look for software that can help with that research.

You may also want to find business plan software that integrates with your business accounting software . Some plan builders will import data from Xero, QuickBooks, etc. to quickly generate your financial data and projections.

And of course, you’ll want to compare prices. After all, you always want to end up with software that fits your business budget.

The right business plan software can make your life easier. With LivePlan ’s wide breadth of features and online learning tools, you can’t go wrong. Plus, BizPlanBuilder 's one-time pricing makes it easy to invest while Business Sorter has a low starting cost. And if you're business is looking to grow, GoSmallBiz and Wise Business Plans will scale with you.

But of course, different companies have different needs. So shop around until you find the software that’s best for you and your business.

Now that you've got a business plan, take a look at our checklist for starting a small business.  It can help you make sure you have everything else you need to get your startup off to a good start!

Related content

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  • Best Project Management Software and Tools in 2023
  • 4 Cost Management Techniques for Small Businesses

Creating a business plan can take anywhere from a couple hours to several weeks. Your timeline will depend on things like the elements you choose to include, whether you use software or hire a writing service, and how much research goes into your plan.

That said, much of the business plan software out there brags that it can help you create a fairly detailed plan in a few hours. So if you’re going the software route, that can help you set your expectations.

If you want to get the most out of your business plan, you should update it on a regular basis―at least annually. That way, you can continually refer to it to inform your company’s strategies and direction.  

At the very least, you should update your business plan before you start looking for a new round of funding (whether that’s with investors or lenders).

Thanks to business plan software, you can easily write your own business plan rather than pay someone to do it for you. And in most cases, software will cost you less than a professional business plan service.

There are some times you might want to go with a service though. If time is tight, you might find that it’s worth the cost of a service. Or if you’ve got big investor meetings on the horizon, you might want the expertise and polish that a professional service can offer.

Ultimately, you’ll have to decide for yourself whether business plan software or a business plan service will work better for your company.

Methodology

We ranked business plan software and tools based on features, pricing and plans, and connections to project management and other services. The value of each plan and service, along with what it offers, was a big consideration in our rankings, and we looked to see if what was offered was useful to small businesses or just extra. The final thing we looked at was the ease of use of the software to see if it's too complex for small businesses.

At Business.org, our research is meant to offer general product and service recommendations. We don't guarantee that our suggestions will work best for each individual or business, so consider your unique needs when choosing products and services.

Sources 1. Harvard Business Review, “ Research: Writing a Business Plan Makes Your Startup More Likely to Succeed .” Accessed March 13, 2023.

Chloe Goodshore

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Disclaimer: The information featured in this article is based on our best estimates of pricing, package details, contract stipulations, and service available at the time of writing. All information is subject to change. Pricing will vary based on various factors, including, but not limited to, the customer’s location, package chosen, added features and equipment, the purchaser’s credit score, etc. For the most accurate information, please ask your customer service representative. Clarify all fees and contract details before signing a contract or finalizing your purchase.

Our mission is to help consumers make informed purchase decisions. While we strive to keep our reviews as unbiased as possible, we do receive affiliate compensation through some of our links. This can affect which services appear on our site and where we rank them. Our affiliate compensation allows us to maintain an ad-free website and provide a free service to our readers. For more information, please see our  Privacy Policy Page . |

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6 Best Business Plan Software Platforms (2024)

Read on for a list of our favorite software platforms for writing a business plan, plus advice on how to choose the right business plan software for your needs.

Business plan software

Every successful ecommerce business is supported by a foundation of solid business planning. A professional business plan sets the stage for your new business , acting as an internal and external roadmap for brand identity, financial planning, project management, and more.

Writing a business plan is an important and often difficult task for any entrepreneur or business owner. If you can't get your head around a business plan template , business planning software can help. If drafting a business plan from scratch sounds too daunting to tackle on your own, business plan software offers everything you need for business plan creation, including financial reports, sample business plans, how-to articles, and more.

Read on for a list of the best business plan software platforms, plus advice on how to choose the right business plan software for your needs.

6 best business plan software platforms for 2023

Affordable software with business plan templates and samples

LivePlan business plan software.png

  • Pricing : standard plan is $15/month; premium is $30/month; annual discounts available
  • Money-back guarantee : 60 days
  • Capterra rating : 4.5/5
  • G2 rating : 4.1/5
  • Integrations : QuickBooks, Xero, open API

One of the most affordable pieces of business plan software on this list, LivePlan allows users to create unlimited business plans and offers more than 500 sample business plans and pages to start with. Get step-by-step guidance on how to write your plan and use templates for different types of business plans, making it easy to tailor your plan to your needs.

LivePlan also offers a robust set of financial forecasting tools, helping you to convert financial data like cash flow statements into easy-to-read charts and graphs.

Business plan software for entrepreneurs who struggle with writing

Enloop business plan software.png

  • Pricing : 7-day free trial; detailed plan is $19.95/month; performance plan is $39.95/month; annual discounts available
  • Money-back guarantee : none, but no contracts are required
  • Capterra : 4/5
  • Integrations <: none

Enloop has many of the same features as other pieces of business plan software. It automatically syncs financial data and creates financial ratios. And when you write your plan, it assesses it and gives you a performance score, so you can improve it if needed. You can also add users for easy collaboration and sharing. Enloop is especially good if writing isn’t your strong suit, as you can plug in your metrics and let the software do the “writing” for you .

Business plan software for startups seeking investment

Bizplan business plan software.jpg

  • Pricing : $29/month; $349 lifetime access; annual discounts available
  • Money-back guarantee : 3 days
  • Capterra : 4.4/5
  • Integrations : Xero, QuickBooks

Bizplan is a business plan software that caters to small businesses and startups seeking external investment. The platform makes connecting with potential investors easy, and allows users to easily publish a business plan on Fundable, a popular crowdfunding platform.

Other standout features include drag-and-drop tools for creating business plan templates, access to self-guided business courses from Startups.com, and financial tools to help set salaries, forecast revenue, and track expenses.

Best business plan software for planning, forecasting, and scenario analysis

PlanGuru business plan software.png

  • Pricing : 3-day free trial available; app and desktop require separate subscriptions at $99/month each, plus $29/month per additional user; discounts available for annual billing
  • Money-back guarantee : 30 days
  • Capterra : 4.2/5
  • Integrations : Xero, QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel

If the focus of your business plan is your business’s financial picture and potential, PlanGuru is an excellent option. In addition to offering most of the basic business plan software features you’d expect, PlanGuru offers tools for budgeting, financial forecasts and reports , strategic planning, and scenario analysis.

While PlanGuru supports additional users, each user also comes with an additional monthly fee of $29/month .

Best contract-free business plan software for new businesses

GoSmallBiz business plan software.png

  • Pricing : plans start at $15/month; Go service plan for $199/year; Guide service plan for $49/month; Grow service plan for $39/month; additional one-time services and recurring subscriptions available
  • Capterra : n/a
  • Integrations : MailChimp

While it may not have the longest list of business planning features, GoSmallBiz’s solution is part of a larger business continuity planning software platform that includes tools for everything from human resource management to tax payments. GoBizPlan also offers industry-specific business plan templates to kickstart your business plan creation. This is especially helpful if your business idea is destined for a specific vertical market .

GoSmallBiz users can create financial statements and projections for multiple years, including income statements , cash flow statements , and balance sheets . Finally, GoSmallBiz offers step-by-step guidance, prompts, and tutorials to help users get the most out of the platform .

Business plan software with the option to get help from professionals

PlanBuildr business plan software.png

  • Pricing : free trial available; annual subscriptions available; PlanBuildr uses a custom pricing model; rates aren’t readily available on its website, but one landing page prices the business plan software at $3,500
  • Money-back guarantee : none, but subscription may be canceled anytime within the first 30 days
  • Integrations : various across accounting, CRM, and marketing tools

PlanBuildr is another user-friendly business plan software for people who aren’t as confident with the writing process. This software uses a fill-in-the-blank business plan creator to help you quickly build a simple but solid business plan. PlanBuildr also offers extensive financial reports and features, including charts and graphs and the ability to create various financial projections.

PlanBuildr has 10 business plan designs to choose from, and you can also hire PlanBuildr for additional business plan writing services .

Why use business plan software?

Entrepreneurs use business plan software to guide them through the process of turning a business idea into a complete business model. Only a select group of small business owners go into business for writing—the rest have stronger skills elsewhere. Business plan software can offer the exact support you need to get the wording, structure, and presentation just right.

Likewise, not every entrepreneur is good with numbers. Business plan software can help with financial forecasting by making sense of your cash flow and other financial data. Some software will even automatically generate financial statements for you, making it easier for you and your audience to understand the numbers.

Many business plan tools also offer a range of business plan templates . It’s almost always easier to follow a template or business plan example than to start with a blank page. Writing a business plan is a lot less intimidating this way. Plus, business plan templates can function as a checklist, ensuring that you don’t omit any important sections or information .

How to choose your business plan software

While most business planning software can accomplish the same end goal, each has its own pros and cons, depending on your needs. The best business plan software for you may be different than the best option for your fellow business owners. When shopping for business plan software, consider the following:

  • Budget . Perhaps most obvious, the business plan software you choose needs to fit within your budget. Basic business plan tools may not have all the functionality you’re looking for, but more advanced features typically mean a higher price tag.
  • Collaboration . If you’re collaborating on your business plan with a fellow founder, an accountant, or legal counsel, you’ll want a business plan tool that supports multiple team members. Some software also allow you to add users as viewers, which can be helpful for distributing the plan to shareholders, lenders, or potential investors, for example.
  • Financial reporting . If business financials and reporting are important to you, choose business plan software that excels in this area. Look for business planning tools that offer financial forecasting features beyond basic data reporting, including marketing and performance reports and data visualization through charts and graphs. If you need more extensive financial tools, consider investing in accounting software .
  • Interface . Every tool you use in your business needs to have an interface that’s easy to navigate. Choosing business planning software with a steep learning curve or difficult-to-navigate interface may make the process of creating a business plan more frustrating than it needs to be.
  • Templates . One of the greatest advantages to using business plan software is access to business plan templates and examples. The best business plan software options offer a range of templates, enabling you to create business plans for multiple audiences and different contexts.
  • Software integrations . If you have a tightly connected tech stack, it would behoove you to find a business plan software that can integrate seamlessly with other popular business tools, including Microsoft Office and popular platforms for marketing and accounting.
  • Support. If you run into trouble with your business planning software, a great support team or library of business resources can help you get back on track. As a bonus, most business plan software providers also offer online learning tools to help you maximize your results, including video tutorials and built-in advice modules

Business plan software FAQ

What is the best software to write a business plan, what are the 4 types of business plans.

  • Startup business plan
  • One-page business plan
  • Internal business plan
  • Strategic business plan

Is there a template for a business plan?

Do i need a business plan to start a small business.

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Business Plan Software

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68 products

Aha!

Aha! is the world's #1 product development software. We help more than 1 million product builders bring their strategy to life. Our suite of tools includes Aha! Roadmaps, Aha! Ideas, Aha! Whiteboards, Aha! Knowledge, and Aha!... Learn more

Jira

Jira Software is a business process management tool used by agile teams to plan, track and release software. Jira Software supports Scrum, Kanban, a hybrid model or another unique workflow. Jira enables users to create project... Learn more

Smartsheet

Smartsheet is a work execution platform and collaboration tool with a familiar spreadsheet-like interface that helps teams plan, track, and manage projects in real-time. Smartsheet features include a range of project management... Learn more

Xero

All small and medium sized businesses get 75% off for 6 months. Xero is a global small business platform with 3.95 million subscribers which includes core accounting, payroll, workforce management, expenses and projects. Xero... Learn more

Wrike

Wrike is a cloud-based project management platform for teams of 20+ that is suitable for both large enterprises and SMBs. It supports remote work for various teams. This solution comes with Gantt charts, calendars, workload view... Learn more

Kajabi

Kajabi is an all-in-one business platform designed to help organizations build websites and landing pages, streamline payments and marketing automation, and more. Key features include marketing emails, ready-to-use templates,... Learn more

Productboard

Productboard is the customer-driven product management system that empowers teams to get the right products to market, faster. It provides a complete solution for product teams to understand user needs, prioritize what to build... Learn more

LivePlan

LivePlan supports entrepreneurs and small-to-medium sized business in planning, funding, and growing their business. Creating a dynamic business plan is easy in LivePlan. Step-by-step guidance, examples, and expert support help... Learn more

STRATWs ONE

STRATWs ONE is a cloud-based solution that provides businesses with tools to manage projects and track organizational performance on a centralized platform. Professionals can create action plans, monitor the due dates of tasks... Learn more

Business Base

Business Base is business management software with a focus on making it easier for businesses to set, measure, and execute on their goals while also supporting their day-to-day operations. The platform's clean, rigid, and... Learn more

Upmetrics

Upmetrics is a cloud-based and AI-enabled business planning software that helps small businesses manage growth strategies. The tool helps entrepreneurs generate text and rewrite and adjust the tone of the content. It offers... Learn more

IdeaBuddy

IdeaBuddy is a cloud-based business process management software that helps businesses in accounting, nonprofit, finance, IT, computer software, and other industries create business plans, collaborate with team members, and... Learn more

ClearPoint Strategy

ClearPoint, the world’s first integrated strategy reporting system, makes it easy to keep teams throughout your organization focused on the activities and metrics that matter most in achieving overall organizational goals. ClearP... Learn more

ProAI

ProAI generates tailored business plans, pitch decks, market research, and more in a matter of minutes. ProAI understands that every business is unique, which is why this solution leverages advanced AI and proprietary data to... Learn more

Intecplan

Intecplan is a business plan software. It generates the financial projection by economic sector, with values obtained from Census Economic Surveys and economical sites. This software includes an online manual with samples, cases,... Learn more

Valutico

Valutico helps users generate business valuations by powering a forecasting, peers selection, and comparable transactions analysis process on a SaaS platform delivering expert-grade results. Learn more

Klyck

Klyck is your ultimate solution for organizing, finding, sharing, and measuring content. With Klyck, you can centralize your team's knowledge, providing quick and easy access to all your files, ideas, processes, best practices... Learn more

AchieveIt

AchieveIt is a cloud-based solution designed to help medium to large organizations in healthcare, government, utilities, enterprise, education, and more organize and integrate multiple plans, progress updates, and reports in a... Learn more

Causal

Causal is a business planning platform built for number-crunching, financial modeling, business planning or anything involving calculations. It includes live data integrations (accounting systems, CRMs, etc), and interactive... Learn more

Workee

Freelance business is easy with Workee! Meet your simplest website builder, and automate freelancer business all in one place. Workee is a software that already helps 6,000 freelancers and professionals to manage their... Learn more

Rhythm

The Rhythm platform delivers actionable insights that inform the best decisions and help teams see exactly what they need to do next. It enables high-growth companies to execute and reach their strategic growth goals. Users can... Learn more

Vistaly

Vistaly is a cloud-based application designed for business use, providing a platform to create connections between business metrics and opportunities on a visual map. Vistaly integrates data from other sources to enable users to... Learn more

Actio

Actio is a business management solution, which assists organizations with risk mitigation, action tracking, strategic planning and budgeting, among other processes. Professionals can schedule meetings, manage key performance... Learn more

Vizologi

Vizologi inspires you to develop brainstorming ideas, provides access to analyze competence, markets, and trends, and is a builder to create unique and creative business plans for your startup. It combines the simplicity of the... Learn more

Maus

Maus is strategic planning software that integrates financial analysis, business valuation, and exit planning tools. The software caters to business owners, managers, advisors, and consultants who want to improve business... Learn more

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Plannit AI

How it Works

Step 1

Start With Your Idea

Craft Your Vision: Jumpstart your business journey with a brief description of your business. Acknowledge your business type and let us seamlessly transform it into a meticulously structured plan.

Step 1

Series Of Guided Questions

Easily navigate through each section with Plannit's step-by-step guidance. Enter your own detailed solutions or leverage with AI-generated content and receive helpful prompts and ideas along the way. Plannit's AI capabilities provide insightful and precise content for market analysis, financial projections, marketing strategies, sales plan and more.

Step 1

Collaborate With Your Partners

Bring your team over! PlannitAI provides a dedicated space where you can invite team members to view, shape and refine your online business plan. With or without the help of our AI model You can reword, rephrase, prolong and shorten sections to your liking. Collaborate in real-time to ensure your business strategy benefits from diverse insights and expertise, leading to a well-rounded and robust plan.

Step 1

Present With Confidence

With a polished, expertly crafted plan in hand, You have already won half the battle. Confidently present business strategy to investors, stakeholders, or financial institutions. Start your journey with Plannit AI and transform your vision into a reality, creating a pathway for that entrepreneur life.

Try Plannit AI Today

Who can benefit from plannit.

Entrepreneurs

Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Analyze your ventures through extensive business plans aligned with your vision and goals.

Owners

Business Owners

Back your business with a solid plan that aligns with your objectives. Perfect for small businesses.

Students

Educational Institutions

Develop your business understanding and vocabulary by analyzing your business idea and creating a plan.

Startups

Startups Accelerators

Work alongside your founders as they build their plan to ensure they have a solid roadmap for scalability.

Funding Ready Business Plan

Executive summary, company overview.

Problem Statement

Business Description

Mission Statement

Business Model

Products and Services

Additional Features

Revenue Model

Market Analysis

Target Market

Market Size and Segments

Unique Value Proposition

Risks and Mitigations

Identified Risks

Mitigation Strategies

Financial Overview

Income Statement

Marketing and Sales Plan

Focus On Your Vision

Language support.

USA

Key Features & Benefits

Ai editing companion.

Modify and regenerate sections of your business plan using premade or custom prompts. Our AI will help you refine your plan to perfection.

Multi-User Collaboration

Invite team members with easy sharing to collaborate on your business plan in real-time. Communicate and make changes together. Collaborate with your partners in real-time as you perfect your plan.

Education Center

Immerse yourself in a rich library of articles, tools, templates, webinars and resources for continuous business and professional growth. Learn all about the key aspects of starting, running and growing a business.

Powered by Chat GPT

Our algorithms are powered the latest in AI technology to ensure the most accurate and relevant output. We use OpenAI's GPT 4o and 4o-mini engines for the perfect blend of accuracy and speed.

Business Resources

We recommend a variety of useful tools and resurces that help sustain your growth. We only recommend the best in the business. Filter your needs and equip yourself with the best tools.

Your plan in your language. We offer a choice of over 150 worldwide languages to ensure the best fit for your business plan.

Financial Projections

Take an additional questionnaire about your financial trajectory and get a detailed financial projection + 3 year income statement for your business.

Tools and Templates

Plannit's comprehensive suite that accompany business planning. From pitch decks to financial models, we have you covered.

Plan Export

Download your business plan in an editable .docx format. Fully edit & share your plan with investors, partners, and stakeholders.

Plannit Business Ecosystem

Business Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Initiate with Your Business Concept: Lay the Groundwork: Start by introducing your business idea into Plannit AI's Business Plan Generator. This first step is crucial, as it sets the tone for a tailored, insightful business plan that truly resonates with your vision. Capture the Essence: Our platform is designed to grasp the nuances of your concept, ensuring that the generated plan accurately reflects the core and potential of your business.
  • Navigate Through the AI-Guided Questionnaire: Tailored Interactive Experience: Plannit AI’s AI-guided questionnaire is your interactive guide through the planning process. It meticulously gathers information about your business's objectives, strategies, and market positioning, ensuring a comprehensive and reflective plan. Intelligent Feedback and Suggestions: As you progress through the questionnaire, benefit from smart prompts and suggestions, ensuring that your plan is not just detailed but also strategically sound and aligned with industry standards.
  • Generate Your Plan with Advanced AI: Intuitive Plan Creation: With the questionnaire complete, Plannit AI's advanced algorithms intelligently analyze your responses. They then craft a detailed, customizable, and strategically aligned business plan, providing you with a structured, coherent, and actionable format. Benefit from AI-Powered Insights: Plannit AI offers AI-driven insights and suggestions, ensuring your plan is not just a document but a strategic tool equipped with tailored AI prompts and an in-app plan editor. Get inspired by browsing through our sample business plans, a collection of successful strategies across various industries.
  • Finalize Your Plan with Confidence: Dynamic Adaptation and Refinement: Plannit AI recognizes that a business plan is a living document. Our platform allows for continuous adaptation and refinement, ensuring your strategy remains agile, relevant, and aligned with your evolving business goals. Professional Presentation and Sharing: Once your plan meets your standards, utilize Plannit AI's export features to present your plan professionally. Choose between various formats for exporting your business plan, ready to impress stakeholders, attract investors, or guide your team. Review and Adapt: Ensure your business plan is a living document, ready to evolve with your growing business. Plannit AI's dynamic platform allows you to adapt your strategy as new opportunities or challenges arise.
  • Roadmap for Success: At its core, a business plan acts as a strategic guide, providing detailed steps on how your business will achieve its objectives. It helps you navigate the startup phase, manage growth effectively, and tackle unforeseen challenges with a well-thought-out strategy.
  • Securing Funding: For startups and businesses looking to expand, a business plan is crucial for securing loans or attracting investors. It demonstrates to potential financial backers that your business has a clear vision, a solid strategy for profitability, and a plan for delivering returns on their investment.
  • Informed Decision-Making: A well-prepared business plan offers valuable insights into your market, competition, and potential challenges. This information is vital for making informed decisions, from day-to-day operations to long-term strategic shifts.
  • Market Analysis and Strategy: It allows you to conduct an in-depth analysis of your target market, understand customer needs, and position your product or service effectively. The marketing strategy outlined in your business plan helps in identifying the best channels and tactics to reach your audience and achieve market penetration.
  • Financial Planning: One of the most critical components of a business plan is the financial forecast. It outlines your funding requirements, expected revenue, profit margins, and cash flow projections. This section is essential for budgeting, financial management, and ensuring the financial viability of your business.
  • Goal Setting and Performance Measurement: A business plan sets clear, measurable goals and objectives. It provides a framework for monitoring performance, measuring success, and making necessary adjustments to stay on track.
  • Aspiring Entrepreneurs: If you're at the idea stage, looking to transform your vision into a viable business, Plannit AI offers the tools and guidance to bring your concept to life. Our platform helps you articulate your business idea, define your target market, and develop a solid plan to turn your dream into reality.
  • Students and Educators: For students delving into the intricacies of business planning and educators teaching the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, Plannit AI serves as an invaluable resource. It provides a practical, hands-on tool for learning and teaching how to create detailed business plans, analyze markets, and understand financials in a real-world context.
  • Startup Founders: In the dynamic startup environment, Plannit AI is the ideal partner for founders looking to pivot quickly, secure funding, or understand their competitive landscape. With our AI-driven insights and market analysis tools, startups can make informed decisions and adapt their strategies to thrive in competitive markets.
  • Small Business Owners: For small business owners seeking to optimize their operations, expand their customer base, or explore new markets, Plannit AI offers targeted solutions. Our platform simplifies the planning process, enabling owners to focus on growth while managing the day-to-day challenges of running their business.
  • Consultants and Freelancers: Consultants and freelancers specializing in business development, strategic planning, or financial advising will find Plannit AI a powerful addition to their toolkit. It allows them to provide clients with comprehensive, data-driven business plans and strategies, enhancing the value of their services.
  • Non-Profit Organizations: Leaders of non-profit organizations can leverage Plannit AI to plan initiatives, secure funding, and manage resources more efficiently. Our platform helps non-profits articulate their mission, set achievable goals, and measure their impact, ensuring they can make a difference in their communities.
  • Innovators and Inventors: Individuals looking to commercialize innovative products or technologies can use Plannit AI to navigate the complexities of bringing new ideas to market. From patent strategies to go-to-market plans, our platform covers all bases, ensuring innovators can focus on what they do best.
  • Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and Government Agencies: Government and SBA backed entities can greatly benefit from integrating Plannit AI into their services, enhancing their ability to support a larger number of clients more efficiently. By facilitating quicker, more in-depth business plan development, these organizations can spend more time assisting with plan execution and less time on creation, ultimately serving their communities more effectively.
  • Anyone with a Business Idea: Ultimately, Plannit AI is for anyone with a business idea, regardless of industry, experience, or stage of business development. Our mission is to democratize business planning, making it accessible, understandable, and actionable for everyone.
  • Interactive Questionnaire and ChatGPT Integration: Plannit AI transforms the business planning process into an engaging conversation. Through our advanced ChatGPT integration, we offer a questionnaire that dynamically adapts to your responses, ensuring your plan is personalized, comprehensive, and aligned with your business goals.
  • Dynamic Planning Environment: Unlike static templates provided by many, Plannit AI introduces a living platform that grows with your business. It features real-time updates, strategic insights, and a feedback mechanism that keeps your business plan current and actionable.
  • Extensive Educational Resources: Our Education Center is packed with articles, guides, and sample plans to bolster your planning process. It's designed to arm you with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of your industry confidently.
  • Enhanced Collaboration and Customization: Recognizing the collaborative essence of business planning, Plannit AI supports team efforts with multi-user editing, annotations, and feedback features, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your strategy.
  • Customer Success Stories: Our users' achievements are a testament to Plannit AI's effectiveness. These success stories illustrate how diverse businesses have utilized our platform for strategic planning and growth.
  • Tailored Business Plan Creation: Our platform stands out with its tailored approach, featuring customizable templates that directly cater to your business type and industry, making plan creation straightforward and relevant.
  • Content Generation:: ChatGPT helps draft various sections of a business plan, from executive summaries to marketing strategies, by providing structured and coherent text based on the prompts given.
  • Strategic Insights: It can offer suggestions on business strategies by analyzing trends and providing examples from a wide range of industries.
  • Financial Planning: While it can't replace professional financial advice, ChatGPT can guide the structure of financial projections and statements, helping you consider important financial aspects of your plan.

Privacy & Security

Rest assured, we never share your data with third parties. Your privacy is our top priority, and we're committed to keeping your information safe and confidential.

Take The First Step Towards Success

Business plan software – the top picks for your business

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Starting a company will present you with a number of tasks that require a great deal of effort and patience. First and foremost, you have to come up with and plan your business concept , where you can set yourself both short-term and long-term goals. Finances, in particular, play a decisive role, because without the necessary starting capital and a sustainable economic concept, realising and developing a new business are hardly possible – the sooner you deal with these topics such as coming up with a business plan , the better.

What are the advantages of using business plan software?

As important as a business plan is when setting up a company, it is also very time-consuming to come up with one. Start-ups in particular are often faced with the challenge of going into detail in planning their business. A business plan should contain milestone points , and must also be appropriately structured and formulated – only in this way will you be able to show banks and investors your potential.

Good business plan software supports you with lots of ideas , as well as step-by-step wizards that guide you through the entire creation process. You can put together your own business plan piece by piece, without running the risk of forgetting important points. Thanks to sample texts and formulations, you’ll get a feel for how to present your content in an appropriate form right from the start. Since you often only have to adapt a few specific details, you save a lot of time compared to the classic business plan creation without software. Many programs also offer a function that shows inconsistencies and errors (plausibility check).

For detailed information on how a business plan structure should look and which information should not be missing, check out our article on structuring a business plan.

A comparison of the best business plan software options

If you decide to create your business plan using a program, you are faced with the question of the right one . Of course, there are also differences in applications of this kind – from costs to user-friendliness, to the range of functions. The software scope is usually closely linked to the price, but the most expensive software doesn’t necessarily mean the best option. Free business plan software can often be the best for your business. However, if you are sitting in front of your first plan, a paid business plan tool is usually the better choice – with so much choice out there it is helpful to compare a selection of paid and free business plan software.

For insight into the world of business plan applications , we present some interesting representatives from various price categories.

  • Up to 50 GB Exchange email account
  • Outlook Web App and collaboration tools
  • Expert support & setup service

LivePlan touts itself as being the leading business planning software, and claims that it works for any business, at any stage of development . It is straightforward to set up, and the tool leads you through the first stages of starting a business in 5 simple steps. You can select a goal for your business, and straight from there the software starts to point you in the right direction. This is achieved by looking at a business strategy, for which LivePlan offers many. You can document your existing idea, and LivePlan will help you present it in such a way that it comes across as highly professional when showing others. The procedure is split into two main steps: your business pitch, which has already been outlined above, and then the full business plan. This step is also fully guided by a live plan, and you can decide how you want your plan to look to make it unique.

Once you’ve started a new business plan, LivePlan will present you with a complete structure in which the various points of the plan can be edited individually. Depending on your needs, you can add different features step-by-step until you have completed all the relevant categories . The business plan software has the following features to help you plan ever more precisely:

  • Budget planner and forecast
  • A comparison tool to see how your start-up is faring, compared to the market
  • Start with a one page plan, and expand
  • Health checks for your business, via dashboards

Furthermore, your business plan can be shared with other users, as well as stakeholders in your company. This is useful if you are in the early stages, and want to show the work you’re putting in, or if you’re just starting a new project in your business, and want to show investors what you’re up to.

Simple to get started, and can be used for established businesses too Not free
Good support  

SmartBusinessPlan

In 2013, the software company individee and the consulting firm evers & jung published the web application SmartBusinessPlan . You can test this paid business plan software free of charge for one week before you have to take out a monthly subscription (quoted at around €30, which is £25), which can be cancelled monthly. Alternatively, there is an annual package available for around €120 (£100), which gives you access to all functions of the browser-based tool for twelve months. Once you have purchased one of the two packages, you will have access to 30 sample plans from various sectors such as hospitality, PR, retail, or communications consulting, which you can open in parallel as a template for creating your own business plan.

SmartBusinessPlan displays the important points in an ordered chapter structure – from the summary to the appendix. It doesn't matter in which order you work through the individual chapters. You simply click on the required point and learn which information is relevant from the key steps presented. In addition to these steps and templates, the business plan tool offers the following features:

  • Business plan lexicon (knowledge database)
  • Cost calculation aids
  • Sorting of individual elements via drag and drop
  • Compact check
  • preview function
  • Business model canvas (SmartCanvas)

After completing your business plan, you can export it as a PDF file. Before doing so, however, you still have the option of specifying different formats and, for example, determining the font and font size, or changing the paragraph size.

Sketching of your business ideas possible using SmartCanvas Short trial period
Numerous examples available  

This free business plan software is cloud based, and StratPad offers lots of different solutions for different types of businesses. Recommended by Forbes, CNN Expansion, and StartUp Canada, among others, this business plan software has caught the eye of many. StratPad has lots of follow-along instructions, and you can create a very professional, clear business plan using its tools.

While there are paid versions of the StratPad software, as a student or start-up you’ll benefit from the free business plan software, which allows 1 plan per account. Business and Unlimited accounts are available for a fee. However if you teach business at a high school or university, you’ll be eligible for a free Unlimited package. The software is easy to use, and packed with features that can help get your business up and running:

  • Quick and easy planning tools
  • Generates reports to have an overview of capital, and to raise it
  • Has “What if” scenarios so you can practice and prepare for times of financial difficulty
Free option which isn’t a trial Free model only allows 1 plan
Lots of educational resources More expensive paid options than other providers

Similar to StratPlan, Enloop offers both paid and free subscriptions. It is available as an app, and works by allowing you to create a business plan in simple steps . It also helps you throughout the year by keeping score of the plan to help you share your score with investors and bankers. The basics, such as planning a step-by-step outline of what you want to do, are naturally included in the Enloop software, and features such as a cash flow overview and financial forecast are also included.

One feature of Enloop which may save time is that the app generates the text for each section for you, and then you just have to edit what you need to make it fit your individual business. You can add images, tables, and the financial forecast data from the app into any chapter of your plan. Some further features are as follows:

  • Business scoring
  • Forecast comparison to see how you measure up in the market
  • Financial review software
  • Enloop’s support team

Once you have finished your plan, you’ll be able to share it with investors and bankers, as well as peers and colleagues to make sure everyone is in the loop about where your business will be going.

Simple and easy interface Only one plan on the free option
The app’s text generation can help save time  

A summary comparison of the business plan software options

The business plan applications listed differ only slightly from each other. Differences can be found in the ease of use for beginners: business plan software such as the LivePlan tool or SmartBusinessPlan make it much easier for start-ups to get started thanks to numerous sample texts and business plan examples. Meanwhile, StratPad and Enloop are great for those who need less support, but still want the ease of a business planning software. Enloop and StratPad are helpful for those who are perhaps thinking of starting a business, because they offer free one-plan subscriptions, but LivePlan and SmartBusinessPlan are great options for those who want to get up and running with powerful paid software.

 
Unlimited £20 Syncs with QuickBooks
Unlimited From £25 Drag and drop
1 for free, 5 for “business,” unlimited for “unlimited” Free, or up to £140 annually Educational material available
1 for free, 2 for “detailed,” 3 for “Performance” Free, or up to £30 a month Auto text creation

Please note the legal disclaimer relating to this article.

10+ years recommending software in the UK

Business Plan Software

Why GetApp is free

GetApp offers free software discovery and selection resources for professionals like you. Our service is free because software vendors pay us when they generate web traffic and sales leads from GetApp users. Because we’re committed to help you find the right solution for your business needs, we list all software vendors on our website, and give them the opportunity to feature their solutions and collect user reviews. At GetApp, our comprehensive software listings, verified user reviews, software evaluation scorecards, product comparison pages and articles will empower you to make confident and well-informed purchase decisions.

Here's our list of apps for Business Plan Software . Filters help you narrow down the results to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Pricing model

  • Per Feature
  • Usage Based
  • Open Source
  • Free Version

Devices supported

  • Cloud, SaaS, Web-based
  • Mac (Desktop)
  • Windows (Desktop)
  • Linux (Desktop)
  • Windows (On-Premise)
  • Linux (On-Premise)
  • Chromebook (Desktop)
  • Android (Mobile)
  • iPhone (Mobile)
  • iPad (Mobile)

Product Rating

Business size.

  • Self Employed
  • 1,001–5,000

Countries available

  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • Activity Dashboard
  • Collaboration Tools
  • Customisable Reports
  • Data Import/Export
  • Data Visualisation
  • Goal Setting/Tracking
  • Planning Tools
  • Reporting & Statistics
  • Strategic Planning

74 Software options

Aha!

Productboard

LivePlan

STRATWs ONE

Business Base

Business Base

Upmetrics

ClearPoint Strategy

ESM+Strategy

ESM+Strategy

ProAI

Related categories

  • Dashboard Software
  • Business Performance Management Software
  • Financial Reporting Software
  • Project Planning Software
  • Strategic Planning Software
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  • Business Plan Software

Best Business Plan Software in UK

Here is a list of top Business Plan Software in UK: Aha!, IdeaBuddy, iPlanner.NET, AchieveIt, and GOSmallBiz. These Business Plan Software are designed to enhance the efficiency of your business operations.

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List of Best Business Plan Software in UK

Aha!

Software by Aha! Labs Inc

Product Description

Aha! is an innovative business plan maker software for creating a visual roadmap of your business. With this software, you can easily develop strategies, crowdsource ideas, visualize plans, track progress, communicate with AI, and prioritize features based on your goals. Aha! works your way by letting you customize nearly everything, driving consistency in your services. Learn more about Aha!

Starting Price: $59 User/Month

Aha! Pros and Cons

Pros Cons

Nothing

.

IdeaBuddy

Bring Your Business Idea To Life

IdeaBuddy is modern business plan software for turning your brilliant ideas into a successful business. It lets you plan, design, launch, and test your concept all in one place with its interactive business guide. IdeaBuddy also enables you to collaborate with your team and mentors, so you can directly brainstorm with them and give them access to edit or view your progress. Learn more about IdeaBuddy

Starting Price: $9 Per Month

iPlanner.NET

iPlanner.NET

Software by iPlanner.NET

"iPlanner.NET is a business plan maker software that makes financial forecasting, scenario analysis, and fund securing easier. This software enables you to work seamlessly with the appropriate support teams to complete each client project. With the help of iPlanner.NET, you can offer each project a special and secure network address (URI), enabling you to grant each signed user the privacy access they need." Learn more about iPlanner.NET

Starting Price: Available on Request

AchieveIt

Planning and Execution Software for in-person & re

AchieveIt simplifies how you execute your business plans and helps achieve better outcomes. This open-source business plan software eliminates the manual efforts required to manage key objectives and provides an integrated, unified approach to strategic planning. AchieveIt also offers automated insights that help improve execution, visibility, and alignment. Learn more about AchieveIt

GOSmallBiz

Software by GoSmallBiz, Inc

GoSmallBiz is a free business plan creator software that offers everything your company requires, from an initial concept through rapid expansion. The software comes with fundraising management, investor management, collaboration, pitch presentation, and more functionalities. GoSmallBiz also offers financial templates and business plan templates for simpler planning. Learn more about GOSmallBiz

Starting Price: $39 Per Month

Kajabi

Software by Kajabi

Kajabi is an all-in-one platform that helps create, manage, and grow your business. It is the best business plan software for creating all kinds of content, including online courses, coaching programs, podcasts, memberships, and more. Kajabis inbuilt CRM manages growth, whereas its advanced analytics help make informed business decisions. Learn more about Kajabi

Starting Price: $129 Per Month

PlanGuru

Software by PlanGuru

PlanGuru is an easy-to-use, intuitive, modern business plan software that helps businesses, nonprofits, and advisors make better decisions, increase profits, and accomplish goals. It provides budgeting and financial analytics to set financial goals and assign accountability for results and strategic planning to define a long-term vision of your business. Learn more about PlanGuru

Starting Price: $99 Per Month

Cuttles

We’re not just a business planning app. We want to

Cuttles is a fully interactive and guided business plan software to build, understand, and grow your business. This online business plan software provides in-app features and guides that you require to create a startup plan, define a business team, make financial projections, and run a profitable business. Cuttles is a simple, impactful, and revolutionary tool to gain complete control over the company. Learn more about Cuttles

Starting Price: $22 Per Month

MAUS MasterPlan

MAUS MasterPlan

Software by MAUS Business Systems

MAUS MasterPlan is the best free business plan software for planning, execution, and reporting today to build a better business for tomorrow. It is an easy-to-use platform to plan, implement, measure, and grow your business. You can also import data directly from Xero, QuickBooks, Excel, and more for an instant, customizable dashboard. Learn more about MAUS MasterPlan

Upmetrics

Easy to use business plan software

Upmetrics offers comprehensive business planning tools to grow your business faster through plans, strategies, financial forecasting, and collaboration. The free business plan creator software also provides the perfect pitch deck creator to structure your ideas into an impressive pitch and professional business plan cover pages to make your business stand out. Learn more about Upmetrics

Starting Price: $12 Per Month

Business Plan Quick Builder

Business Plan Quick Builder Local Product

The automatic business plan generator

Business Plan Quick Builder is an automatic business plan generator software that enables entrepreneurs and small businesses to make business strategies effortlessly in minutes. This business plan software offers a variety of easy-to-fill templates for your business plan, automatically generated charts, financial projections, professional summaries, and business pitch web pages to make you stand out. Learn more about Business Plan Quick Builder

Starting Price: $4 Per Month (Billed 3 monthly)

Business Planner

Business Planner

Software by Simpleplanning.com

Business Planner is a user-friendly tool that requires no setup, allowing you to start planning instantly. Compatible with all Excel versions, it works both online and offline, ensuring seamless and efficient business planning anytime, anywhere. Learn more about Business Planner

Poindexter

Software by Poindexter

Poindexter promises to simplify financial planning for better business decisions. This business plan software helps quickly create expert forecasts and financial statements, eliminating complicated, error-prone spreadsheets. Poindexter is very simple to use and does not require any finance or accounting expertise. Learn more about Poindexter

myPlan

Financial Business Planning

myPlan cloud-based application empowers you to check your business outcomes with different scenarios at every scale of your business. myPlans perception allows you to make perfect decisions as per your business growth. Learn more about myPlan

Starting Price: $10 Per Year

Duedilify

Simplified growth strategic tools for small busine

Duedilify’s simplified business strategic planning tools help small business owners and entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Duedilify's strategic planning tools are easy to use and users are provided with step by step instructions. Learn more about Duedilify

Starting Price: $0 Free

The Strategizing App

The Strategizing App Local Product

Elevate your business strategy with AI and ChatGPT

AI-enhanced strategic framework generator. The power of ChatGPT with the ease of drag-and-drop templates. Our unique AI wizard offers inspiration throughout the process. Generates all the key frameworks: BCG Matrix, Business Model Canvas, SWOT, and more. Learn more about The Strategizing App

Starting Price: $2 User/Month

InPhase Decision Xperience Software

InPhase Decision Xperience Software Local Product

Software by InPhase

InPhase Decision Xperience Software is a transformative tool that empowers organizations to make data-driven decisions effortlessly, enhancing efficiency and fostering continuous improvement across various sectors, from healthcare to local authorities. Experience seamless integration and unparalleled support with InPhase. Learn more about InPhase Decision Xperience Software

Lucidity Training

Lucidity Training

Improve your skills and be more in demand.

Lucidity Training specializes in offering online training solutions. We help individuals, government departments, and enterprises turn their ambitions of learning online skills into a reality. Learn more about Lucidity Training

SharpCloud

SharpCloud Local Product

Software by SharpCloud

SharpCloud is a dynamic visual collaboration tool that helps teams manage and communicate complex data and projects effectively. It transforms information into interactive, visual stories for better decision-making and strategic planning. Learn more about SharpCloud

Blox

Blox Local Product

Software by Blox

Blox is a cutting-edge financial planning and modeling software designed to streamline processes, eliminate errors, and enhance decision-making. Ideal for enterprises, SMEs, and startups, Blox empowers teams to craft accurate financial models and make data-driven decisions effortlessly. Learn more about Blox

Wrike

Powerful collaboration tool for teams of all sizes

Wrike is an online business plan software that helps businesses boost productivity and improve ROI. This versatile and robust software helps businesses with project management, work organization, enhanced collaboration, and accelerated execution. Wrike provides better visibility to the employees by bringing everything on a single platform, empowering them with a deeper understanding of business activities. Learn more about Wrike

Starting Price: $0 User/Month

Recent Review

"Full-featured, Top-notch Project Management Platform." - Charles Mattson

Wrike Pros and Cons

Pros Cons

Wrike is an easy to use project management tool with a very intuitive UI that is basically easy to navigate even for the new users. It's been an incredible and helpful tool for managing our tasks and projects in my organization. I like how fast it allows me as a manager to assign tasks to my team members, track the progress, and easily communicate with each other.

The only downside is the cost, which can be a bit on a higher side for smaller teamss.

Really easy to use in terms of assigning tasks to users, projects, folders, creating gant charts etc.

Not a big deal but couldn't find a way to pin a calendar in order to be able to access it fast at any time.

StratPad

Software by StratPad

StratPad is an excellent product management tool that offers a variety of features to make business planning more streamlined and efficient. It is free business model software offering business plan templates, financial projections, investor management, and more on a single, user-friendly platform. Learn more about StratPad

BizPlanner AI

BizPlanner AI

AI business plan generator

BizPlanner AI is the leading AI-powered business plan generator, enabling you to create your business plan in minutes, not days. It offers convenient features for customizing your plan, plus lifetime access for just $9.99. Learn more about BizPlanner AI

Starting Price: $10 Per Month

Jira Software

Jira Software

Software by Atlassian

Jira is a popular project management software that simplifies business team collaboration. This open-source business plan software provides an all-in-one platform for business teams to collaborate, align, and deliver work in one place. Jira saves time and resources and gives admins the autonomy to take control of their processes and practices. Learn more about Jira Software

Starting Price: $0 Per Month

"Great for teamwork, but somewhat technical for marketers" - Eugenia Artyushevskaya

Jira Software Pros and Cons

Pros Cons

The most impressive about Jira is its ability to enhance collaboration across different departments within a company.

Jira could attract more non-technical users by simplifying its interface and customization. Clearer guides and better support would make Jira easier to use for everyone, not just developers.

I like how the online comments facilitate collaboration. and conversation tracking. Kanban boards allow me to easily see the status of everything at any time.

Although Jira is a very comprehensive platform, I would like to see it allow for advanced planning features to be added.

Business Sorter

Business Sorter

Software by Business Sorter

Business Sorter is an affordable and effective cloud-based tool that allows you to create your business model and plans. The business plan maker software helps manage your finances, grow sales, resolve issues, optimize operations, plan marketing activities, make plans for your teams, evolve products and services, and much more. Business Sorter gives better visibility and focus, improving productivity and sales. Learn more about Business Sorter

Funnel Plan

Funnel Plan

Software by align.me

Funnel Plan is a strategic tool designed to streamline your marketing and sales processes. It offers intuitive planning features, real-time collaboration, and actionable insights, empowering teams to align efforts, optimize campaigns, and drive revenue growth efficiently. Learn more about Funnel Plan

LETSCMS

Mobile & Web Applications Development - MLM Softwa

MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) software is designed to help businesses manage their multi-level marketing operations. MLM is a business model where individuals can earn money not only through their direct sales but also through recruiting and building a team of salespeople. Learn more about LETSCMS

Starting Price: $200 Single User

"Unilevel MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) plan in Laravel involves setting up a structure" - Namrata Varshney

LETSCMS Pros and Cons

Pros Cons

User-Friendly Interface: LETSCMS offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise.

Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While the basic interface is user-friendly, some of the more advanced features can be complex and may require additional training or documentation.

User-friendly interface, Comprehensive Feature Set, Scalability, Excellent Customer Support, Regular Updates, Customization Options, Performance and Reliability, Security, Community and Resources, Affordability

Limited third-party integrations, customization challenges, mobile app functionality,

Smartsheet

Software by Smartsheet Inc.

SmartSheet is the best business plan software, offering modern, secure, and reliable work management solutions. It provides a rich set of views, workflows, reports, and dashboards that adapt to your needs at scale, while its marketing and creative tools help align teams to reach goals. The best-in-class user experience of SmartSheet delivers enhanced business outcomes across your portfolio. Learn more about Smartsheet

"With Gologica's NetSuite Training, you may improve the skills you have." - GoLogica

Smartsheet Pros and Cons

Pros Cons

we are an online training providers. We provide online training to individuals who wish to take training on different abilities.

We have the best coachers who are experienced facing real time scenarios and are professional in their field. By opting any of your desired course you can learn and master it, The training ensures that you are ready for to face the scenarios in the i

Simple and easy to use from the business point of view and can be managed as per the requirements.

Add more fields so easy to use for all kind of business as some sheets are very short info.

PrometAI

AI generated business plans

Creating your business plan with PrometAI is intuitive, educational, and efficient. Here’s how you can turn your vision into a structured and compelling business plan. Try now! Learn more about PrometAI

iSHA MLM

#mlmsoftware, #mlmsoftwarecompany, #mlmsoftwarepro

Network Marketing Software is the best MLM business. MLM Software is the key to success for your business. Network Marketing is the best way to earn money. One way is selling products, and the second way is attracting new people. Learn more about iSHA MLM

Starting Price: $417 Full License/Admin Panel

"Review for iSHA Technology MLM" - islam. Pakistan

iSHA MLM Pros and Cons

Pros Cons

Impressive Pros of iSHA Technology MLM:Innovative technology products. Lucrative income potential.Extensive training and support.Flexibility in work schedule.Expanding network and professional growth opportunities.

Improvement Areas for iSHA Technology MLM:Clearer communication of compensation plan.Streamlined and user-friendly back-office system.Enhanced product diversification.Increased transparency in company policies.Better integration of digital marketing

Impressive Pros of iSHA Technology MLM:Innovative technology products. Lucrative income potential.Extensive training and support.Flexibility in work schedule.Expanding network and professional growth opportunities.

Improvement Areas for iSHA Technology MLM:Clearer communication of compensation plan.Streamlined and user-friendly back-office system.Enhanced product diversification.Increased transparency in company policies.Better integration of digital marketing tools for distributors.

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Create a fundable business plan. Then use financial tools to bring it to life.

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With the right tools and a little guidance, you can achieve almost any business goal

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Build your business plan faster and easier with AI

Say goodbye to writer’s block. Ensure your business plan is the best it can be with the AI-Powered LivePlan Assistant.

Get inspired by 550+ sample business plans

Browse hundreds of sample business plans that cover every industry imaginable. This helps you visualize what your completed plan should look like.

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Organize & pitch your ideas

Clarify and vet your ideas in 30 minutes by creating a One-Page Pitch. Then use it to easily explain your business opportunity to investors.

Create financials without clunky spreadsheets

No more complicated formulas. LivePlan guides you through a simple process for building financial forecasts and reports for your business plan.

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LivePlan has helped over 1 million business owners build better businesses

It’s proven, companies that plan and track against their plan grow 30% faster than those that don’t. No matter your industry, location, or size — LivePlan helps you get your business off the ground and grow

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“It wasn’t my intention to be an entrepreneur or a business person. My intention was to work with dogs. I kind of had to learn the rest of it in order to do what I wanted to do.”

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“That’s what it does for your business; [using LivePlan] has got us all talking and much more engaged about what we are and what we’re trying to do.”

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“Before LivePlan, I was making decisions that were poorly informed. Now I test everything through my business first, before I take it to my clients.”

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“I learned more about running my small business from a week of focused work in [LivePlan] than I have from any other single source. It has fundamentally changed the way I view my business ventures”

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“Before LivePlan, my team and I had no idea where or how to start [...] It helped us focus on and build every single area of our business strategy and recognize that some aspects of the company needed to be adjusted before we could launch.”

“LivePlan has eased my business planning processes and have provided me with easy access to credit from both banks and investors alike.”

“All businesses require solutions and tools [...] for control of expenses, spreadsheets were always the first option, but since the arrival of LivePlan, all work is easier and more automated.”

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“LivePlan provides the balance between stating your vision, the framework to support it, and the numbers.”

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7 Best Business Plan Software for Startups in 2024

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Businesswoman next to text that says Top 7 Business Plan Software.

Writing a business plan is crucial for entrepreneurs to outline their vision and strategy. With so many options available, choosing the best business plan software for startups can be challenging. Our review compares top solutions for founders, evaluating features, usability, resources, integrations, and pricing to help you select the platform that fits your needs. We’ll explore how these tools can streamline the planning process and help you create a professional, investor-ready business plan to launch your startup successfully.

Our #1 Pick: Upmetrics

Upmetrics makes it easy and affordable to create a professional, investor-ready business plan with AI-powered tools and customizable templates.

Unsure if Upmetrics is right for you? Continue reading our comprehensive review below to learn more and explore your options.

Best Business Planning Tools

Best Business Plan Software Overall

Best Financial Forecasting

Most User-Friendly

In this review, we’ll look at seven of the best business plan software platforms — discussing their pros, cons, features, pricing, and more — so you can decide which one is right for your startup.

Best Business Plan Software for Startups 2024:

  • Upmetrics – Best Overall
  • LivePlan – Best Financial Forecasting
  • Bizplan – Easiest to Use
  • Enloop – Best Automation Features
  • PlanGuru – Best Business Valuation Tool
  • IdeaBuddy – Best for Idea Validation
  • iPlanner – Best for Nonprofits

The following tools all have their own great features. Based on its affordable pricing and usability, Upmetrics is our top business plan software choice for startups.

Try Upmetrics today or continue reading to explore your options!

Best Business Plan Software: Upmetrics

Access 400+ industry-specific templates and AI-driven tools to build a winning business plan.

1. Upmetrics – $7/month to $37/month

First up on our list is Upmetrics , an affordable and versatile business planning tool. The software is designed for small business owners, young entrepreneurs, and startups who need comprehensive business planning capabilities without the high cost. 

Upmetrics simplifies the entire planning process with its advanced AI capabilities, realistic financial forecasting, and user-friendly functionalities. The AI writing assistant auto-writes sections of your business plan, while the forecasting assistant provides financial forecasting stream suggestions.

What’s more, Upmetrics’ subscription model comes with strategic planning tools, collaborative features, and other business resources that help entrepreneurs plan and grow their businesses with ease.

  • AI business plan generator to create business plans faster
  • 400+ sample business plan templates
  • AI pitch deck creator to generate impressive pitches
  • Robust financial forecasting for up to 7-10 years
  • QuickBooks and Xero integrations to import your data easily
  • Business plan builder with drag-and-drop capabilities
  • Real-time collaboration and easy-sharing options
  • Reliable and easy-to use interface
  • Extremely affordable pricing plans
  • Multilingual support (9+ different languages)
  • Effective strategic plan creation on-the-go
  • 15-day money back guarantee (even change plans anytime)
  • No long-term commitments
  • Educational resources, free guides, and video tutorials for beginners
  • Not suitable for larger enterprises
  • No free trial

Customer Reviews

Over 110,000 entrepreneurs have used Upmetrics for different purposes, from securing funding to launching their ventures. It received great customer reviews and earned 4.8 stars out of 5 on GetApp, making it a strong contender among business planning software.

business plan software uk

Learn more by reading our full Upmetrics review .

2. LivePlan – $15/month to $30/month

While LivePlan  isn’t our top pick, it’s a strong contender for the best business plan software for startups, offering excellent value for money. This cloud-based solution enables entrepreneurs to craft professional business plans from any location, combining user-friendly features with comprehensive functionality.

Additionally, if you decide to stop service for whatever reason, Palo Alto Software, the makers of LivePlan, will keep your account active and data preserved for at least a year should you decide to reactivate your account later.

  • Create an unlimited number of business plans
  • A forecast feature for those less mathematically inclined. Plug in data, and it will generate charts, graphs, figures, and even the profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow statements
  • 500+ business plan templates spanning all major industries
  • Real-time financial data tracking
  • Performance dashboards track sales and budgeting
  • Create one-page pitch plans for potential investors
  • Milestone scheduling feature — Some people will use it when working with others on their plan; it will let you assign milestones to people
  • Low-cost annual plans
  • Affordable pay-as-you-go plans
  • No cancellation fees
  • Data saved for 12-months, even after cancellation
  • Clean, modern platform
  • Cloud-based; works on any business machine (Linus, Windows, Mac)
  • Integrates with Quickbooks and Xero to import your data easily
  • Knowledgeable customer support to get help with your plan
  • No valuation capabilities
  • Templates built on the earlier tool by Palo Alto Software, Business Plan Pro, require some modifications to be used on LivePlan

LivePlan receives great feedback from customers. LivePlan reviews average 4.5 stars out of 5 on GetApp. LivePlan is an easy company for us to recommend for the best business plan software.

Image of the company logo.

Learn more by reading our full LivePlan review .

3. Bizplan – $29/month, $249/year, $349 lifetime

Bizplan rates high on our list because they offer a lifetime plan that gets you “forever access” to their business plan software. As an added bonus, you also receive free access to Startup Courses and LaunchRock, a landing page builder.

  • Easy, “fill-in-the-blanks” plan builder
  • Publish your detailed business plan online
  • Unlimited business plans
  • Bizplan takes care of the financials
  • Cloud-based (use any browser on any computer)
  • Options to add more graphics and photos
  • Low-cost yearly plans
  • Create unlimited business plans
  • Xero to import your data easily
  • Excellent and responsive customer support (email/chat/phone)
  • Free access to Startup.com and LaunchRock.com
  • Discount at Fundable.com (connect with lenders and investors)
  • Can’t export in Word
  • Doesn’t currently integrate with QuickBooks
  • No third-party app integrations

BizPlan receives great feedback from customers. BizPlan reviews average 4.4 stars out of 5 on GetApp. Still a relatively new option, BizPlan already has over 30,000 satisfied customers. As their platform grows, we wouldn’t be surprised to see them integrate even more valuable features. Keep a close eye on this one.

Image of the company logo.

Learn more by reading our full Bizplan review .

4. Enloop – Free to $39.95/month

If you’re looking to try before you buy, Enloop is a strong choice as one of the only business planning software tools with a free trial.

  • User-friendly platform
  • Compare your financials against your industry’s performance
  • Bank ready financial statements (Profit and Loss, Balance Sheet, Cash flow)
  • Lets multiple users work on a business plan
  • 36-Month detailed financial reports
  • Sync date and text into your business plan
  • Real-time performance rating
  • Generated business plan Pass/Fail report
  • Multiple currency formatting
  • Seven-day free trial (no credit card required)
  • Advanced financial ratios
  • Financial projections
  • Video tutorials to help you with the writing process
  • No phone or chat support, just a “contact us” form.
  • Three business plan limit per account
  • Doesn’t integrate with QuickBooks or Xero
  • No financial forecasts beyond 36-months
  • No 30-day money-back guarantee

Enloop receives fair feedback from customers. Enloop’s reviews average 3 stars out of 5 on PCMag. Enloop’s main complaint is its lack of instructional text for writing mission statements and other key sections. What they rank high on is their efficiency and the speed at which the software lets you write a business plan.

Even beyond the free version, Enloop Basic is just $9.95/month ($6/month when paid annually), so they’re one of the least expensive tools for writing a business plan.

Image of the company logo.

5. PlanGuru – $99/month to $299/month

PlanGuru is a good option if you’re looking for considerably more robust software that offers quite a bit more. The most notable feature we like is the valuation tool, only present on the desktop version of the software. PlanGuru lets you calculate the valuation of your business using three different methods. No other business plan software offers this that we know of.

PlanGuru also offers budgeting, forecasting, and performance tools to help you put together a business plan. In the main, PlanGuru allows you to get a custom-tailored three financial statement budget model up and running out of QuickBooks or Xero in a matter of minutes. PlanGuru’s business plan writing software takes you through a setup process where it asks you questions such as:

  • What’s the first month of your fiscal year?
  • How many historical years do you want to import?

And, once you answer these questions, PlanGuru then generates a model for you that you can then populate with your historical data if you have it. Then you can go through PlanGuru’s 20+ projection methods.

Some financial data projection methods include:

  • Expenses, like payroll, etc.
  • Balance sheet items, like accounts receivable, accounts payable, crude expenses, prepaid expenses, loans, etc.

These are only a few of the features the business plan software offers. Here are some more.

  • Budgeting/Forecasting Software
  • Analytics Service for Financial Performance & KPIs
  • Valuation calculations (desktop software only)
  • Desktop and cloud-based options
  • Free 14-day trial and 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Great customer support and knowledgeable sales staff
  • Lower-cost yearly plans offered
  • Advanced financial calculations
  • Business valuation calculations
  • No contracts
  • Integrates with QuickBooks and Xero
  • Costlier than LivePlan and most other options
  • Additional cost per user can add up quickly

Important Note: These tools are important because investors may want to see not only historical performance but also projections.

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6. IdeaBuddy – Free to $35/month

IdeaBuddy makes our list because of what’s behind their approach. IdeaBuddy focuses on helping entrepreneurs develop their idea first, then share it, and then refine it into a plan. If you have a business idea and don’t know what to do next, IdeaBuddy could be what you’re looking for in a business plan software.

  • Single-page business plan pitch (Idea plan)
  • Clean modern design platform combined with great financial tools
  • Marketing plan for selling and promoting your products
  • Market overview plan where you create targeted customer profiles, identify your competition and calculate the market potential
  • Business plan creation that includes forecasting performance and cash flow projections
  • A proprietary algorithm calculates a final score for your idea providing recommendations for improvement after you complete “Story Mode”
  • Idea Journal, that is an internal business plan for you to show potential investors
  • A lifetime plan costs only $178
  • Great for developing ideas
  • Great for doing market research
  • Pay-as-you-go plans offered
  • Email-only customer service
  • Software lag time issues
  • Fewer software options than most other small business options

IdeaBuddy has received some outstanding customer reviews on GetApp. IdeaBuddy has earned a 4.6-star rating out of 5 possible stars.

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7. iPlanner – Starts at $55/year

iPlanner is a comprehensive business plan software that has been aiding entrepreneurs since 2007, providing a robust framework for developing business plans, models, and financial forecasts online.

  • Unlimited Team Members & Collaboration
  • A La Carte Pricing Model vs Packages
  • Discounts for Serial Entrepreneurs & Business Coaches
  • Solid amount of industry knowledge and experience.
  • They’ve got two trademarked business planning services, Startup Framework™ and Strategy Designer™
  • All of their business planning packages allow you to have unlimited collaborators and assign people three different roles: Project Owners, Advisors, and Viewers.
  •  Their Startup Framework software has a business modeling section where you can design a business model canvas and strategize as much as you need before diving into your plan.
  • Doesn’t have a month-to-month option for either of their services. Their Strategy Designer is payable only annually, while their Startup Framework is available for 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month payments.
  • They don’t offer refunds
  •  Their website is pretty old school and tough to navigate.
  •  Unlike other business planning software, iPlanner doesn’t offer a free version or trial. However, you can take a tour of their Startup Framework software or view a demo of the Strategy Designer to get a feel for them.

If a simple framework is all you’re looking for, iPlanner can help you out. They don’t have many bells and whistles, but at these price points, they offer a good value for nonprofits and corporations.

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Business Plan Software Pros and Cons

  • By using business plan software providers, you’ll be able to create a solid outline for your business. Although some of the options above are better than others, each will walk you through from start to finish.
  • No matter how you look at it, business plan software is cost-effective. As long as you actually use the tool, you’ll generate significantly more value than you’re spending on monthly subscription fees.
  • If you spend the time to create a solid plan, you’re much more likely to hold yourself accountable. Think of planning software like an accountability buddy for a small business owner.
  • Your business plan tool will help set realistic financial goals, and most can also keep your bottom line in check by integrating your accounting software.
  • Business planning software enables you to collaborate with partners, mentors and investors.
  • Some of the business plan tools don’t offer support and can have slightly buggy features. That said, if you’re serious about writing a solid plan, go with a tool that’s constantly updated and well made.
  • Although some business plan tools have a collaboration feature, none of them can review it when you’re done. All business planning tools lack a human touch.

How to Choose the Right Business Plan Software

With the array of business planning tools available, it can be daunting to select the right one for your needs. Here are some tips for choosing the best business plan software solution:

  • Consider your skill level – Opt for software like a wizard-guided business plan template if you are less experienced in writing plans. Choose more advanced software with greater flexibility once you know what you are doing. Look for drag-and-drop tools to easily organize sections.
  • Determine your budget – Prices range from free to several hundred dollars. Know how much you can spend before shopping.
  • Compare features – Look for software with the specific tools you need, like financial projections, sample text, customizable templates, and more.
  • Evaluate the financial tool capabilities – The software should provide extensive financial tools like forecasting, modeling, projections, and dashboards to streamline financial planning.
  • Check reviews and ratings – Get feedback from other users about their experience with the software. High reviews indicate easier, more user-friendly software.

Plan for Success With Upmetrics

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What is the purpose of a business plan?

The purpose of a business plan is to provide a structured outline and roadmap for a business’s goals, strategies, and operations. It serves as a guide for decision-making, resource allocation, and management.

Furthermore, business plans can be crucial to attract investors, secure funding, and ensure that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the business’s direction, objectives, and value proposition.

How do you write a business plan?

To write a business plan, start by writing an executive summary that provides an overview of your business idea, products/services, market opportunity, and projected growth. Outline your company description, industry analysis, target customers, competitive advantage, marketing and sales plans, operations, management team, and financial projections.

How long should a business plan be?

The length can vary based on the complexity of the business, its stage, and its intended audience. In general, it might range from 15-50 pages. However, the key is to ensure that the plan is comprehensive yet concise.

For many situations, especially when seeking investment, a more detailed plan is preferable. Yet, for internal purposes or for businesses at very early stages, a shorter, more concise plan might suffice.

Are there business plan templates on Word?

Yes, Microsoft Word has business plan templates you can download and customize. The templates provide section headings, instructions, sample text, and tables to input your specific business information.

Further Reading

  • What Is a Business Plan? September 26, 2024
  • Lean Startup Business Plan Guide August 29, 2024
  • The 7 BIGGEST Business Plan Mistakes to Avoid September 26, 2024

Topics to Explore

  • Startup Ideas
  • Startup Basics
  • Startup Leadership
  • Startup Marketing
  • Startup Funding

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PlanBuildr is like a wizard — it’s so easy to follow!

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PlanBuildr provides guidance and a comprehensive walk-through of each section of the plan.

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PlanBuildr is very user friendly! It helped me easily create my business plan to open a franchise.

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PlanBuildr is a very useful tool to help build a business plan. It is laid out so well!

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The easy to input sections make it easy to complete your business plan and focus on what’s important.

Need some inspiration? Check out some of our popular sample business plans below:

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  • Food Truck Business Plan
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The great USP here is the AI feature I used, where I can write my idea in simple terms, and I use AI to reformulate it in a more persuasive way where I saw the difference in the pitching level.

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Every Feature You Need To Convert A Great Business Idea Into A Reality

Collaborative workspaces.

Team up in real-time with partners and advisors in collaborative workspaces designed for seamless planning.

Interactive Financial Dashboards

Customizable templates.

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Business Model Templates

Stunning cover pages, world class support.

Experience dedicated assistance with our world-class support team, ready to help you navigate any challenges in your journey.

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5 Best Business Plan Software in 2022

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Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

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When you’re starting a business, developing a strong business plan will be one of the first steps you take. Your business plan will cover everything from a detailed explanation of your products or services and pricing model to at least three years of financial projections—plus much more. Therefore, whether you’re not sure how to get started or you’re just looking to make the process easier, you may want to turn to business plan software for help.

In this guide, we'll break down five of the best business plan software options—discussing their pros, cons, features, pricing, and more—so you have all the information you need to decide which solution is right for your small business.

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The 5 best business plan software options

The right business plan software will make the process of writing your business plan much simpler. Like many business software solutions, however, there are a number of different business plan software options out there—each of which has a unique set of features, user experience, and price.

This being said, if you're looking for a place to start your search for the best business plan software, you can explore the five top options below:

How much do you need?

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We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

1. LivePlan

Best overall business plan software.

If you want template-rich, modern-feeling business plan software, then LivePlan may be the right pick for you. LivePlan excels with their user interface, which feels updated and slick, and also offers intuitive, easy-to-use features and options.

Their step-by-step instruction will help you kick things off from the beginning, and you can take advantage of their online learning center to continue to gain business skills.

Affordable plans, including pay-as-you-go option

No long-term contracts or cancellation fee; 60-day money-back guarantee

Modern, intuitive interface; cloud-based, can be used on Mac, PC, as well as tablets

Ability to create unlimited plans in one account; over 500 customizable templates

Variety of business resources including video tutorials, step-by-step instruction, and general customer support

Limited integration options

Challenging to enter your own financial modeling projections

Can be difficult to learn

Ability to create an unlimited number of business plans on one account

More than 500 business plan templates spanning various industries

Integration with Xero and QuickBooks Online

Real-time tracking of financial data with accounting integrations

Ability to export your business plan to Word or PDF

Expert advice and step-by-step instruction included

Performance dashboards for tracking against budgets and sales goals

Ability to create and export a one-page pitch executive summary

Annual plan: $15 per month, billed every 12 months

Six-month plan: $18 per month, billed every six months

Pay-as-you-go plan: $20 per month, billed once every month

2. GoSmallBiz

Best for multiple business management tools in one platform.

Next on our list of the best business plan software options is GoSmallBiz, which is much more than just a business plan software. With GoSmallBiz, you have access to business continuity planning software with features that cover creating a roadmap, working through business and legal forms, building a website, and more.

In this way, GoSmallBiz is great for startups or newer businesses looking to access multiple business management tools through one platform.

Unlimited business consultation and extensive library of online resources

Multiple business tools in one software

Website consultation analysis and business assessment

Industry-specific business plan templates with emphasis on financial projections and statements

Expensive monthly cost compared to alternatives

Limited business plan features

Entire business plan can only be exported to Microsoft Word

Outdated interface

Industry-specific business plan templates with step-by-step building wizard

Ability to create financial statements and projections

Free website hosting and website builder

Customer relationship manager with integration with MailChimp

Digital marketing dashboard with social media and Google Analytics integrations

HR document builder

Corporate minutes writer

Business documents library

Business courses library

Unlimited business consultation

$39 per month, no contracts, free cancellation

Best for simple, fast business plan creation.

If you're looking for free business plan software, Enloop will be one of your closest options—they offer an all-inclusive seven-day free trial, no credit card required. Additionally, unlike some of the other options on our list, Enloop is strictly dedicated to business plan creation, including automated text writing, financial forecast comparisons, and a real-time performance score that tracks your progress.

This being said, if you'd prefer the most straightforward, fast, and simple way to write your business plan, Enloop will be a platform worth considering.

Simple and straightforward software, solely dedicated to business plan creation

Seven-day free trial

Automatic text generation available to streamline the writing process

Affordable plans with annual discount option

Limited additional educational resources

Only one template option

No integration options

Ability to create three business plans with customizable text, images, tables, charts, and over 100 currency symbols and formats

Includes automatic text generation for each plan section that you can then customize

Automatically generated financial statements

Includes financial performance comparison analysis (using three ratios with Detailed plan and 16 with Performance plan)

Real-time performance score to track your progress

Ability to invite users to edit (two with Detailed plan, five with Performance plan)

Pass/fail report and certificate to help you identify issues with your plan

Free plan: Seven-day free trial with no credit card required

Detailed plan: $19.95 per month or $11 per month, paid annually

Performance plan: $39.95 per month, or $24 per month, paid annually

Best for startups looking to acquire funding or find investors.

Part of the Startups.com suite, Bizplan gets top marks for their user interface—it’s intuitive, easy to use, and modern. You’ll work with a step-by-step business plan builder to get exactly what you’d like from your business plan. It may remind you of a modern website builder, since it has drag-and-drop tools to build templates.

Moreover, for one subscription fee, you have access to all of the tools in the Startups.com network, including self-guided courses, how-to guides, masterclass videos, and more. All in all, with a direct connection to Fundable, Bizplan is a top business plan software option for startups looking to acquire funding and find investors.

Subscription gives you access to all Startups.com tools

Lifetime access subscription option

User-friendly drag-and-drop business plan builder

Excellent educational resources

Connection to Fundable great for businesses looking for capital

No free trial

No templates based on industry

No mobile access

Drag-and-drop templates for business plan building

Financial command center to track all business financials in one place

Unlimited account collaborators

Ability to share business plan online with investors

Online resources including self-guided courses, masterclass videos, how-to guides, mentorship access

Unlimited software use for Fundable, Launchrock, and Startups.com

Monthly plan: $29 per month

Annual plan: $20.75 per month, billed at $249 per year

Lifetime access: $349 one-time fee

5. PlanGuru

Best for financial planning and budgeting.

Finally, for some of the strongest financial features among business plan software options, including budgeting and forecasting, you might check out PlanGuru. Whereas the other solutions we've reviewed were first and foremost focused on writing a business plan, PlanGuru is dedicated to business financial planning —providing the tools you need to create budgets, financial forecasts, reports, and more.

Therefore, if you need a software solution that can streamline the financial piece of your business planning processes, PlanGuru will certainly have the most to offer.

Extensive financial tools and detailed forecasting, budgeting, and reporting capabilities

Substantial library of resources

Cloud-based and desktop options

14-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee

Expensive, especially for additional users

Only focuses on the financial aspect of business planning; no templates or tools for basic business plan writing

Difficult to use without prior financial knowledge

Cloud-based version of software, as well as locally installed Windows version (desktop version has a few more features)

Works with QuickBooks Online, Xero, and Excel

Budgeting and forecasting for up to 10 years

Over 20 standard forecasting methods

Formula builder to create custom methods

Ratios and KPIs

Dashboard and reporting tools

Help guides, video tutorials, knowledgebase, and live U.S.-based customer support

14-day free trial

$99 per month (additional users $29 per month)

$899 per year (additional users $299 per year)

What to look for in business plan software

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide, which, if any, of the best business plan software solutions on our list is right for your business.

So, if you're trying to figure out how to choose between the various options out there, it might be helpful to compare your top choices based on the following criteria:

Features: As we've seen different business plan software solutions offer different features. You'll want to look carefully at the feature list of any software and determine what features are most important for your business needs. Do you need an extensive library of templates with detailed customization? Would you prefer software that includes an online learning center for business skills? Are you looking for a solution that combines business plan writing with other tasks? It may be useful to list out your ideal feature set, so you can compare individual software plans to that list.

Price: Although you might be able to find some free business plan software options (or at the very least, free trials), in most cases, you'll need to pay a subscription fee to access the platform you choose. Therefore, you'll want to think about what your budget is for this business tool and what type of software is most cost-effective for your needs.

User experience: User experience can vary widely among different business plan software options. You’ll find some programs that are newer or have been recently updated. Others might have the kind of interfaces that felt new years ago but are now pretty out of date—and, subsequently, make them a little harder to use. The right user experience for your needs is genuinely a matter of opinion and comfort—nevertheless, it's worth testing thoroughly testing out a platform to ensure that it can truly work for you before investing in a monthly or annual subscription.

The bottom line

There's no doubt that properly crafting your business plan is important for the future growth and success of your small business. Luckily, the right business plan software should make the process much simpler.

This being said, whether you opt for one of the best business plan software options listed here, or another platform entirely, you'll want to take the time to compare multiple solutions and ensure you choose the one that's right for your business.

As we mentioned, it can be helpful to think about the features you're looking for, your budget, and your user-experience preferences ahead of time—that way, you'll have a set of criteria in mind as you explore different solutions.

Ultimately, perhaps the best thing you can do to find the right software is to actually test out the platforms themselves—either by using a free trial or a money-back guarantee.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

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Funding Guide

Learn how to prepare your business plan and pitch to secure funding for your business.

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When it comes to funding, there isn't a one-size-fits-all method. Here are your options.

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Growing your business can be just as difficult as starting. Here are proven ways to grow.

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Actionable goals

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Create a cash flow forecast to help keep your business healthy and plan for the future.

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The quickest way to turn a business idea into a business plan

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The 3 Ultimate Free Business Plan Software

Andrew Marder profile picture

Free business plan software options

Non-software options for business plan creation, final thoughts.

A new business generally needs two things. First, it needs a reason to exist. What are you going to bring to the marketplace that no one else is providing or how are you going to provide an existing product in a “better” fashion? Second, you’re going to need some cash. Even if you’re just going to be making websites in your bedroom, you’ll need some money for internet access, food, and some software or hosting.

The_Ultimate_Free_Business_Plan_Software

These two problems can both be addressed through a solid business plan.

A business plan tells you – and anyone you decide to share it with – what your core function is. It helps you focus in on the things that you do best and it gives you metrics to determine what your success looks like. I say, “It gives you,” but really it’s just a template for managing your own thoughts.

In the same way that a blueprint is the physical manifestation of a building plan, a business plan is the physical manifestation of your business goals. Could you build a house without drawing up a blueprint? Sure. Is it a super good idea that we’re all about to adopt? Not even close.

In addition to putting your own thoughts on paper and making the organization process more structured, a good business plan is also your pitch. When you go into the bank, you’re going in with a clear message about what you do, who buys it, and how much you’re expecting them to spend with you over time.

The forecasting and economic consolidation that happens in your business plan makes talking to the bank – or VC or neighbor or rich uncle – that much easier.

To help you pull a plan together, there are – of course – plenty of software solutions. These range from the simple to the complex. You can opt for a solution that basically just lays the material you create out or one that helps you with every step of the process.

Today, we’ll look a few free business plan software options to help get you started. I’ll also give you a few non-software solutions, just in case you want to get your hands a bit dirty.

This article looks at three free business plan software options. See the full list of free business plan software solutions here .

Note: Your hands may not get dirty, except in a metaphorical sense. Much depends on the type of pen you employ.

1. StratPad

StratPad is a cloud-based business plan software solution. There are a few different versions, depending on how many business plans you want to make, but for one plan, you can get a free account. As an additional little bonus, if you happen to teach business at a high school or university, StratCloud has a free version of its Unlimited offering. Interested in products with similar features? These StratPad alternatives could be what you are looking for.

That little bonus points to what StratCoud is really all about. The company provides workshops, videos, and educational blogs for entrepreneurs. It makes the bulk of its revenue not through subscriptions, but through the introductions it provides via StratPad Connect.

There, business coaches, accountants, and other professionals can connect with new businesses. Those leads generate a small fee from the professional, paid to StratPad. You’re not paying, so you’re the product – but it’s a pretty tame version of the old adage.

StratPad comes with follow along instructions and ends up generating a very clean and classic looking business plan. I like the layout of the system and I’m apparently not the only one. StratPad claims over 100,000 businesses are currently using its service.

Enloop is another free option for those seeking a single business plan. The company attempts to bring a little bit of credibility with its offering by scoring your business plan. Once it’s been scored, bankers or investors can look to see how well you did.

The score encompasses some basics like cash flow and growth. It updates as you update the document, so you can see what metrics are having the biggest – in Enloop’s mind – impact on your business’s viability. Sharing the actual score is only available to paid users.

Enloop also makes it easy to collaborate on plans, and the free version of the service gives you one additional user. You’ll be able to forecast up to 36 months out for financials, and all of it can be dropped into a PDF. Want to find software solutions with comparable features? These Enloop alternatives are a good place to start.

3. Plan Cruncher

This is my wildcard entry into the mix. Plan Cruncher isn’t really a business plan software. Instead, it takes the information you give it and generates a sort of elevator pitch/cover letter for your business plan.

When you’ve input all the details, you’ll end up with a one-page overview of the business, including what you’re going to do, who’s involved in the project, where you are in the funding process, and what you’re looking for next.

I like this for two reasons. First, it’s kinda fun. The final product is covered in these little logos that Plan Cruncher has come up with, so you get a nice visual view of the business. Second, it makes you summarize the whole thing. You’ll be entering details in 140 character boxes and chopping your offering down into small consumable chunks. This is a great way to determine what the core parts of your business really are.

Plan Cruncher has just the one version. It’s free and you end up with a nice PDF when it’s all said and done. That being said, it is 100 percent focused on tech startups looking for cash from investors. If you roll into the bank with this thing, it better be because you’re the founder of Plan Cruncher and you brought it along to demonstrate what the service does. No banker is going to care about this.

Software doesn’t always have to be the solution. I mean, sure, you’ll need some software to make any business plan, but we’re talking about Microsoft Office style programs. These resources are excellent alternatives to software.

The Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA wants you to succeed in business and it’s got a whole host of resources to help you generate your own business plan on its website. One of the things you’ll miss out on by using software is a solid education.

By building your own plan, you’ll be forced to learn how the whole thing works, what investors are looking for, and what all the terms means. You’ll be forecasting and analyzing before you know it. The SBA has a great set of instructions on how to get up to speed before you head down to your bank.

Speaking of which…

Your bank [Wells Fargo as an example]

Many major banks have free business planning tools to help you get started. On the Wells Fargo site, for instance, you can learn about how business plans work, use some tools to bring the whole thing together, and even do some competitive analysis.

As a major benefit, you’ll be working with the company that you’re going to be asking for money, right out of the gates. If you don’t like your bank’s offering, you can always find another bank that has better tools. Most of them are available without an account.

The SCORE network

Another SBA shout out. The SCORE network hooks successful business folk up with the next crop of winners. You can reach out to knowledgeable, local, mentors who can help you craft a business plan. These people are there to help and to make business better.

That means 1) there’s not a cost associated with reaching out and 2) they’re not going to do your homework. If you show up with all your research and a good start, a mentor can help you put some finishing touches on or send you in search of more details. If you show up with nothing, expect to get nothing in return.

That’s probably a little unfair. I’m sure you can get help finding your way if you haven’t kicked things off yet. Just don’t expect to drop off your bank records and walk out with a plan that they’ve drawn up for you.

The Business Model Canvas (BMC)

We’ll end on another quirky one. The BMC was developed by Swiss business consultant Alexander Osterwalder. The BMC breaks a business into nine basic building blocks and then has you fill out all those blocks. The result is a sort of brainstorm of business planning that fits on a single page.

This is a popular framework for lean start-ups, as you can present the entirety of the plan in a single slide – with more detail than Plan Cruncher provides. If that sounds intriguing,  check out Alexander Cowan’s overview of the BMC for more details on how it actually works.

A business plan can help you understand and champion the growth of your business. Thinking through your business’s core functions and challenges can give you a better understanding of where you should be spending your time.

You’ll also be in a better position to get the funding you need, when you need it. Business planning may be the least exciting part of starting your business, but it’s one of the most important. If you’ve got any other tools or software options that you’ve used and loved, let me know in the comments.

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About the author.

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Andrew Marder

Andrew Marder is a former Capterra analyst.

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Write a business plan

Download free business plan templates and find help and advice on how to write your business plan.

Business plan templates

Download a free business plan template on The Prince’s Trust website.

You can also download a free cash flow forecast template or a business plan template on the Start Up Loans website to help you manage your finances.

Business plan examples

Read example business plans on the Bplans website.

How to write a business plan

Get detailed information about how to write a business plan on the Start Up Donut website.

Why you need a business plan

A business plan is a written document that describes your business. It covers objectives, strategies, sales, marketing and financial forecasts.

A business plan helps you to:

  • clarify your business idea
  • spot potential problems
  • set out your goals
  • measure your progress

You’ll need a business plan if you want to secure investment or a loan from a bank. Read about the finance options available for businesses on the Business Finance Guide website.

It can also help to convince customers, suppliers and potential employees to support you.

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Business planning tips

On this page

Failing to plan is...well, you know the rest

To build a successful business, having a clear mission and specific goals is vital. The best way to do this is to write a thorough business plan setting out exactly how you're going to turn your dreams into reality.

Do's and don'ts when writing a plan

Do be realistic.

While it's important to show ambition, be realistic when projecting your results.

Do check for accuracy

It may be an old cliche, but you only get one chance to make a first impression. Make sure you triple check the accuracy of your content and ask a colleague or mentor to proof read it with a fresh pair of eyes.

Do your research

Make sure all research is up to date and accurate, and that any claims can be substantiated. You need to be aware of the good, the bad and the ugly!

Don't include your CV

Your business plan is about the company you intend to run, not ones you may have run in the past. A link to a completed LinkedIn profile will tell someone all they need to know about you.

Don't say you have no competition

There's always competition, the key is understanding your market and convincing your customers that your product is superior.

Don't start at the start

Start with an executive summary. This should be one page long and is your elevator pitch on paper.

6 steps to writing a business plan

Our in-depth six-step guide can help you put together a robust business plan and set you up for success or expansion.

Introduction

A business plan is a written description of your company, your aspirations and ambitions, and the methods by which you can achieve your goals.

Creating a business plan gives you a clearer understanding of what you need to do to reach your objectives. By producing a detailed business plan containing facts, figures, statistics and a summary of your skills, you will give potential investors all the information they need to buy in to your proposal.

Getting started

Once you've decided to write a business plan, the next step is deciding what needs to be included. And remember, your plan should be flexible.

An executive summary exists to summarise your ambitions and approach in a concise way. This is not always an easy task, but it's a good way to ensure you remain focussed on both the bigger picture and your core ambitions.

Your business summary should

  • Describe your business - how you want it to grow, the niche you fill, why you think it can succeed
  • Describe the sector it sits in - if the sector is strong, where will you fit? If it's performing poorly how will you buck the trend?

Product summary

It's worth giving your product or service a section of its own. Outline what makes it different from similar offerings and discuss the reasons that you will succeed.

Aims, objectives and audience

You should cover:

  • Where do you want your idea to go and how are you going to get there?
  • In a year's time what shape will your business be in?
  • Will you have secured investment, or hired additional members of staff?
  • Will you be able to cope if you fail to hit projected financial targets?

It's vital that all of these factors are assessed prior to launching or expanding a business. Research carried out by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) has discovered that over half (54%) of all UK businesses that fail within the first three years of operation do so because of poor management.

Get to know your audience

You must have an understanding of your core demographic and how you are going to engage them. The more intelligence potential investors can get from reading the plan, the better.

Operations and organisation

It's good to have a solid concept, strong product and ambitious goals, but to grow a successful company, you will also need a detailed understanding of job roles, company structure and the day-to-day running of your operation.

This section of the plan is often the most detailed. Overlooking just one of the below areas could be extremely harmful when it comes to launching a company or seeking investment.

Areas to cover

  • Location - where will you be based and why?
  • Suppliers - who are they and what are the contract terms?
  • Production - will anything be outsourced?
  • Distribution - how will you deliver your product?
  • Employees - how many do you need and what will they do?

Financial considerations

All aspects of your business plan are essential in their own right, but it's important to make sure the financial elements are accurate and in order.

Some entrepreneurs make the mistake of believing that because they are determined to succeed, they will be able to fund business growth by reinvesting the business' profits. However this rarely works, suppliers need to be paid prior to the customer getting their hands on the goods, meaning you will need some kind of initial investment or loan to cover supply costs.

  • What kind of financing you need
  • How much money you require
  • Whether you are willing to give away equity in the business in return for funding
  • When you will be able to pay back any loan you take out

How much, what for, and from where?

Always consider these three questions when planning your finances, and always be cautious in your answers.

Measuring success and risk

No business is guaranteed to succeed. Investors understand that handing any amount of money over to a startup is a risky decision, but it's important to reassure them. Highlight that you are aware of the risks, have plans in place to avoid pitfalls, and are willing to change course or adopt different methods should you need to.

Types of business risk

  • Compliance  - If you fall foul of laws and regulations, your business could fail before it has a chance to properly grow.
  • Operational  - Operational risk can come in many forms. It could relate to employee error or a water leak that damages equipment.
  • Financial  - Nearly all businesses will get into debt in their opening years, but it is how that debt is managed that is important.
  • Reputational  - Building customer confidence in your brand and rewarding them with a quality service is an essential ingredient for all businesses. 

Need a little more help?

You can find additional information and a range of business plan templates and examples on the www.gov.uk website.

Get your business idea off the ground

From the start, you’ll need to think about your approach to running your business and what support you might need to make it happen.

Something else we can help you with?

Support centre, @natwestbusiness.

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Best Cloud Accounting Software Of 2024

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Published: Sep 27, 2024, 12:21pm

Important Disclosure: The content provided does not consider your particular circumstances and does not constitute personal advice. Some of the products promoted are from our affiliate partners from whom we receive compensation. Read More

If you require any personal advice, please seek such advice from an independently qualified financial advisor. While we aim to feature some of the best products available, this does not include all available products from across the market. Although the information provided is believed to be accurate at the date of publication, you should always check with the product provider to ensure that information provided is the most up to date. Read Less

Accounting software streamlines the bookkeeping process, making it easier for business owners to keep tabs on their finances and plan for tax bills. For freelancers and small businesses, this is often a more cost-effective option than employing an accountant. Business owners looking for an accounting software platform would be wise to select a cloud-based system.

Software that uses remote servers (stored on the cloud) to host data helps ensure that sensitive financial information is securely encrypted to keep it out of the hands of cybercriminals. It is also backed up to the cloud automatically so your business won’t lose any information.

To help you find the best cloud accounting software, Forbes Advisor has compiled a list of the top picks based on pricing, features, support and more.

  • Featured Partner Offer

The best cloud accounting software of 2024

Why you can trust forbes advisor small business, intuit quickbooks, clear books.

  • Wave Accounting

Methodology

How to choose a cloud accounting software, frequently asked questions (faqs).

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Featured Partner Offers

Tide Accounting

Starting price

£9.99 (+VAT) per month

Key Features

Unlimited invoices, expense and bill management, automated tracking

On Tide’s Website

Starting Price

Special Offer: 75% off for 6 months

key Features

Mobile app, project and time tracking, unlimited users on all plans

On Xero’s Website

Try Tide Accounting For Free

Personalised invoices, efficient bill management, and robust reporting features. Join now for a 3-month free trial.

On Tide’s website

  • Freshbooks: Best for overall cloud accounting software
  • Xero: Best for multiple users
  • Zoho Books: Best for a diverse range of solutions
  • Intuit QuickBooks: Best for tax admin
  • Clear Books: Best for affordability
  • Wave Accounting: Best for free accounting software
  • Kashoo: Best for easy setup
  • Neat: Best for businesses with a lot of expenses

The Forbes Advisor Small Business team is committed to bringing you unbiased rankings and information with full editorial independence. We use product data, strategic methodologies and expert insights to inform all of our content and guide you in making the best decisions for your business journey.

We reviewed several cloud accounting software providers using a detailed methodology to help you find the eight best payroll services for small businesses. Our ratings considered factors that included starting price, price range, multiple essential accounting features, reviews by actual customers and scoring by our panel of experts. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Best for Overall Accounting Software

FreshBooks

£15 per month

(60 percent off for the first four months during current promotion)

Customer Portal

FreshBooks is an intuitive, easy-to-use accounting software designed for small business owners who do not have an accounting background. It allows users to easily create invoices, manage projects, track expenses, track time, track loans and file tax. As a cloud-based platform, it is accessible across all devices.

FreshBooks was originally engineered as an invoice creation and tracking project to help small businesses get paid faster. Nearly 20 years after its creation, the accounting software still focuses on helping business owners get paid quickly and accurately. Features like recurring invoices, automated payment reminders and online payments make it easy for clients to pay how they like.

FreshBooks offers four plans starting with the Lite plan at £15 per month (£7.50 per month during the current promotion). This plan allows users to send unlimited invoices to up to five clients, track unlimited expenses, send unlimited estimates, and accept credit card payments. Each additional plan unlocks features, such as double-entry accounting reports, mobile mileage tracking, run financial and accounting reports, track bills, bill payments and vendors with accounts payable, track project profitability and more.

Who should use it:

FreshBooks is the best overall cloud accounting software due to its plethora of features to accommodate any type of business, an easy-to-use interface and set of affordable subscription plans.

  • Easy to use
  • Affordable at lower tier
  • Unlimited invoicing
  • Basic plan limited to five clients
  • Not robust enough for accountants
  • Must pay for additional team members

Best for Multiple Users

£16 per month

(50 percent off for the first four months during current promotion)

Yes, with add-ons

Xero is an affordable cloud-based accounting software system that is highly rated among small businesses. Its simple solution for tracking income and expenses makes it easy to use for those without accounting skills. Top features for every plan include the ability to create and send invoices, track time and project profitability, claim expenses, bulk reconcile transactions and accept multiple currencies.

Xero’s three plans range from £16 a month to £59 per month. The Early plan is recommended for solopreneurs. The Growing plan is the platform’s most popular and is recommended for growing businesses while the Established plan is recommended for established businesses. Each plan includes an unlimited number of users for free, which is extremely helpful for companies with several team members or a large accounting department. A major disadvantage of the Early plan is the fact it limits users to 20 quotes and invoices per month and only five bills a month. None of the three plans include a payroll component.

Xero is a great option for large teams and SMBs looking for accounting software that multiple team members can use. Freelancers and entrepreneurs who want an affordable plan might want to look elsewhere simply because of its basic plan’s limitation on the number of invoices.

  • Unlimited users for all plans
  • 30-day free trial
  • Basic plan limits number of invoices and bills
  • No live support
  • No payroll feature

Best for a Diverse Range of Solutions

Zoho Books

Free; £10 per month

(paid annually)

14 days and a forever-free plan

Zoho Books is the cloud-based accounting component of a larger suite of business solution tools. In addition to accounting software, Zoho offers more than 40 enterprise-level online applications to grow sales, market your business, communicate with teammates, provide customer service and more. Businesses that need an integrated business ecosystem will have a hard time finding a more robust business suite.

With Zoho, users can send customised invoices, connect to payment gateways, track expenses, create a variety of business reports and calculate tax owed. One of its best features is its Accounting Client Portal. The portal allows users to share recent transactions, accelerate the estimate approval process, capture feedback and receive bulk payments in a timely manner. Zoho’s advanced plans include strong project management features like the ability to manage people and expenses at the project level. Because Zoho is cloud-based, users can download the WorkDrive Desktop app, sync files or folders right to their device and access and work on files offline.

Zoho Books offers six tiered subscription-based plans. The paid plans start at £10 per month to £165 per month. Zoho does offer a forever-free plan as long as revenue falls under the threshold of 35K GBP for the fiscal year. The plan is fairly robust for a free plan. It includes one user and one accountant, the ability to manage up to 1,000 invoices a year, the ability to accept online and offline payments, a client portal, automatic payment reminders, management of 1099 contractors and more.

Zoho Books is ideal for small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that want to take advantage of the platform’s large extensive business ecosystem.

  • Free plan available
  • Powerful mobile app
  • Integrates into Zoho business ecosystem
  • Top tier plans are very expensive
  • Limited number of users
  • Payroll costs extra

Best for Maximizing Tax Deductions

Intuit QuickBooks

£10 per month

(50 percent off for the first six months during the current promotion)

Yes, as add-on

Chances are you have heard of Intuit QuickBooks before.  It is a comprehensive package which includes help with accounting, invoicing, payroll, benefits and expense-tracking needs.

Starting at £50 a month, which goes down to £5 per month for the first three months during the current promotion, QuickBooks offers four subscription plans ensuring users only pay for the features they need. Its basic plan, Simple Start, allows users to track mileage, create invoices, process payments, capture receipts, manage cash flow, get tax estimates, run reports and manage contractors. Higher-priced plans unlock more advanced features like the ability to track time, manage multiple currencies, track inventory, create budgets, access more robust reports, manage employee expenses, batch invoices and automate workflows.

Even the most basic plan includes tax-help features, such as tax estimates and the ability to export important documents such as for filing self assessment tax, the ability to store receipts as well as track mileage.

Businesses of any size that want to prioritise maximum tax deductions.

  • Wide range of features
  • Easy to implement
  • Unlimited invoicing in all plans
  • Expensive subscription
  • Limited support
  • Single entity only

Best for Affordability

Clear Books

£6.08 per month

(for the first three months during current promotion)

Clear Books offers cloud-based accounting software to companies to manage their finances. It can be used by a variety of businesses, including limited companies, self-employed sole traders and partnerships.

It offers three plans ranging from £6.08 to £16.20 per month, providing an affordable option for companies in need of assistance managing their money.

Clear Books provides a range of features including Optical Character Recognition (OCR) which allows users to take photos of invoices or receipts and accurately extracts the date, VAT, total and supplier name.

Clear Books is ideal for small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) looking to streamline the cost of managing their finances.

  • Competitive pricing
  • Bill management
  • Trustpilot rating: 4.6/5
  • No free plan
  • Must use the mobile app to access invoices offline

Best for Free Accounting Software

Wave

N/A; forever free

Wave is a free accounting service that is designed for small businesses just starting out. The easy-to-use software has all the basic features needed to keep your accounting department in order. Wave’s built-in dashboard makes it easy to quickly access and understand your business’s financial information. Users can create custom, branded invoices, send automatic payment reminders, enable credit card, bank payments and Apple Pay payments directly from invoices, get unlimited income and expense tracking, add unlimited partners, collaborators, or accountants and more all for free. Another outstanding feature is the fact an unlimited number of users can be added.

If businesses need a payroll component, they can add payroll at a reasonable $20 per month plus $8 per active employee. The monthly payroll allows employers to make deposit payments into employees’ bank accounts, access important tax information and create a portal for employees to access pay stubs and tax forms.

The downside to the free software is the fact it is not as robust as many of its competitors in the cloud accounting software space. Basic features such as inventory management features, customer support, expansive tax services and time tracking, are not available through Wave.

The 100 percent free accounting software is ideal for new small businesses looking for a highly affordable option. As businesses grow they can take advantage of Wave’s low-cost payroll services.

  • Fully free software
  • Unlimited expenses, invoices and receipts
  • Intuitive interface
  • Limited customer support
  • Must pay extra for payroll
  • Basic features like time tracking and inventory management not included

Best for Easy Set Up

Kashoo

$18 per month with free invoicing plan

Kashoo is cloud accounting software for small business owners who want the simplicity of doing their own books. The simple, straightforward platform allows users to easily create invoices, manage expenses, generate reports, accept credit card payments through Square and more. The platform also supports multiple users at no extra charge.

Kashoo offers two plans. TrulySmall Accounting is full accounting software for small businesses for $18 per month. Features include downloading bank transactions, sending invoices, tracking expenses, accepting payments and running essential accounting reports. For $27 a month, the Kashoo plan is an advanced accounting plan for medium- to large-sized businesses. Advanced features include double entry, payroll integration, project cost tracking, customisation options and the ability to collaborate with an accountant.

Kashoo is a great choice for small business owners who want straightforward accounting software that is easy to set up.

  • Free invoicing plan
  • Unlimited users
  • Affordable paid plans
  • Limited reporting
  • No time tracking features

Best for Businesses With a Lot of Expenses

Neat

$200 per year

Neat is the newest accounting software of the bunch. In 2021, Neat transitioned to a full-fledged bookkeeping software to help small business owners spend minutes, not hours, doing their books.

Neat just has one pricing plan making it easy for business owners who have a hard time deciding on which plan to choose. For $200 per year, users can have access to features like unlimited real-time reports such as profit and loss (P&L) statements, cash flow statements, balance sheets and transaction reports. Users can also create and send custom invoices, secure payments through WePay and provide accountants with access. The plan also comes with unlimited storage, unlimited access to personalised support at no additional cost and a mobile app to upload and match receipts to expenses in real time.

Neat’s built-in document management with unlimited monthly storage makes it an incredibly useful tool for businesses that accumulate a lot of expenses and receipts each month.

  • Customisable invoices
  • Unlimited personalised support
  • No fees on bank transfers
  • No time tracking
  • Light feature set compared to competitors

When evaluating providers for this year’s list of the best cloud accounting software companies, we focused on ease of use, cost, customer service, features and functions, variety of pricing plans and customer reviews. We focused on five distinct categories using 25 separate metrics to arrive at our ratings for the best providers. Here’s a look at each of these evaluation criteria in more detail.

We prioritised software that was either low-cost or had an affordable plan in a series of pricing plans. We also gave credit to those apps that either provided users with a free version of the software or at least a free trial period. When considering the affordability of cloud accounting software, many providers have promotions where the software is greatly reduced for a brief period, then goes up in price. Those that had price increases that were reasonable fared better in our ratings. This accounted for 10% of our weighted scoring.

For features and functionality, we primarily looked for software that offered fully functional accounting software providing users with a long list of useful features. Some of the features that we considered to be essential for cloud accounting software offering a mobile app, providing automatic data backup and double-entry bookkeeping, offering training in some format, and providing time tracking and payroll capabilities. Some additional features we looked for included document management, customer relationship management (CRM) integration, multicurrency support, budgeting dashboards, invoicing platforms and the ability to create purchase orders (POs) and handle bill payments. We weighted features at 50% of our total score.

Third-party reviews

We researched reviews from real users to gauge their opinion of each platform. We wanted to get their opinion about how simple the software was to use and that, according to recent users, the companies provided satisfactory customer service. We looked online at popular third-party review websites, focusing on providers that received at least 300 or more positive reviews on most of these sites as well as received high marks (3.5 or higher out of 5) by the actual users of the software. These reviews accounted for 10% of the total score.

Expert analysis

Our final criteria, also based on customer responses, was determined by our panel of experts after looking at how users felt about each cloud accounting software when it came to popularity, stand-out features, value for the money and ease of use. These final criteria make up 30% of the total score.

There are four areas you should consider when choosing a cloud accounting software solution. The first is cost, as every company needs to find something that fits into its overall budget. When considering cost, look at the monthly subscription fee costs as well as any third-party costs, such as integrations with other software, that may be necessary to have an efficient accounting system.

Efficiency is the second thing to consider when choosing accounting software. Choose a platform that helps you create invoices, organise your tax and accept payments.

Another thing to consider is ease of use. You’ll want an intuitive program that gives you access to a simple dashboard which can display charts, for example, to provide an overview of the current state of your company’s finances. Look also for automatic features and mobile apps.

Finally, find accounting software that integrates seamlessly with other business software. As your company grows, it might be necessary to integrate multiple types of software to scale the business. Sign up for applications that will work seamlessly with your primary business software.

What is cloud accounting software?

Cloud-based accounting software is just like traditional accounting software with the exception that all the data is hosted on remote servers (known as cloud storage) instead of the user’s desktop computer.

Is cloud accounting software secure?

Information stored in cloud-based accounting software is encrypted meaning it is extremely difficult for cybercriminals to hack into it. Unlike data stored on a hard drive, data in the cloud is typically not susceptible to being lost due to hardware malfunctions.

Can I use cloud accounting software on both Macs and PCs?

In most cases, yes. Since they are internet-based, most cloud software programs are designed to work well with both PCs and Macs. However, before you make your final selection, make sure the software is definitely compatible with your operating system.

As with most types of software, the best cloud accounting software programs offer many levels of security. When choosing this type of software, you want to look for security features, including two-factor authentication (2FA) or multifactor authentication (MFA), documentation that shows frequent security updates and patches, intrusion detection, the monitoring of user activities, data encryption and privacy protection.

I have covered a wide range of personal finance topics for consumer publications including NerdWallet, Which? and Moneywise. From credit and banking to investing and mortgages, my aim is to simplify the world of personal finance and share tips for looking after your money.

  • Entrepreneurship

Strategi Merumuskan Rencana Pemasaran di Business Plan

Sindhu Partomo

  • Created on September 26, 2024
  • Updated on September 26, 2024

Pentingnya Rencana Pemasaran dalam Business Plan

Cara menganalisis target pasar dan segmentasi yang tepat, strategi penetapan harga dan penawaran produk yang kompetitif, perencanaan saluran distribusi dan promosi, menyusun anggaran pemasaran: cara mengalokasikan sumber daya dengan tepat, contoh rencana pemasaran.

Rencana pemasaran berfungsi sebagai panduan yang dapat membantu mengarahkan seluruh aktivitas pemasaran bisnismu. Ini juga memastikan bahwa sumber daya yang ada digunakan secara efektif dan efisien. Tanpa strategi pemasaran yang matang, bisnis akan kesulitan bersaing dan mempertahankan pertumbuhannya. Artikel ini akan membahas berbagai strategi untuk merumuskan rencana pemasaran dalam business plan, mulai dari analisis target pasar, penetapan harga, hingga pengalokasian anggaran pemasaran.

Rencana pemasaran bukan hanya sekadar dokumen, tetapi fondasi bagi bisnismu dalam mencapai tujuan jangka pendek maupun jangka panjang. Tanpa strategi pemasaran yang jelas, kamu mungkin akan kesulitan mencapai target penjualan dan mengembangkan bisnis sesuai rencana.

Ketika kamu menyusun business plan, rencana pemasaran menjadi elemen yang meyakinkan investor dan pemangku kepentingan bahwa bisnismu memiliki potensi untuk tumbuh dan bersaing di pasar. Dengan rencana yang baik, kamu akan tahu di mana harus memfokuskan upaya pemasaran, bagaimana mengelola risiko, serta kapan dan di mana melakukan investasi pemasaran.

Rencana pemasaran yang baik juga memberikan bisnismu keunggulan kompetitif. Melalui analisis mendalam tentang pasar, kamu bisa menemukan celah atau kebutuhan yang belum terpenuhi oleh kompetitor. Dengan demikian, kamu dapat menawarkan solusi yang lebih baik atau berbeda yang akan menarik perhatian konsumen.

Langkah awal dalam menyusun rencana pemasaran adalah memahami target pasar bisnismu. Ini bisa dilakukan melalui riset pasar yang mendalam dan analisis data yang ada. Penting bagi kamu untuk mengidentifikasi siapa konsumen idealmu, apa yang mereka butuhkan, dan bagaimana bisnismu bisa memenuhi kebutuhan tersebut.

Segmentasi pasar adalah proses membagi konsumen ke dalam kelompok-kelompok berdasarkan karakteristik yang mirip, seperti demografi, psikografis, geografis, dan perilaku. Dengan memahami segmentasi ini, kamu bisa membuat strategi pemasaran yang lebih spesifik dan personal, sehingga lebih efektif dalam menarik perhatian konsumen.

Misalnya, jika bisnismu bergerak di industri fashion, kamu bisa membagi pasar berdasarkan usia, gaya hidup, dan tren mode. Dengan begitu, kamu dapat menyasar segmen pasar tertentu dengan produk dan kampanye pemasaran yang relevan.

Segmentasi yang tepat juga akan membantumu dalam mengoptimalkan sumber daya pemasaran. Kamu bisa menghindari pemborosan dengan menargetkan segmen yang memiliki potensi terbesar untuk membeli produk atau layananmu, daripada mencoba menjangkau seluruh pasar yang mungkin tidak relevan.

Penetapan harga adalah salah satu elemen kunci dalam strategi pemasaranmu. Harga yang kamu tetapkan akan sangat mempengaruhi persepsi konsumen terhadap nilai produk atau layananmu. Selain itu, harga juga berperan penting dalam menentukan margin keuntungan dan daya saing bisnismu di pasar.

Ada beberapa strategi penetapan harga yang bisa kamu pertimbangkan, seperti harga berbasis biaya (cost-plus pricing), harga berbasis nilai (value-based pricing), dan harga kompetitif. Setiap pendekatan memiliki kelebihan dan kekurangannya masing-masing, tergantung pada jenis bisnismu dan bagaimana kamu ingin dipersepsikan di pasar.

Selain penetapan harga, penting juga untuk menawarkan produk yang kompetitif dan relevan dengan kebutuhan konsumen. Kamu bisa mengembangkan penawaran produk berdasarkan keunikan atau keunggulan yang dimiliki dibandingkan dengan kompetitor. Misalnya, menambahkan fitur unik atau memberikan layanan purna jual yang lebih baik bisa menjadi nilai tambah yang menarik bagi konsumen.

Kamu juga harus fleksibel dalam strategi penawaran produk. Dalam beberapa kasus, mungkin diperlukan strategi diversifikasi produk untuk menargetkan segmen pasar yang berbeda, atau bahkan menyesuaikan produkmu dengan preferensi lokal di setiap wilayah.

Saluran distribusi adalah cara bagaimana produk atau layananmu sampai ke tangan konsumen. Saluran distribusi yang tepat akan memastikan bahwa produkmu dapat diakses oleh konsumen secara efektif dan efisien. Ada berbagai jenis saluran distribusi yang bisa kamu pilih, mulai dari distribusi langsung (direct-to-consumer) hingga distribusi melalui pihak ketiga (distributor, agen, atau pengecer).

Kamu juga perlu mempertimbangkan apakah distribusi online, offline, atau kombinasi keduanya yang paling sesuai untuk bisnismu. Misalnya, jika target pasarmu lebih suka belanja online, maka kamu harus fokus pada pengembangan e-commerce dan kemitraan dengan platform digital. Di sisi lain, jika produkmu lebih cocok untuk dijual di toko fisik, kamu bisa bekerja sama dengan pengecer atau membangun jaringan distribusi offline yang kuat.

Selain distribusi, strategi promosi juga harus direncanakan dengan matang. Promosi bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kesadaran konsumen terhadap produkmu dan mendorong mereka untuk melakukan pembelian. Ada berbagai alat promosi yang bisa kamu gunakan, seperti iklan digital, promosi di media sosial, email marketing, influencer marketing, hingga event atau pameran.

Strategi promosi yang sukses adalah yang mampu menghubungkan brand dengan konsumen melalui pesan yang tepat dan saluran komunikasi yang sesuai. Penting untuk memahami di mana konsumenmu paling aktif, dan bagaimana mereka lebih suka menerima informasi.

Anggaran pemasaran merupakan salah satu aspek paling penting dalam merumuskan rencana pemasaran. Mengelola anggaran dengan baik akan membantumu memaksimalkan hasil dari setiap aktivitas pemasaran yang dilakukan. Anggaran ini biasanya mencakup semua biaya terkait pemasaran, seperti biaya iklan, riset pasar, promosi, dan pengembangan konten.

Cara terbaik untuk menyusun anggaran pemasaran adalah dengan terlebih dahulu menetapkan tujuan yang ingin dicapai. Apakah kamu ingin meningkatkan brand awareness, meningkatkan penjualan, atau mengembangkan produk baru? Tujuan ini akan menentukan prioritas alokasi anggaran.

Kamu juga perlu mempertimbangkan pengembalian investasi (ROI) dari setiap aktivitas pemasaran yang dilakukan. Misalnya, jika iklan digital memiliki ROI yang lebih tinggi dibandingkan promosi offline, maka kamu mungkin harus mengalokasikan lebih banyak dana ke kampanye digital.

Yang penting, pastikan bahwa anggaran pemasaranmu fleksibel dan dapat disesuaikan berdasarkan perubahan di pasar atau performa bisnis. Jangan ragu untuk menyesuaikan alokasi anggaran jika ada strategi tertentu yang terbukti lebih efektif.

Berikut adalah contoh rencana anggaran pemasaran untuk perusahaan retail kecil menengah. Perusahaan ini bergerak di bidang pakaian dan aksesori, dengan target pasar konsumen di kota besar yang aktif di media sosial dan suka berbelanja online. Rencana anggaran pemasaran ini disusun untuk periode satu tahun.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ____

1. Tujuan Pemasaran:

  • Meningkatkan brand awareness di pasar lokal.
  • Meningkatkan penjualan online sebesar 20%.
  • Menarik pelanggan baru dan meningkatkan retensi pelanggan melalui kampanye loyalitas.

2. Alokasi Anggaran Pemasaran Total:

Total anggaran pemasaran: Rp100.000.000 per tahun

3. Rincian Alokasi Anggaran Pemasaran:

a. Digital Marketing (60% dari total anggaran)

Anggaran: Rp60.000.000

  • Tujuan: Menjangkau audiens yang lebih luas, terutama pelanggan potensial di platform populer.
  • Penggunaan: Iklan bergambar dan video, kampanye promosi produk baru, dan iklan diskon.
  • Durasi: 12 bulan (dengan peningkatan intensitas pada musim promosi seperti liburan atau diskon besar).
  • Tujuan: Menarik calon pelanggan melalui pencarian Google dengan menggunakan kata kunci terkait produk.
  • Penggunaan: Kampanye pay-per-click (PPC) yang ditargetkan untuk produk best-seller.
  • Tujuan: Meningkatkan peringkat situs web perusahaan pada hasil pencarian organik.
  • Penggunaan: Optimasi konten website, peningkatan kecepatan situs, backlink, dan riset kata kunci.
  • Tujuan: Mengirim kampanye email promosi dan loyalitas pelanggan untuk meningkatkan retensi pelanggan.
  • Penggunaan: Email bulanan untuk penawaran khusus, pembaruan produk, dan program loyalitas.
  • Tujuan: Meningkatkan engagement melalui pembuatan konten yang relevan dan menarik.
  • Penggunaan: Artikel blog, video, dan infografis tentang tren fashion dan tips gaya.

b. Promosi Offline dan Acara (20% dari total anggaran)

Anggaran: Rp20.000.000

  • Tujuan: Meningkatkan brand exposure di lokasi fisik melalui event yang mendekatkan produk kepada konsumen.
  • Penggunaan: Biaya sewa lokasi, dekorasi, dan promosi acara.
  • Tujuan: Menjangkau pelanggan potensial yang berbelanja di lokasi fisik.
  • Penggunaan: Desain dan cetak materi promosi, seperti brosur dan flyer yang disebar di sekitar toko.
  • Tujuan: Menarik konsumen untuk datang ke toko fisik atau berbelanja online.
  • Penggunaan: Penawaran kupon diskon melalui brosur, media sosial, dan email marketing.

c. Influencer Marketing (10% dari total anggaran)

Anggaran: Rp10.000.000

  • Tujuan: Menjangkau target audiens melalui endorsement oleh influencer lokal yang memiliki pengikut yang relevan.
  • Penggunaan: Membayar influencer untuk mempromosikan produk melalui post dan story di Instagram atau TikTok, memberikan kode diskon eksklusif untuk pengikut mereka.

d. Program Loyalitas dan Referral (5% dari total anggaran)

Anggaran: Rp5.000.000

  • Tujuan: Meningkatkan retensi pelanggan dengan memberikan reward untuk pembelian berulang.
  • Penggunaan: Pengembangan sistem poin dan voucher diskon bagi pelanggan setia.
  • Tujuan: Meningkatkan jumlah pelanggan baru dengan menawarkan reward kepada pelanggan yang mereferensikan bisnis.
  • Penggunaan: Kode referral yang dapat digunakan oleh pelanggan lama dan baru untuk mendapatkan diskon.

e. Analitik dan Riset Pasar (5% dari total anggaran)

  • Tujuan: Melacak performa kampanye pemasaran dan memahami preferensi konsumen.
  • Penggunaan: Investasi dalam alat analitik seperti Google Analytics, tools media sosial, serta riset konsumen.

4. Contingency Fund (5% dari total anggaran)

  • Tujuan: Mengantisipasi kebutuhan anggaran tambahan untuk kampanye tak terduga atau peluang pemasaran yang muncul di tengah tahun, seperti kolaborasi dadakan atau peningkatan promosi saat musim liburan.

5. Strategi dan Evaluasi

Rencana anggaran ini perlu dievaluasi setiap kuartal untuk memastikan bahwa setiap aktivitas pemasaran memberikan hasil yang diharapkan, khususnya dalam hal peningkatan penjualan dan engagement pelanggan. Kamu bisa menyesuaikan anggaran berdasarkan performa kampanye. Misalnya, jika iklan media sosial terbukti sangat efektif, kamu bisa mengalokasikan lebih banyak dana ke sana.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ____

Merumuskan rencana pemasaran yang komprehensif dalam business plan sangat penting untuk memastikan keberhasilan bisnismu. Dengan melakukan analisis target pasar yang tepat, menyusun strategi penetapan harga dan penawaran produk yang kompetitif, serta merencanakan distribusi dan promosi dengan baik, kamu bisa membangun fondasi yang kuat untuk mencapai pertumbuhan yang berkelanjutan.

Mengalokasikan sumber daya pemasaran secara cerdas juga akan membantumu memaksimalkan hasil dari setiap upaya pemasaran. Jangan lupa bahwa rencana pemasaran harus selalu fleksibel dan mampu beradaptasi dengan perubahan pasar, sehingga bisnismu tetap relevan dan kompetitif di mata konsumen.

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Ketika mengelola sebuah perusahaan, investasi juga menjadi hal penting yang perlu Anda perhatikan. Tanpa inventaris yang tepat, barang-barang yang diperlukan untuk produktivitas atau operasional perusahaan mudah rusak dan hilang. Inventaris juga menjadi bagian penting dengan profit atau laba yang diperoleh perusahaan. Oleh karena itu, inventaris juga menjadi bagian dalam pencatatan akuntansi.

COMMENTS

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