Top Business Plan Software for Startups
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Top Business Plan Software for Startups

LivePlan is the best business plan software according to Forbes Advisor. It scored 4.8 out of 5 stars. In startup business planning, the right software is key. It helps with financial forecasting and managing goals. This means it’s not just about making plans easier. It’s also about working better as a team.

Forbes Advisor’s reviews highlight important factors like features and costs. They found Wrike to be the top choice overall. It excels in being easy to use and in team collaboration. LivePlan does great in financial planning. And Smartsheet is best for setting and meeting goals. Each platform brings something special. Whether you’re starting your plan or updating it, you’ll find what you need. Wrike, Smartsheet, and LivePlan are top picks in the business planning world.

Key Takeaways

  • LivePlan is rated the overall best business plan software with a rating of 4.8 out of 5 by Forbes Advisor.
  • Wrike is considered the best overall business plan software, excelling in features and collaboration.
  • Smartsheet is recognized as the top choice for goal management among startups.
  • Bizplan is highly recommended for beginners due to its user-friendly interface and intuitive design.
  • Key considerations include features, ease of use, costs, and collaboration capabilities.

Introduction to Business Plan Software

Having a business plan is key for startups. It helps them get money, find partners, and set a path in their market. Today, creating a business plan is easier thanks to simple software. This software helps entrepreneurs carefully plan their strategies. It makes sure no detail is left out.

What is Business Plan Software?

Business plan software is a digital tool for making professional plans easily. It includes features like figuring out finances, working together, and using templates. Companies like LivePlan, Enloop, Bizplan, and PlanGuru offer these features. They help startups at every step of their journey.

The Importance of Business Plan Software for Startups

Startups really benefit from business plan software. It makes planning easier, faster, and less mistake-prone. These tools use templates and financial models to simplify hard processes. This lets entrepreneurs focus more on their business.

Forbes Advisor and PCMag suggest looking at ease of use, cost, and user feedback when picking software. Good software makes a business plan clearer and more trustworthy. This is important for getting investors and partners.

Top business plan software offers different prices and ways to fit your business:

Software Monthly Pricing Annual Discounts Money-Back Guarantee Integrations Ratings (Capterra/G2)
LivePlan $15 – $30 Available 60 days QuickBooks, Xero, Open API 4.5/4.1
Enloop $19.95 – $39.95 Available None None 4/NA
Bizplan $29 Available 3 days Xero, QuickBooks 4.4/3.7
PlanGuru $99 Available 30 days Xero, QuickBooks, Excel 4.2/4.1
GoSmallBiz From $15 Available None MailChimp NA/NA
PlanBuildr $3,500 Not readily available Within 30 days Various tools NA/NA

Benefits of Using Business Plan Software

Startups get a huge boost from Top Business Plan Software. These tools make planning and executing strategies easier. They lead to a more focused startup planning, increasing efficiency.

Streamlining the Planning Process

Business plan software simplifies planning in a big way. LivePlan, for instance, offers a broad range of templates. It includes over 500 designs for different fields like transportation and non-profits. This means you can plan quicker and have a bigger impact.

It also helps with tricky financial parts. You don’t need to be a finance expert to create a solid business plan. With step-by-step advice, your business and financial goals can match up perfectly.

Collaboration and Team Management

These tools excel at team work, too. They let many people work on a plan at the same time. LivePlan adds extra guidance by experts to avoid confusion. It also keeps your data super safe, so you can focus on working well together.

Updating your plan is also easy. Teams can make changes instantly, always keeping the plan in tune with your goals. Customizing your reports and business scenarios also boosts your confidence in the plan’s success.

Thanks to these collaboration features, Top Business Plan Software for Startups really brings teams together. It improves your startup’s chances of doing well.

Top Features to Look for in Business Plan Software

When choosing business plan software, looking at key features is vital for your startup’s success. We’ll explore important features that can shape your business planning journey.

Financial Forecasting

A great business plan software should have strong financial tools. These tools turn hard-to-understand numbers into easy-to-see charts and graphs. You should pick software that helps with both simple and complex financial tasks, and can grow as your business does.

Easy-to-Use Interface

Choosing software with a user-friendly interface is important. It should be simple to use for everyone, even those without much tech know-how. A straightforward interface makes planning faster and easier to learn.

Customization and Flexibility

Being able to customize your business plan software is crucial for a new business’s special needs. This means you can adjust the software to match what your business needs. Flexible templates and tools let you change the look, add your brand, and steer your business’s strategy the way you want.

Integration with Other Tools

Connecting your software with accounting tools or others you use can boost your business’s productivity. It might link with popular software like QuickBooks, Xero, and team management tools. By integrating, your data is in one spot, making work smoother and decisions easier.

Review of Top Business Plan Software for Startups

In 2024, the top 10 business plan software tools for startups were reviewed in full. They looked at a mix of cloud-based, local Windows, and mixed solutions. These reviews aim to show the best in business plan software, considering various benefits and features.

Standout platforms like Wrike, LivePlan, Smartsheet, and Bizplan often lead the way in reviews of startup planning tools. They offer a wide array of features perfect for startup needs. These include financial forecasting, detailed reporting, and advice for your business. Choosing the best software depends on what these tools can do for you.

The best business plan software enhances work, delivers better results, and makes it easy to update data in real time. This can save a startup up to 85% of their time, cutting down their working hours significantly, all thanks to powerful software.

  1. Storydoc
  2. LivePlan.com
  3. BizPlan.com
  4. Upmetrics.co
  5. Enloop.com
  6. GoSmallBiz.com
  7. Business Sorter
  8. iPlanner
  9. Cuttles
  10. MAUS Master Plan Lean

Pricing varies depending on the platform:

  • Storydoc: Starter ($40/month per user), Pro ($60/month per user), and custom Team plans.
  • LivePlan.com: Annual ($15 per month), Six months ($15 per month), and Pay As You Use ($20 per month).
  • BizPlan.com: Monthly plan ($29 per month), Annual plan ($20.75 per month or $249/year), and Lifetime access ($349).
  • IdeaBuddy: Dreamer plan ($15 per month), Founder plan ($25 per month), and Team plan ($35 per month).
  • Cuttles: Dreamer Plan ($15/month), Startup Plan ($30/month), and Unlimited Plan ($50/month).

When comparing startup planning tools, user reviews and ratings matter. LivePlan, GoSmallBiz, and EquityNet got a good 4.0. PlanGuru and StratPad scored 3.5, and Enloop got 3.0.

To make the right choice, startups should consider expert reviews and look at feature differences. Things like exporting financial charts and having samples can be key in choosing a tool.

Overall, there’s a wide range of top business plan tools. This variety ensures that every startup can find software that perfectly matches their needs, goals, and model.

Wrike: Best Overall

Wrike is top-notch in business plan software for startups across all fields. It offers a complete toolbox that startups need. This feature makes it perfect for those looking for an all-in-one answer.

Key Features

Wrike excels in project management, providing custom templates and easy team collaboration tools. With these, your team can work well together. These tools are crucial for startup growth.

  • Extensive project management capabilities: Wrike organizes tasks and deadlines, keeping everything on schedule.
  • Tailor-made templates: Templates make planning easier and faster.
  • Real-time collaboration: This function allows teams to work together smoothly, boosting productivity.

Pros and Cons

Wrike has its fair share of benefits and drawbacks. Startups need to consider both carefully.

“Wrike offers many tools for startups to grow and manage projects. Yet, its advanced tools might need a learning curve.” – Forbes Advisor

  • Pros
    • Comprehensive project management capabilities
    • Real-time collaboration tools
    • User-centric interface
    • Enhanced security features
  • Cons
    • New users might experience a learning curve
    • The price could be higher than other similar tools

Pricing Details

For startups looking at Wrike, understanding its pricing is key. Here’s how it breaks down:

Plan Monthly Price (per user, billed annually) Max Users Storage per User Automation Actions per User/Month Additional Features
Basic $0 5 2 GB 50 Basic project management tools
Quick Start $9.80 20 free collaborator licenses 5 GB 100 Enhanced project templates, limited real-time collaboration
Most Popular $24.80 5 to 200 10 GB 500 Full project management, advanced reporting, time tracking
Business Plan Custom 5 to unlimited 15 GB 1500 AI risk prediction, project blueprints, resource management

The Wrike business plan tool stands out with these plans. It offers flexible and rich features for startups. Wrike is a top pick for those needing a practical solution within their budget.

LivePlan: Best for Financial Forecasting

LivePlan is great for financial forecasting, especially for startups. It has a top 4.8/5 rating from users on Google Reviews and ShopperApproved. Over 1 million business owners have used LivePlan to make their companies better. Those who use LivePlan grow their businesses 30% faster than those who don’t.

LivePlan offers more than 500 sample business plans, which is very helpful for new entrepreneurs. It guides users with a step-by-step process for making business plans. With automatic financials, you won’t need to sweat over spreadsheets. This makes planning your business a lot simpler.

LivePlan’s drag-and-drop financial forecasting tool is easy to use. It lets you create detailed forecasts quickly. You can also make charts and graphs of your business plans easily.

Customizing your plan is also easy with LivePlan. The LivePlan Assistant gives you tips on how to manage your money. It also helps you create important financial tables. This is a big help for getting loans or investments.

LivePlan lets you try different business scenarios. You can even get financial projections automatically by linking your QuickBooks or Xero accounts. Plus, LivePlan offers a 35-day money-back guarantee. This means you can try it without any risk.

Feature Details
User Ratings 4.8/5 on Google and ShopperApproved
Number of Users Over 1 million business owners
Growth Rate 30% faster for companies that plan and track with LivePlan
Sample Plans Access to over 500 sample plans
Financial Tools Automatic financials and drag-and-drop forecasting
Customization LivePlan Assistant for personalized suggestions
Scenario Planning Explore different business situations
Integration Connects with QuickBooks and Xero
Guarantee 35-day money-back guarantee

Smartsheet: Best for Goal Management

Smartsheet is top-notch for goal management, aiding startups in setting, tracking, and reaching goals. It stands out with rich planning features and real-time tracking, alongside user-friendly formats. This leads to better team work and more productive work cycles, according to experts.

Key Features

Smartsheet shines with its goal management tools, providing:

  • Real-time Collaboration: It smooths communication across team members.
  • Project Templates: Offers a wide range to meet various business demands.
  • Time Tracking: Easily keeps an eye on project schedules and milestones.
  • Gantt Charts: Helps in better understanding project timelines visually.

Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
  • Versatile templates enhance productivity.
  • Excellent integration with other tools.
  • Scalability suits both small and large teams.
  • Steep learning curve for beginners.
  • Smartsheet pricing can be high for startups.

Pricing Details

Smartsheet’s cost depends on the chosen plan and the number of users. It provides powerful tools for goal management. But for startups, balancing these benefits with the budget is key.

Bizplan: Best for Beginners

Bizplan startup software is great for new business owners. It’s made for easy business planning. The simple drag-and-drop tool helps startups build their business plans quickly.

This software doesn’t just help with planning. It’s also good for getting investment money. Startups using Bizplan have gotten over $500 million. Plumlife and Olaeris each got millions in investment capital using this tool.

Bizplan starts at $29 a month. Or you can pay $249 for a whole year, or $349 for lifetime access. This makes it affordable for people at any business level. It also gives you expert videos and connects you with 20,000 professionals to help you plan better.

Bizplan is still a top choice compared to other tools:

Software Monthly Cost Key Features
Bizplan $29 Drag-and-drop interface, 650+ masterclass videos, 20,000 experts
Upmetrics $7 AI-powered functionalities, 400+ templates
LivePlan $20 Financial forecasting, integration with QuickBooks
Enloop $19.95 7-day free trial, automatic financial projections
IdeaBuddy $15 Multiple plans, up to 60% annual savings
GoSmallBiz $49 Website builder, CRM system
BizPlanBuilder $27 Strategic planning, growth financing

In the end, Bizplan is perfect for new business owners. It helps make detailed business plans and get the funding you need to start your dream.

How to Choose the Right Business Plan Software

Choosing the right business plan software can feel hard with so many options. To find the best one, review what your business needs. Also, look at costs, features, and what customers say. This will help guide your decision.

Assessing Your Business Needs

Start by figuring out what your business needs from a software. What do you want to do with it? For example, LivePlan is great for getting funds, making strategies, and testing ideas. It’s perfect for quick projections and cash flow details too.

Comparing Costs and Features

It’s key to compare costs and features of different software options. Let’s take a look at a few:

Software Features Cost
LivePlan Cash flow, sales projections, strategy building $20/month standard; $30/month premium
Enloop AutoWrite feature, financial ratios Free, with additional paid tiers
IdeaBuddy Business plan creation in 30 mins, financial calculators Subscription-based
PlanGuru 20 forecasting tools, tailored for accountants and nonprofits $99/month
Jirav VC-funded companies, growth, and accounting firms $250-$850/month

Keep in mind, LivePlan, with its large user base, offers quicker business plan creation. This could be a big plus over other options.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

What users say about these tools matters. Their reviews show how well the software really works. Reviews are important for startups looking to make a smart choice. They explain LivePlan’s strengths for ambitious entrepreneurs.

Doing a deep dive into different software will help you pick the best one. LivePlan might stand out for its quick planning, while Vizologi offers great features for students. Choosing wisely means matching what you need with what’s available.

Conclusion

Choosing the best business plan software for a startup needs careful thought. You should look at what you need, your budget, and what others say. Software such as LivePlan, Bizplan, and Enloop are praised for being powerful yet simple to use. These tools help by offering templates, advice for different industries, and tools for predicting finances. All of this is key for making a business plan that’s detailed and achievable.

The easy-to-use design and adjustable features of this software help entrepreneurs a lot. They can make plans that look professional and are effective at getting financial help. It’s important to think about how simple it is to use, how much you can change it, the ability to predict finances, the tools to work with others, and the help you can get from the software company. This way, new businesses can pick the best software for their needs.

Looking at the good and bad bits of different plan software is also important. Make sure to check if they work well with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero. Picking the right business plan software can greatly help in sorting out your ideas, understanding risks and chances, and setting a clear path to your business goals. Thankfully, with so many choices in 2024, startups can easily find the perfect planning tool that matches their dreams and goals.

FAQ

What is business plan software?

Business plan software helps entrepreneurs make detailed business plans. It has tools for predicting finances, working together, and ready-to-use designs. These features make planning easier and help businesses get funds or partners.

Why is business plan software important for startups?

For new businesses, creating a strategy is complex. Business plan software offers steps, brainstorming tools, and financial help. It makes it easier for startups to collect data and set clear goals. This improves their business plan’s trustworthiness.

What are some of the best business plan software for startups?

Top choices for business planning software include Wrike, LivePlan, Smartsheet, and Bizplan. These tools stand out because of their project management and finance features. They also have easy-to-use designs and are cost-effective.

What features should I look for in business plan software?

When choosing, key in on financial forecasting and a user-friendly design. Also, look for custom options and compatibility with other business tools. These all help in creating a detailed and smooth business plan.

How does business plan software help with financial forecasting?

Business plan tools turn numbers into graphs and charts for easy viewing. This makes creating financial predictions easier. It’s important for getting investments or forming partnerships.

Can I collaborate with my team using business plan software?

Yes, most software lets teams work on the business plan together. It’s great for startups, promoting teamwork and a united plan.

Is business plan software affordable for startups?

Many software options fit different budgets. While some, like Wrike, are feature-rich and a bit costly, others are more wallet-friendly. Bizplan, for instance, is perfect for those just starting out.

How do I choose the right business plan software for my startup?

To pick the best tool, list your business’s needs, compare costs, and check reviews. This approach ensures you find software that suits your business plan and goals.

What makes Wrike the best overall business plan software for startups?

Wrike earns high marks for its broad project management features and collaboration options. It stands out for its easy-to-use design and advanced tools, ideal for startup success, according to Forbes Advisor.

Why is LivePlan recommended for financial forecasting?

LivePlan is great at creating financial projections thanks to its many sample plans and customizable features. This makes it perfect for startups focusing on detailed business and financial plans, as noted by PCMag’s reviews.

What are the strengths of Smartsheet for goal management?

Smartsheet is praised for helping startups set, follow, and achieve goals. It’s known for its team planning, real-time progress view, and ease of use. However, it’s important to weigh its cost against its benefits.

Is Bizplan suitable for beginners?

Yes, Bizplan is perfect for new entrepreneurs with its simple interface. It works well with crowdfunding sites like Fundable. This makes it easier for beginners to plan and seek investments.

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