Ask any sports coach and they will tell you how they are able to win so many games. They must prepare a game plan that is specific to their opponent’s strengths and weaknesses in order to win. They will be crushed otherwise.

This logic also applies to business. A solid business plan is a must if you are looking to start a business. This plan will include everything you need, including a description of your products/services and pricing model as well as financial projections for at least three years.

Whether you don’t know where to start or just want to make it easier, business plan software and tools can help.

This guide will discuss 10+ top business plan software and tools. We’ll also talk about their key features, pricing plans, pricing options, and other details.

It is time to get started!

What is business planning software?

A business planning is, first and foremost, a detailed roadmap that outlines the future of business operations. This plan is not only for established businesses, but it can also be used by small businesses to forecast future operations.

Software designed for business plans is specifically tailored to help you navigate through every step of your plan and fill in any gaps. This will allow you to be more efficient in defining your direction, attracting funding, building team members and ultimately reaching your business goals.

There are pros and cons to using business plan software

It is important to assess whether or not new software and tools will be beneficial to your business. Before you buy business plan software, weigh these pros and cons with your business needs.

Software for business planning offers many benefits.

• Step-by-step guidance. The business plan software provides step-by-step guidance to help you make the right decisions for your company. It eliminates the guesswork of aligning your company’s structure and cash flow forecast to future goals. This is especially helpful if you are unsure where to start.

• Report generation and statement production. Many small business owners lack a solid financial background or a thorough understanding of the strategic aspects involved in a business plan. A business plan tool is a useful tool that creates graphs, reports, and documents based upon the information you have entered. This tool can save you time and create reports and statements that will help you make informed decisions.

• Accurate reporting. Making a business plan by hand can lead to missed opportunities, data skew, and reports (and hours of work) that are useless. Software that creates business plans can often be backed by guarantees of accuracy and accountability in all reports.

• Customization. You can personalize your business plan reports with most business planning tools. You can also test multiple scenarios based on your long-term goals for your business, giving you more confidence in your company.

• It’s easy to update. A business plan tool makes it easy to modify or replace ideas and numerical calculations. Several features allow you to keep track of your company’s status and provide insight into your future plans.

Software for business planning can have some drawbacks.

• Inflexibility. Certain business plan software does not allow for customizations. This could make it difficult to personalize your business plan. This means that you can only modify the templates provided by the software.

• Industry insights that are missing. There may be discrepancies in your industry and the software you’re writing, since you aren’t writing the base code that makes up a business planning tool. This could result in you missing valuable industry insight and practical experience.

• High price tag. Some business plan tools can cost more depending on the type. These tools can be priced from the basic plan to the premium version. However, it is difficult to determine if the premium plan will help you or make a dent on your budget.

While there are many reasons to purchase business plan software, there are also some disadvantages that could turn you off the investment. Consider your specific business needs to determine which option is best for you.

What features should you look for in business planning software?

It is worth looking at several key features when you purchase business planning software. This will ensure that your plan creation process is easy. Here are some details about what features you should look for in business plan software.

• Step-by-step wizard. Step-by-step wizards make it easy to determine which sections and which order to work on. This feature will walk you through each section, and ensure that you include everything you need.

• Templates. It can be difficult to create a business plan. It’s important to have a point of reference. There are many templates available for many tools. Many templates are tailored to specific types of business, so it’s easy to find one that fits your needs.

• Financial projections. Many software programs can give you financial tools. This will allow you to present your case for a profitable venture. You can plug in your expenses, cash flow, etc. and generate financial projections. This process will make creating a business plan easier.

• Charts and graphs. You should be able turn financial data into visually appealing charts and graphs using the tool you choose. This will make your business plan attractive to potential investors.

• Integrations. Integrations. Some software can integrate with popular accounting programs such as Xero. This allows you to transfer financial information from your accounting software into your business planning.

• Contributors. A lot of businesses aren’t launched by just one person. If multiple people are involved in the business plan development, you would like them all to be involved. You need to verify that the plan can be edited by all contributors. Some software limits the number of contributors, while others allow unlimited.

• Additional services. Software providers may offer additional services for entrepreneurs, such as website design and digital marketing services. They also provide direct contact with experts who can give advice.

Top 10+ Best Business Plan Software and Tools

1. Bizplan

Bizplan is a tool specifically designed for startups in tech. It will help you to create a customized business pitch and plan that appeals to multiple investors.

Bizplan is part of Startups.com’s suite and gets high marks for its intuitive, modern, and easy-to-use user interface. To get the exact business plan you desire, you will be guided through a step-by–step process. You might think it is a modern web builder. It has drag-and drop tools for creating templates.

You can also access all materials in the Education Corner, including more than 600 videos and online courses to help you explore other things.

If you have any questions, you can contact the customer service representative within business hours (Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.) or send an email.

The key features

• Drag-and-drop templates to help you build your business plan

• The financial command center allows you to keep track of all your business finances in one place.

• Access Fundable.com, an online crowdfunding platform that connects small businesses and startups to potential investors

• Unlimited account collaborators

• Online courses available, including master classes, guides, expert answers, and tracks

• You can control who has access to your business information and comment

Pros:

• Drag-and-drop, user-friendly business plan maker
• Great educational materials
• You can subscribe to all Startups.com tools
• It can be easily integrated with accounting software
• Available lifetime pricing

Cons:

• There is no free trial
• No mobile compatibility
• There are no templates that are specific to a particular industry.
• Financial projection customization is limited

Pricing plans:

• Monthly plan: $29/month
• Annual Plan: $20.75 per Month
• Access to the Internet for Life: 349

2. BizPlanBuilder

BizPlanBuilder is an intuitive tool for business planning. It offers a wizard that guides users through the steps of business planning. The software’s premade templates can help you create a plan that best reflects your business goals.

You can easily share your plan online with investors by using one link. Instead of sending large attachments, your plan can be presented directly online using modern navigation.

Don’t worry if you are not great at calculation. BizPlanBuilder’s financial tools include calculators, cost analysis and budget sheets. You can also use the charts, graphs, and charts to help you. You can also import financial data from other accounting software programs.

The software allows for real-time collaboration. This means that multiple members of a team can simultaneously see and edit the business plans.

The key features

• Premade templates that are specific to your industry for business planning

• There are many financial tools available, including graph and chart generators, calculators, budget-feasibility tools and graph and chart generators.

• Collaboration allows team members to log in and view the business plan simultaneously.

• Technical support is available via email, telephone, FAQs and video tutorials

Pros:

• Eye-appealing visuals
• Easy-to-use drag-and-drop templates
• Templates for specific industries
• In-depth presentations

Cons:

• There is no free trial
• No mobile-friendliness
• Exporting PDFs is difficult

Pricing plans:

• BizPlanBuilder for funding/ MBA students: $97/year (add as many members as you like for $10/year each).
• BizPlan Builder: Growth of the company/ Strategic planning/ Growth financing: $27 per month (add unlimited team, advisors, and investors for $1 per month each)

3. Cuttles

Cuttles is an interactive and guided business planning software that helps entrepreneurs to build, understand, and grow their businesses.

The web app includes all the features and guides that you need to write a business plan, create a pitch, and define a team. It also allows you to budget and make financial projections. It is easier, quicker and more effective than ever to launch a business.

The key features

• Cloud-based web apps

• Focus on simplicity in UX and design

• Freemium version

• Completely customizable and customizable business plan

• Investors will receive a one-page pitch section

• Budgets and financial forecasts

• Showcase your team with the Team feature

• Available in six languages: English (English, Spanish), French (German), Portuguese (& Danish).

• Export and Share options: Send to PDF or to links to share with others, or invite them to view the app.

• Students get discounts and diversification pricing

Pricing:

• Freemium: Limited features: No help guides, export/share, budgets, etc.

• Seed Plan – 1 Startup, 1 Member, All Features – EUR8 (billed annually)

• Grow Plan – Unlimited members (collaboration), 1 startup, all features – EUR16 per year

• Series Plan – Unlimited Startups, Unlimited Members, All Features – EUR48 (billed annually).

4. Business Plan Pro

Business Plan Pro is a leading business planning tool. It offers exceptional technical and customer support to small businesses. It also provides detailed instructions and cutting-edge funding options to help you create a strong business plan and impress potential investors.

There are more than 500 sample business plans and templates available in the software. These can be used by banks, investors and other approved lenders. You can also choose from different types of templates such as Manufacturing, Travel & Transportation and Travel.

Business Plan Pro also allows you to import data from Quickbooks and export your business plans to Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

*Key features

• More than 500 business plans templates

• Financial statements and formulas with built-in functions

• Drag-and-drop graphic forecaster tool allows you to create visually appealing forecasts

• Quickbooks data can be imported and exported to Excel, Word, PowerPoint.

Pros:

• Team of strong technical and customer support

• There are many business plan templates available.

• Business guidance

• Extended money-back guarantee of up to 60 days

Cons:

• There are no collaboration opportunities
• Old-school interface design

Pricing plans:

• Standard Package Plan $99.95 once-off
• Premier Package Plan $159.95 once-off purchase

5. Business Sorter

Business Sorter, a cloud-based software that allows you to create and share plans. Six key areas are covered: finance, sales and brand, people and operations, as well as goods and services.

Through a 273 card system, the platform promises to simplify business planning and increase efficiency. You can edit, delete, add, and modify existing cards.

Everything, including your thoughts and ideas, can be kept in one place. You can also find tips and advice to help you implement your strategy. The educational resources are available as Word files or PDFs. This is a different approach to software that has videos. However, it can be easier to use for beginners.

The key features

• System of card-based planning with 273 digital Cards
• Additional information and tips are included
• Assign tasks to team members and add new members
• Multi-device Access
• Secure data protection

Pros:

• Innovative, visual plan builder
• Unique card sort system to simplify planning
• Collaboration with unlimited users in real-time
• Get regular updates for no cost
• Strong data security
• 14-day trial for business

Cons:

• Financial planning is not required for most people.
• No video educational resources

Pricing plans:

• Small Team Plan: $80/year (3 Users, Billed annually)
• Medium Team Plan: $240/year (10 Users, Billed annually)
• Large Team Plan: $640/year (30 Users, Billed annually)
• Enterprise plan: Custom pricing (unlimited users).

6. Enloop

Enloop can help you quickly complete your business plan with an intuitive interface. Enloop does this by using its Autowrite feature, which acts as a digital mentor.

Enloop also places a strong emphasis on the financial aspects of the process. This is great for people who have great ideas, but don’t necessarily have the financial skills. The software helps you demonstrate profitability to raise capital from investors. You can add charts and graphs to analyze 16 financial ratios.

You can also compare your financial projections to industry averages so you can see how your idea stacks. In case you need assistance, an expert is available to help. Enloop offers business plan templates as well as a HR/ legal document maker, making it a strong candidate for start-ups.

*Key features

• TextSync and AutoWrite features automatically generate basic text customized for your business plan

• 16 different financial ratios indicate your financial health

• As motivation to finish the plan, a performance score between 0 and 100 is helpful

• More than 100 currencies symbols and number formatting

• Access to business templates

Pros:

• Attractive interface
• Text automatically populated
• Financial ratios that are well-explained
• All business reports available immediately
• 7-day trial for free
• Affordable pricing plans

Cons:

• Additional education resources are limited
• Limited customer support

Pricing plans:

• Detail plan: $11/month (billed annually).
• Performance plan: $24 per month (billed annually).

7. GoSmallBiz

GoSmallBiz was founded by Fran Tarkenton (NFL Hall of Famer, veteran entrepreneur), and offers hundreds of industry-specific templates to create the documents that users require. The step-by-step wizard makes it easy to create a business plan. It allows you to fill in business details in multiple sections.

It also offers online calendar management. It allows you to schedule meetings, appointments, and events and receive reminders. It also allows you to generate financial statements or projections. It allows you to create a variety of informative reports such as profit and sales analysis and cash flow.

GoSmallBiz provides a variety of online learning tools for anyone who is new to business planning. These include business courses, mentoring and weekly updates. You can also get help from a real CEO or business planning expert so that you are certain you won’t be led in the wrong direction.

It offers a customer relation management (CRM), a text-based business consultation, and legal business documents. This suite of tools is unmatched by any other business planning software.

The key features

• Each step is explained in a step-by-step guide

• Nearly 100 business templates

• Statements and financial projections

• Reports based upon your financial data

• Integrate with the major social media channels such as Mailchimp and Facebook.

Pros:

• There are many templates that can be used in different industries
• Numerous educational videos
• Unlimited mentoring and business consultations
• Reporting customized
• Additional business tools available
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

• Interface out of date
• Features of the business plan are limited
• Comparable to other options, monthly costs are more expensive
• Inadequate annual subscription package
• Only exports to Microsoft Word and PDFs

Pricing Plan: $39/month (billed monthly).

8. iPlanner

iPlanner was launched in 2007 and has helped many businesses to raise funds for growth, manage risk, and improve communication. It is a planning tool for new businesses, but can also be used to manage projects.

You can quickly create a business model using the business modeling framework while working with your team. It also offers a variety of user-friendly business plans templates such as a venture capital business plan, restaurant plan, and elevator pitch.

A financial engine is included in the software to help you gauge various metrics such as sales, quantity sold, forecast price and many more. All projects are protected by secure URLs that protect confidential business information.

iPlanner can be integrated with Microsoft Office or Dropbox so collaboration and contributions are easy. You can also access a large library of articles and sample business plans to keep you on track.

The key features

• Templates for business plans
• A step-by-step wizard that will guide you from the beginning
• Financial projections and templates
• Integrate with Dropbox or Microsoft Office
• Mentors are experts who offer personalized support

Pros:

• Email support, how-to guides and expert consultation available
• Use pre-made templates for your industry to create business plans
• You can feed in content from various external sources such as websites, MS Word Excel, corporate intranets and MS Excel.
• Backup your data regularly on the cloud

Cons:

• Interface is very old-fashioned
• There is no monthly pricing option

Pricing plans:

• Professional plan: $55 (billed annually for 1 project).
• Corporate plan: $93 (billed annually for 12 projects)
• Corporate Plus plan: Custom pricing

9. LivePlan

If you are looking for modern, template-rich business planning software, LivePlan is the right choice. You can get started quickly with more than 500 full-length business plans, along with step-by-step guidance.

This platform provides advanced financial services that calculate the financial results for five years in advance. You can also import data from QuickBooks or Xero into the platform to get a detailed view of your business’ financial performance.

A one-page business plan can be your first step. Then you can move on to a professional plan that can then be used to pitch investors. The final business is professional and high-quality. You’ll love the well-organized graphs and charts.

The key features

• More than 500 templates
• A one-page business plan that you can fill in the blanks with your ideas
• Access to educational materials
• Financial charts and graphs are available
• Comparison of industry benchmarks

Pros:

• Modern interface with intuitive design
• There are many customizable templates
• Bank-level security
• Affordable plans
• Ability to simultaneously work on multiple active plans
• A variety of resources for businesses, including video tutorials and step-by-step instructions.
• 60-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

• Learning curve
• Can’t customize financial projection dates
• Only a limited number of third-party integrations

Pricing plans:

• Plan Pay-as you-Go: $20/month (billed monthly).
• 6-month plan $18/month (billed every 6 month)
• Annual plan: $15/month (billed annually).

10. MAUS MasterPlan

MAUS MasterPlan, an Australian business plan solution, has more than 60,000 customers worldwide. The platform provides templates, walkthroughs and education to help you create and implement your business strategy.

Based on your goals and future projections, you can create detailed action plans. It’s also possible to assign tasks and keep track of progress.

You can use it to calculate your finances by simply entering the details. It also allows your team members access to your plans. Invite them to assist you in the business plan. After you are done, invite your accountant to check it out again.

MAUS MasterPlan contains information on segmentation. This makes it easy to divide large markets into smaller segments. This allows you to develop different strategies for each segment. The tool generates marketing and performance reports, in addition to financial reports for budgeting or projections.

The key features

• The entire process of strategic planning is explained step-by-step by a wizard
• Make cash flow projections and financial budgets for the next five years.
• Market segmentation features
• Collaboration features

Pros:

• It is simple to use
• Amazing graphs and a detailed statement
• An automated action plan monitors the different tasks and keeps everyone on track

Cons:

• Startups and small businesses are often very expensive
• Real-time errors occur sometimes

Pricing plans:

• Business planning and HR Pack: $97 per month
• MasterPlan Lean: $299/year
• Business Planning Pack: $499/year

11. PlanGuru

PlanGuru, a cloud-based budgeting software and business planning software that focuses on financial planning, is available. You can create projections up to 10 years in advance with more than 20 forecasting techniques.

The tool allows you to budget and perform financial analysis. It also lets you set goals, and analyze your performance. The tool also gives you a rolling forecast that helps you see the impact of spending on your overall cash flow. Strategic planning is a way to manage your team and hold everyone accountable.

It includes a balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement that will allow you to see how your venture will perform in different scenarios. It also allows you to use turnkey methods to predict your venture’s growth and uses business drivers.

PlanGuru does not offer expert consultation. You will need to find mentorship elsewhere. PlanGuru is a great option if you are looking for a way to streamline your financial plan.

The key features

• Forecasting and budgeting up to ten years

• There are more than 20 forecasting methods

• Dashboard and reporting tools

• Use formula builder to create custom methods

• KPIs and Ratios

• Use Quickbooks, Xero and Excel

• Video tutorials, help guides, knowledgebase and US-based customer service are all available.

Pros:

• Comprehensive financial tools, detailed forecasting and budgeting capabilities, as well as reporting capabilities

• A large library of educational resources

• Free trial for 14 days and 30-day guarantee of your satisfaction

Cons:

• There are no templates or tools to help you write a basic business plan.

• It is difficult to get started without financial knowledge

• Additional users may find it more expensive

Pricing plans:

• Monthly plan: $99/month (additional users $29/month)
• Annual plan: $899/year (additional users $299/year)

12. The Business Plan Shop

Last but not the least, The Business Plan Shop is one of the most effective business planning tools available. It can help you create a simple, yet powerful plan.

It has a simple interface and a clean design. After signing up, you’ll receive a detailed business plan along with all the instructions you need to create one.

It also has a section for financial forecasting. This will allow you to collect information about your products and services, and then play with the numbers to help you decide the best direction for your company. Forecasting can be done for as long as 3 to 5 years.

The key features

• Financial forecasts for 3 to 5 years
• Guide with examples and instructions, step-by-step
• Export to MS Word and PDF formats
• Chart, break-even point analysis and financial analysis. Credit analysis

Pros:

• It is very easy to use
• Each section of your business plan should have clear instructions and examples
• Strong data protection
• Educational materials that are useful

Cons:

• Features for business planning are limited
• Importing financial information from spreadsheets is not possible

Pricing plans:

• Monthly plan: $22/month
• Yearly Plan: $12.5/month

More to you

After you have read the top 10 best business planning software, you can now choose which one you like best. You might find it helpful to think about the features you are looking for and your budget. When you are looking at different options, you’ll have a list of criteria.

This blog post will be available for future reference. It will be updated with fresh content to help you make a solid business plan.