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

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

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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.

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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

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

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

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

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

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

PlanGuru: Best financial forecasting features

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 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!

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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.

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Blog Business 8 Best Business Plan Software for 2024

8 Best Business Plan Software for 2024

Written by: Krystle Wong Jan 01, 2024

Gone are the days of staring at blank pages and struggling to structure a business plan effectively. With user-friendly interfaces and a wide range of business plan templates catering to various industries, creating business plans that are polished, professional and data-driven can now be done in a fraction of the time.

For startups, business plan software guides them through the crucial early stages with comprehensive business plan templates and financial modeling tools. Established businesses on the other hand benefit from the software’s collaborative features, enabling seamless teamwork as they pivot, innovate and pursue new growth opportunities.

In this article, let’s delve into exploring the seven best business plan software for 2024. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur with a groundbreaking idea or a seasoned business owner ready to elevate your enterprise to new heights, these software solutions have all you need to create a solid business plan.

Click to jump ahead:

What is a business plan software?

• 7 Best business plan software for 2024

Factors to consider when choosing a business plan software

7 steps to create your own business plan, business plan software faq, key takeaway.

A Business plan software is a specialized digital tool designed to assist entrepreneurs, startups and established businesses in creating, organizing and presenting comprehensive business plans. 

Business plan software significantly reduces the time and effort required to create a comprehensive business plan . The availability of business plan templates, financial modeling tools and automated features streamlines the process of business planning and eliminates the need for starting from scratch.

Some advanced business planning software even integrates market research capabilities. This feature provides users with access to market trends, industry benchmarks and relevant data. Access to such data helps users make informed decisions and demonstrate a thorough understanding of their target market.

8 Best business plan software for 2024 

1. venngage.

Venngage specializes in transforming traditional business plans into captivating visual stories. Visuals can communicate complex information effectively, ensuring your ideas stand out and resonate with your audience.

When it comes to business planning, conveying your ideas with impact is just as important as the content itself. In this digital age, visual storytelling has emerged as a powerful way to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression. That’s where Venngage steps in.

With a rich library of templates, Venngage offers a variety of themes and styles to suit different industries and business types. Customize your business plans with our user-friendly drag-and-drop tools by adding your brand elements, customizing colors, fonts and visuals to make your business plan truly unique. Check out our library of sample business plans to get started today.

However, while Venngage excels in visual storytelling, it might not be the go-to tool for in-depth financial forecasts and analysis. Users seeking extensive financial modeling might want to complement Venngage with a comprehensive business planning tool.

Pricing options:

Create your first 5 designs with Venngage for free and upgrade to a premium or business plan for $10/month per user and $24/month per user respectively to enjoy premium features. For larger teams who need extra support, controls and security, the enterprise plan starts from $499/month for 10+ seats.

Can I collaborate with team members using this business plan software?

Yes, absolutely! Venngage offers collaborative features that allow you to work seamlessly with multiple team members when creating business plans. You can invite team members to join your Venngage account and they can contribute to the design process in real time. 

Can I export my business plan to different file formats?

Upgrade to a premium or business plan on Venngage to export your professional business plan to different file formats. After designing your business plan, you can choose to export it as a high-quality PDF document, which is ideal for sharing and printing. Additionally, Venngage allows you to export your business plan as an image file (PNG or JPG), making it easy to use in presentations or on your website. 

Is this business plan software suitable for startups or established businesses? 

Venngage is great for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to enhance their business plans with visually engaging infographics and visual assets.

Instead of sharing a lengthy, 50-page document that may bore your audience and fail to effectively convey your message — present your business plan with infographics. Here’s how you can create a business plan infographic that will wow your readers and showcase your business at its best. 

2. LivePlan

Source: Screenshot from LivePlan

In the realm of business planning software, LivePlan stands out as a reliable and user-friendly tool. With a focus on seamless financial forecasting and budgeting capabilities, LivePlan streamlines the planning process, helping businesses transform their visions into reality.

The software’s financial forecasting tools provide users with the ability to project revenue, expenses and cash flow accurately. This financial insight is invaluable for making informed decisions and setting realistic goals.

For hassle-free data integration, the business plan software offers seamless integration with accounting software . This feature allows users to import financial data effortlessly, saving time and reducing manual data entry.

While LivePlan excels in financial planning and user-friendliness, some users may find the customization options for design and layout to be limited. For businesses seeking highly tailored visual aesthetics, LivePlan’s template-based approach might be less ideal.

The standard plan is available at $20/month for monthly billing and $15/month for annual billing. For businesses seeking extensive financial tools to support their operations and growth, the Premium plan costs $20 for the first month and $40/month (monthly billing) or $30/month (annual billing) for subsequent months.

LivePlan facilitates seamless collaboration among users within your account, allowing multiple individuals to work on the same plan concurrently. To prevent conflicting edits, LivePlan restricts access to specific sections, allowing only one user to edit at a time while others observe the locked section.

You can export your business plan by using the print to PDF feature. This generates your plan content in a standard file format compatible with Adobe Reader and other free reader programs. Alternatively, you can export your plan to Microsoft Word (2007 or later).

A great tool for small businesses, startups and entrepreneurs looking for easy-to-use software with solid financial planning tools.

3. Upmetrics

Upmetrics is an AI-powered business planning software that helps businesses of all sizes and industries write their business plan.

With Upmetrics AI Assistant, you can write your plan faster, get answers to any business-related queries, and prepare financial forecasts in no time. 

Besides, the subscription includes access to 400+ sample business plans, various informative guides, and video tutorials to keep your business plan writing process on track. 

Additionally, it has collaborative features, so that everyone on the team can share their insights. Not just that, the software provides you with an AI pitch deck generator, so you can make a stellar pitch.

As an AI business plan builder , Upmetrics is suitable for entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses to write their plans at any stage. Although it has various cover page designs and immense customization options, it might still lack visual appeal. 

Pricing plan options 

• Starter plan – $7 monthly 
• Premium plan – $14 monthly 

Yes, you can collaborate with your team members while using Upmetrics. It offers collaboration tools that allow you to work effortlessly with your team on the business plan. You can invite team members to collaborate, assign tasks, and track the progress together. 

You can download your business plan as a PDF or directly as a document in Word. Besides, you can share the business plan directly to any email, and they will get the viewer access to the plan. 

Upmetrics is a versatile business planning software suitable for startups and established businesses. But its financial planning features, step-by-step guidance, and AI Assistant make it more useful for startups writing business plans for the first time.

4. BizPlan by Startups.com

Source: Screenshot from BizPlan

If you’re a startup aiming to raise investments, BizPlan is the one for you. As a universal professional business plan builder, BizPlan offers the added advantage of seamless integration with all the tools within the Startups.com network.

Designed with startups in mind, BizPlan’s step-by-step approach allows you to break down the entire scope of work into manageable steps and the built-in Progress Tracker tool keeps you on track towards success.

Once you subscribe, BizPlan opens the door to utilizing all the tools offered by Startups.com, making it a one-stop shop for your entrepreneurial needs. Whether it’s lifetime access to the service, connectivity to Findable to attract financial investments, a wealth of online educational programs or the ability to connect multiple owners to a single account, BizPlan delivers comprehensive support.

While the business plan software offers an array of benefits, it’s essential to consider the possible downsides. The absence of a free version and a mobile app, along with a lack of industry-specific templates for business plans may be worth considering before making your decision

Pricing plan options:

• Monthly plan ($29 per month)
• Annual plan ($20.75 per month or $249/year)
• Lifetime access (one-time fee of $349)

Bizplan encourages collaboration with partners, team members, advisors and subject matter experts by allowing threaded comments throughout the entire plan. It provides control over who can access sensitive financial data and enables convenient cloud-based access from anywhere.

Bizplan provides multiple options for sharing your business plan with others. You can generate an online version of your plan, which can be set as private by default or made publicly accessible through a unique shareable URL. Additionally, Bizplan offers the option to create a custom-branded PDF of your business plan. 

BizPlan is great for entrepreneurs and small businesses who value a vast collection of resources and need support in financial analysis.

Source: Screenshot from Enloop

Enloop emerges as one of the best business plan tools for startups, catering to entrepreneurs who crave a streamlined planning process. With the ability to automatically generate basic text for each section of your plan, Enloop saves time and effort in crafting your business vision.

A highlight of the business plan tool is its automatic generation of financial projections, offering accurate insights based on your entered data. This powerful feature empowers entrepreneurs to make informed decisions and project future outcomes with confidence.

For those with a penchant for strategic thinking, Enloop’s “what-if” scenario analysis becomes an invaluable tool. It allows users to explore various business strategies and assess their potential impact on plan outcomes, enabling sound decision-making.

Enloop doesn’t stop at generating numbers; it goes a step further by providing a business plan grading system. This insightful feature assesses plan quality, giving users valuable feedback to refine and enhance their business plans.

However, it’s essential to consider the software’s limitations as customization and design options are relatively limited. Additionally, the basic version of Enloop might not meet the needs of all users, as it lacks certain advanced features. 

• Seven day free trial (no credit card required)
• Detailed plan ($19.95/month or $11/month when billed annually)
• Performance plan ($39.95/month or $24/month when billed annually)

Enloop’s online business plan writing app lets you invite and collaborate with anyone on your business plans using the ‘Invite & Share’ feature.

Enloop allows you to download your business plan in PDF format whenever you’re ready. The plans remain accessible in your paid account, encouraging regular updates to keep track of your business’s health and have an up-to-date plan ready for financing needs.

Suitable for entrepreneurs seeking a tool that simplifies financial forecasting and scenario analysis.

6. PlanGuru

Source: Screenshot from PlanGuru

PlanGuru’s standout feature lies in its ability to forecast all three financial statements – income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement so that users can make data-driven decisions.

Creating detailed analyses becomes a breeze with PlanGuru’s general ledger import utilities, allowing seamless historical data import. The software facilitates budget vs actual reporting and enables building rolling forecasts with just a few clicks each month.

Unlimited budgeting flexibility is another advantage offered by the business plan builder. Users can craft simple high-level small business budgets or delve into intricate multi-department operating budgets with ease.

With scenario analysis capabilities, PlanGuru empowers users to interpret the financial impact of specific events accurately. This feature enables making critical investments and strategic decisions with confidence, knowing thorough due diligence has been performed.

Given its sophisticated features, PlanGuru may be more suitable for financial professionals and analysts looking for in-depth financial analysis and budgeting tools. Users not familiar with financial modeling may face a steeper learning curve when utilizing Enloop’s robust capabilities.

• Single entity ($99/month or $75/month when billed annually)
• Multi-department consolidations ($299/month or $225/month when billed annually)

You can add up to 3 users with the multi-department consolidation plan. Additionally, all plans allow you to add on $29/month (billed monthly) or $25/month (billed annually) for each extra user.

What other apps does PlanGuru integrate with?

The cloud-based platform is also accessible as a Windows-based desktop version, giving you the freedom to choose the format that suits you best. Additionally, PlanGuru seamlessly integrates with MS Excel, QuickBooks Online and Xero, providing further flexibility and convenience in using the software.

The cloud-based version is suitable for SMBs or nonprofits budgeting for a single entity while the multi-department consolidations plan is for companies with multiple departments needing consolidated budgets.

7. Business Sorter

Source: Screenshot from Business Sorter

With Business Sorter’s card sort system, crafting the foundation of your plan becomes a breeze. Featuring 273 cards covering various business situations, the business plan generator offers flexibility, allowing users to customize their plan by adding their cards or modifying existing ones, tailoring the plan to their specific needs.

The platform also provides the convenience of viewing your plan on any device, including smartphones, which not many business plan apps have. Additionally, guidance is at hand with Business Sorter as the software provides valuable tips and advice for every key step, empowering users to implement their business strategy with confidence.

While Business Sorter excels in its interactive features, it may not offer as extensive financial analysis tools as other business plan software. For businesses requiring advanced financial modeling capabilities, Business Sorter might not fully meet their requirements.

• For small teams with up to 3 users ($10/month or $80/year)
• For medium teams with up to 10 users ($30/month or $240/year)
• For large teams with up to 30 users ($80/month or $640/year)
• For enterprises with unlimited users (custom pricing)

Your business plan can be edited by only one user at a time. When a user opens a plan, it automatically locks to prevent any data loss and remains locked until the user finishes their work and exits the plan.

You can print each business plan directly from the plan summaries on your dashboard. 

Suitable for both entrepreneurs and businesses looking for an interactive and visually appealing planning approach.

9. AchieveIt

Source: Screenshot from AchieveIt

AchieveIt stands as a versatile software for business plans, designed to simplify the planning process for businesses of all sizes and planning methods. With AchieveIt, you can easily build plans, ensuring alignment and engagement among your employees and optimizing plans for seamless execution.

Regardless of your preferred planning method, AchieveIt empowers you to construct plans effortlessly, providing a flexible solution for any planning use case. The software ensures your plans are well-aligned with your organization’s objectives, engaging all team members for successful plan execution.

The business plan tool provides robust tracking and reporting features, allowing businesses to monitor the progress of their plans and measure performance against set goals. Users can create customized dashboards to visualize key performance metrics, making it easier to identify trends and insights.

That said, In comparison to most business plan software, AchieveIt’s pricing might be relatively higher with its extensive features. On top of that, for users new to strategic planning software, AchieveIt may present a learning curve during the initial adoption phase.

The business plan software packages for AchieveIt varies based on factors like organization size, required functionality and the number of users. AchieveIt being an enterprise-level software offers custom pricing to cater to the specific needs of each business. For accurate pricing details, it’s best to contact their sales or customer support team.

AchieveIt allows team members, stakeholders and advisors to have shared access to the platform, providing them with visibility into the latest updates and progress on the plans. Users can assign tasks to team members and track their progress within the platform. 

Can AchieveIt integrate with existing systems?

AchieveIt’s Data Integration API lets you import key metric data from existing systems, saving time and reducing errors by eliminating the need for data entry in multiple places.

AchieveIt is best suited for medium to large-sized businesses and organizations that require a comprehensive and collaborative strategic planning platform. It caters to teams and enterprises seeking to improve their planning processes, track performance and drive organizational alignment to achieve business objectives effectively.

No idea what your business plan should look like? Check out these business plan examples for inspiration. 

When searching for the best business planning software, you may be wondering — what features should I look for in business plan software? You want to make sure it meets your specific requirements and streamlines the planning process effectively. Here are the top six factors to consider:

Ease of use

The software should have a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of creating a business plan. Look for intuitive navigation, clear instruction and a layout that makes it easy to input and organize your information.

Features and business plan templates

Check the range of features and business plan templates the software offers. Look for a diverse selection of business plan templates catering to various industries and business types. The software should provide essential sections like executive summaries, market analysis, financial projections and more.

Financial modeling tools

Your business plan software should allow you to input financial data and generate accurate and comprehensive financial projections. These business plan creation tools are vital for assessing the financial viability of your business.

Collaboration and sharing

If you’ll be working with a team or seeking feedback from others, consider software that enables real-time collaboration and easy sharing. The ability to work together seamlessly can enhance productivity and improve the quality of your business plan.

Built for fast-moving teams that need to be on the same page, Venngage’s real-time collaboration enables you to polish your design with your team in real time, leave comments on each other’s work,and save your designs in one shared folder. With your  Venngage Business  account, you can easily invite and manage your team members to collaborate on a design, all in real time.

Security and data protection

Since a business plan contains sensitive information, prioritize software that prioritizes security. Ensure that the software uses encryption and data protection measures to keep your data safe from unauthorized access.

Exporting and sharing options

Check the software’s export options. You’ll likely want to share your business plan with others, so ensure it can be exported in popular formats like PDF or PowerPoint.

Are you an entrepreneur starting a new business or expanding your existing business? This guide on how to create a small business plan might come in handy for you. 

Creating business plans can be a crucial step in setting your entrepreneurial vision on the right track. To help you through the process, here are 7 steps to guide you in crafting a comprehensive business plan:

Step 1: Executive summary

Start with an attention-grabbing executive summary. This section provides an overview of your business. In your executive summary, make sure to highlight your mission, goals, products or services, target market and the unique value you offer. Keep it concise, yet compelling.

Step 2: Company description

Give a detailed description of your company. Explain your business’s history, its legal structure (e.g. sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation) and the reasons why your business will succeed in the market.

Step 3: Market analysis

Conduct thorough market research to understand your industry, target market and competition. Identify your ideal customers, their needs and preferences. Analyze your competitors and highlight your competitive advantages.

Step 4: Products and Services

Describe your products or services in depth. Explain their features, benefits and how they meet the needs of your target customers. Emphasize what sets your offerings apart from the competition.

Step 5: Marketing and sales strategy

Outline your marketing and sales strategies to reach your target audience. Explain your promotional activities, pricing strategies, distribution channels and sales tactics. Detail how you plan to acquire and retain customers.

Step 6: Financial projections

Project your financial performance over the next three to five years. Include estimated revenue, expenses and cash flow. Detail your startup costs and funding requirements if applicable. Be realistic and supported by market research.

Step 7: Implementation plan

Create a detailed roadmap for executing your business plan. Set specific goals and milestones. Break down tasks and assign responsibilities. Include timelines and a plan for measuring progress.

A great tip here is to start with a well-structured outline. This guide on how to create a business plan outline will help you in creating your blueprint to easily identify your business’ resource needs, including finances, personnel and equipment. 

Is my business data safe with business plan software?

Most reputable business plan software providers prioritize data security and employ encryption and other measures to keep your business data safe from unauthorized access.

What are the benefits of using business planning tools?

Business planning tools offer time efficiency, professional presentation, error reduction, collaborative features and accessibility, making it easier to create a comprehensive business plan that impresses investors and stakeholders.

Do I need any specific skills or expertise to use business plan software?

No, many business plan software solutions are designed to be user-friendly, requiring no specific skills or expertise. They often come with templates and step-by-step guidance to assist you through the planning process.

In the dynamic landscape of 2024, businesses are on the lookout for innovative tools to stay ahead of the curve and drive their growth. These 7 business plan software picks for 2024 offer a wide range of features, from user-friendly interfaces and real-time collaboration to sophisticated financial analysis tools and customizable dashboards.

Whether you’re looking for user-friendly platform business planning tools that aligns with your business planning processes or a business plan writing software that allows you to tailor the business plan according to your industry, goals and unique requirements — I’m quite certain I’ve got them all covered. 

The value of these business plan software options lies not only in their efficiency but also in their ability to save time and reduce errors. By integrating with existing systems through Data Integration APIs, users can seamlessly import key metric data, eliminating redundant data entry and streamlining the process.

If you’re still unsure about which is the right business plan software for your business, you can always take advantage of free trials or video tutorials and demos offered by software providers. Testing the platform firsthand will give you a practical understanding of its usability and suitability for your business.

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7 Best Business Plan Software for Startups in 2024

• Resources for Planning a Business
• Best Business Plan Software

Last Updated: April 26, 2024 By TRUiC Team

Launching a new startup is an exciting yet challenging endeavor. Crafting a comprehensive business plan is a critical first step for any founder to outline their vision, objectives, and strategy. It acts as a roadmap to help guide important decisions and next steps as a company grows.

With so many options available, finding the right business planning tool can be daunting. The best software should be affordable, user-friendly, and offer a robust set of features to aid in financial modeling, strategic planning, and more.

In this review, we'll explore some of the top business plan software solutions designed specifically for entrepreneurs. We'll compare capabilities, ease of use, templates and resources, integrations, pricing, and more. Whether you’re looking to create an investor-ready plan or simply organize your strategy, choosing the right tool can help you get started on the right foot.

Best Business Plan Software for Startups: LivePlan

Top Business Plan Software Solutions

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:

• LivePlan - Best Overall
• Bizplan - Easiest to Use
• Enloop - Best Automation Features
• PlanGuru - Best Financial Forecasting
• IdeaBuddy - Best for Idea Validation
• iPlanner - Best for Nonprofits
• Wise Business Plans - Best Professional Services

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

Try LivePlan today or continue reading to explore your options!

Best Business Plan Software: LivePlan

LivePlan is the overall best business plan tool, offering a large number of features at an affordable price.

Visit LivePlan

1. LivePlan - $15/month to $30/month

We love LivePlan overall because it offers great value at an affordable cost. The software lets you quickly create a business plan from anywhere in the world using what is arguably the best business plan software available on the market. It does everything better than its competition and costs way less.

What’s more, the online “cloud-based” platform is easy to use and you are under no contract or obligation to keep paying for the service. Even better, 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 Palo Alto Software’s earlier software Business Plan Pro require some modifications to be used on LivePlan

Insider Information

Talking to the nice people at LivePlan we learned some inside information that we wanted to share with our readers.

Here's what we learned:

• LivePlan has been used by contestants on ABC's hit show "Shark Tank" to win over angel investors to help them get their ideas and businesses funded.
• Accountants use LivePlan as an added-value service to sell to their clients.
• Businesses continue using LivePlan because of a feature called “Dashboard” which lets you manually enter your actuals or pull actuals from Quickbooks online to do comparative forecasting and analysis.
• LivePlan helps with business continuity planning (BCP).
• LivePlan executives use LivePlan to make important business decisions.
• "Dashboard" does profit and loss, cash flow, and balance sheet reports and lets you compare and contrast your actuals from your forecasts to be able to show to investors.
• LivePlan lets you create business plans in 1/5th the time it takes using templates.

Customer Reviews

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.

2. 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 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 free trial
• No third-party app integrations

Talking with BizPlan insiders, we learned that the premise behind BizPlan is to help startups easily create professional business plans to give them a leg-up with lenders and investors.

Here's what else we learned:

• BizPlan's does all your financial calculations for you.
• BizPlan strives to be an all-in-one solution for Startups needing funding.
• BizPlan is constantly making improvements to its software.

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.

3. 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 team members 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

We learned that the premise behind Enloop is to make business planning easier for entrepreneurs. Enloop achieves this by making software simple to navigate through and takes risks off the table with their no credit card needed seven-day free trial. Their business plan creation software offers financial forecasting features for up to 36 months.

• Enloop utilizes 16 financial ratios to get your business ready for investors.
• Enloop offers some sample business plans that are easy to modify.
• Enloop's performance score increases as you create your detailed plan.
• A new business or small businesses benefit the most from Enloop's solutions.

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.

4. 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 business plan software options
• Additional cost per user can add up quickly

The great thing about PlanGuru is that the only thing you have to worry about is the income statement and balance sheet projections because the cash flow statement is automatically generated.

Then once you have the cash flow statement, income statement, and balance sheet in place, you can then lock down the budget.

• PlanGuru's desktop version has three different types of valuation methods that calculate the worth of your business.
• PlanGuru has some really nice reporting tools that pull together your financial statements into table formats, say, for the bank, line-by-line.
• PlanGuru also has some nice charts, graphs, scorecards, and some easily digestible reports that can help you visualize how your company is performing.
• Exports to Excel, PDF, and Word documents --and, there's even a tool that lets you create customized reports.
• You can print your plan off too to show partners, lenders, and investors.
• PlanGuru now offers a cloud-based version of its software, though it will take some time to catch up to the rich features offered by the current desktop software version.
• With PlanGuru you also get free updates, bug fixes, and new releases as they become available.

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

5. 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 some great features that are fantastic from idea conceptualization down to cost projections and the laying out of steps to take to start a business. We would have liked, however, to been given more KPIs that would notify us of tasks, help with idea validation, and help us measure other objectives to better monitor the health of our business. Another thing lacking was the design of the finished plan--it contained some noticeable structural issues.

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

6. 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.

iPlanner's Business Planning Software

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.

7. Wise Business Plans - Pricing by Request

Wise business plans website is a little confusing to navigate, and pricing is by request only, which can get frustrating. They do have a lot of options for different kinds of business plans for various types of business types, which makes them versatile. They also have business building and funding options as well. And, if you wish to establish business credit, they offer net-30 accounts that get reported to Equifax business.

• Claim to be the only business plan company to write for Fortune 100 and 500 companies
• Business formation services
• Business license searches
• EIN services
• Digital marketing services
• Business website design and branding
• Has a lot of helpful information
• Helpful options for forming your business
• Options to help after you start your business
• Helps small businesses establish business credit
• Not an actual business plan software
• Expensive by comparison
• Website is difficult to navigate
• Pricing is by request only
• Limited products and features
• Turnaround is one month
• Requires some work on your end

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 entrepreneurship.
• 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 a business plan software solution:

• Consider your skill level – Opt for software like a wizard-guided 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.

Which Is the Best Business Plan Software?

You know the unique requirements of your startup better than we do. These are all quality services that offer business planning software tools for entrepreneurs like you. Feel free to read over our full reviews if you’d like to know more about any of them or even visit the websites directly.

In general, we do prefer LivePlan because they have a huge library of business plan templates, and we love their convenient dashboard. They're the planning software that is most likely to help you via customer support, continue updating their tool, and figure out ways to make your business experience better. Enjoy!

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, it can be a crucial tool for attracting investors, securing loans, and ensuring that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the business's direction and objectives.

What does business plan software do?

Business plan software assists entrepreneurs and businesses in creating, organizing, and refining their business plans. It provides tools, templates, and guidance to streamline the planning process. 

Features often include financial forecasting, market analysis, visual aids like charts and graphs, collaboration capabilities, and even integration with other business tools. This software aims to simplify the task of creating a thorough and professional business plan.

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 one 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.

What is Palo Alto Software?

Palo Alto Software is a company that's been around since the late 1980s. They created business management software for startups and existing businesses. The software has since been updated and rebranded as LivePlan and today happens to be one of the most sought-after business plan software available in the marketplace.

Individual Business Plan Reviews

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Lean Startup Business Plan Guide

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5 Best Business Plan Software in 2022

Sally Lauckner is an editor on NerdWallet's small-business team. She has over 15 years of experience in print and online journalism. Before joining NerdWallet in 2020, Sally was the editorial director at Fundera, where she built and led a team focused on small-business content and specializing in business financing. Her prior experience includes two years as a senior editor at SmartAsset, where she edited a wide range of personal finance content, and five years at the AOL Huffington Post Media Group, where she held a variety of editorial roles. She is based in New York City.

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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.

Looking for tools to help grow your business?

Tell us where you're at in your business journey, and we'll direct you to the experience that fits.

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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?

with Fundera by NerdWallet

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.

10 Best Business Plan Software and Tools in 2024

Do you know what’s common between a global IT firm and a small food truck business?

Like any other business on the planet Earth, they both require a  solid business plan  to make their business a runaway success.

Business plan. No entrepreneur is a stranger to this term, but do they all consider it seriously? Not sure.

Results? Spending a lot of time, money, and resources on the wrong marketing strategies, missing several growth opportunities, and of course, facing tough times raising funds. 

No one wants to be in this situation! 

That’s where a perfect business plan software can help you out. These tools make drafting an investment-ready business a breeze.

So how exactly can these business planning tools help?

Simply put,  business plan software  can help you create a winning business plan, develop marketing strategies, and predict your financial future—ultimately helping your business grow.

Now, how to choose a tool that will suit your business’s requirements and your budget too? The answer is right here.

In this article, we’ve narrowed down our search for the best business plan software to the 10 best paid and free software considering factors like—pricing, features, performance, and credibility. 

So you can easily pick the one that best suits your requirements.

All sorted? Shall we begin? Let’s roll.

Best Paid and Free Business Plan Software and Tools

Jump to section, 1. upmetrics.

Upmetrics  is a top business and financial planning software helping entrepreneurs and small business owners start and grow their businesses.

Its 200+ fully customizable sample business plans, video tutorials, well-written documentation, and go-to guides make writing a business plan a lot easier for someone new to business plan writing.

The best part about Upmetrics is—it’s affordable, reliable, and best for beginners. 

In fact, the creators of Upmetrics believe that creating a business plan requires no special qualifications, nor a degree in finance to draw financial projections.  

And the tool they’ve created speaks volumes of their words—making it a go-to solution for budding entrepreneurs. 

Let’s have a look at the features you get with Upmetrics—the #1 business plan software: 

• 400+ fully customizable business plan templates to get started.
• Easy-to-use business plan builder with drag and drop tools.
• Financial forecasting tool to plan and manage your cash flow with ease.
• Easy to share or collaborate with the team in real time.
• Pitch deck creator to create perfect pitches and impress investors.
• Createactionable business strategies using various business model canvases.
• Easily customize and edit cover pages.
• Real-time updates and cloud storage, eliminating the risk of data loss.
• Business resources, video tutorials, and guides to help get started.
• Intuitive, seamless, and responsive user interface.

The Upmetrics subscription starts at $7/month (billed annually) with one workspace; it also provides a free demo and a 15-day money-back guarantee —so no risk at all!

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2. Liveplan

LivePlan  is one of the best and most renowned business planning, budgeting, and performance-tracking software for startups and small business owners.

Whether you are a startup looking to attract potential investors or an established organization that needs help creating a forecast of your business’s financial future—LivePlan can help.

LivePlan simplifies the process of creating a professional business plan with its instruction manuals, tutorials, and expert guidance, whereas its automated financials built-in with formulas ensure precise financial forecasting.

LivePlan provides a wide range of features which may include:

• Business plan templates
• Budgeting and expense tracking
• Online learning tools & resources
• Collaborative planning
• Pitch deck creator
• Dashboard and reporting
• Integrated document storage

Though LivePlan has been in the market for a long time now, it isn’t suitable for short-term business planning. That’s why we recommend exploring some LivePlan alternatives.

LivePlan’s subscription model consists of two plans: standard and premium. The standard plan costs $20/month, whereas the premium plan costs $40/month. However, they do not have any free trial or demo as a part of their pricing plan.

What I didn't like about LivePlan?

Here are the average user ratings, comparing the experiences on Liveplan and Upmetrics.

Compare Liveplan with Others

Liveplan vs. Enloop: Which is Best for Your Business?

IdeaBuddy vs. Liveplan: Which is Best for Your Business?

Bizplan vs. Liveplan: Which is Best for Your Business?

Enloop  is an advanced business planning and financial forecasting tool helping business owners maximize the potential of their business venture.

Unlike Upmetrics and LivePlan—Enloop is designed for individuals with prior financial knowledge and business planning experience.

Understanding all of its functionalities is tough, but it has a lot to offer once you figure out its basic functionalities. Still, it’s not the most intuitive and user-friendly application in this space, so it may take a while to get used to it.

If you’re not a beginner and are willing to invest some time understanding and learning its functionalities—it’s well worth it. But, if you’re not, you may consider looking for a few other business plan software.

Enloop provides a wide range of advanced financial tools and business planning features, which may include:

• Business plan creation
• Automated financial forecasts
• Collaboration and sharing
• Funding and investor tools
• Exporting and integrations
• Auto-generated financial reports
• Automated text writing

Enloop’s monthly subscription plans range between $19.95 and $39.95, depending on your plan and functionalities. It also has a 7-day free trial with no credit card details required.

What I didn't like about Enloop?

Here are the average user ratings, comparing the experiences on Enloop and Upmetrics.

4. IdeaBuddy

Ideabuddy  is an innovative business plan software helping new-age entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful business plans.

Customizable templates, industry-based guides, and streamlined idea and business plan creation make it one of the most user-friendly applications on the list.

It is designed on a principle where users can develop, test, and launch their business idea—all in one place. While it’s great for idea creation, it may lack several comprehensive business planning features.

Financial forecasting is vital to a business plan, but IdeaBuddy may not provide all the necessary financial tools for accurate projections.

So if your business is in the idea stage—choosing IdeaBuddy could be a fair call, but if you plan to build a comprehensive business plan, you need another tool.

IdeaBuddy provides a wide range of features, which may include:

• Modern business plan with a click
• Export your plan and financials
• Mobile-friendly platform
• Customizable templates and industry-based guides
• Test to score your idea
• Step-by-step business guide
• Brainstorm ideas with your team

IdeaBuddy’s subscription model consists of four plans: free, dreamer, founder, and team pro.

Depending on the plan specifications and features, these plans may cost between $15 to $40 a month. You can also save up to 60% on annual memberships.

What I didn't like about IdeaBuddy?

Here are the average user ratings, comparing the experiences on IdeaBuddy and Upmetrics.

Planful  is a business planning and financial performance management cloud software. It provides a structured framework for industry-wide businesses to develop, track, and execute their plans.

The tool specializes in financial performance management with advanced features like—financial close management, reporting, and consolidation.

While the tool has numerous advanced features and functionalities—they all come with a high price tag as it’s mainly designed for medium and large-scale enterprises.

Let’s have a look at the extensive financial tools and features you may get with a planful subscription:

• Budgeting and forecasting
• Financial consolidation
• Scenario modeling
• Reporting and analytics
• Financial close management
• Data integration and connectivity
• Responsive web and mobile apps

Planful has no structured pricing model on their website; users may contact their sales team for a custom quotation.

What I didn't like about Planful?

6. iPlanner

iPlanner  is an enterprise business plan software that has been helping entrepreneurs develop their business plans since 2007. It is suitable for businesses looking to secure funding, better understand and manage risks, or communicate the company’s business model and strategy to the team.

Though the business plan software has been around for over a decade now, it didn’t seem to cope with the technological advancements, so it may not provide the most intuitive and visually appealing user interface.

But if you are searching for an affordable business planning and performance tracking tool with KPIs, analytics, and reporting features, iPlanner can be a good investment.

Here’s an overview of the key features of iPlanner—business plan software:

• Financial forecasting
• Secure and accessible
• Data security and backup
• How to articles and guides

iPlanner’s subscription model consists of two plans: professional and corporate. Professional subscriptions start at $24 for a 3-month subscription with one project, while corporate subscriptions start at $59 for a 6-month subscription with 12 projects

What I didn't like about iPlanner?

7. PlanGuru

PlanGuru  is a business planning software that helps entrepreneurs make better decisions, increase profits, and accomplish their business goals through strategic business planning and accurate forecasting.

Budgeting & financial analytics, rolling forecast, and strategic planning are three critical components of PlanGuru’s feature list.

PlanGuru specializes in forecasting financial statements, scenario analysis, budgeting, and gaining insights through reporting tools.

It offers many advanced financial forecasting features but is quite expensive— making it unsuitable for startups with limited investment capital.

PlanGuru provides a wide range of financial tools and business planning features to create business plans, which may include:

• Business valuation tool
• 20+ standard forecast methods
• Budget/forecast for up to 10 years
• Archive budget feature
• Standard report export to PDF, Excel, and Word
• Custom report builder for Excel
• Online dashboard, scorecard, and reporting tools

PlanGuru has two different pricing plans; one for businesses and nonprofits and another for business advisors. Depending on the plan specifications and features, these plans may cost between $99 and $299/month.

What I didn't like about PlanGuru?

8. The Business Plan Shop

The Business Plan Shop  is a business & financial planning and analysis platform for small and medium-sized business owners and financial advisors.

Its business plan templates make writing a business plan relatively easier for beginners. Despite its many features, the business plan software specializes in financial analysis, forecasting, and KPI tracking.

It surely has a few advanced features but can be expensive for startups and small businesses.

This business plan software provides a wide range of features, which may include:

• Financial forecasting software
• Sync accounting data
• Drag and drop templates and editor
• Integration with financial data
• Faster than Microsoft Word

The Business Plan Shop has two different pricing plans; one for businesses and CFOs and another for advisors. The business & CFO plan costs $25.50 per month, and the Advisor plan costs $94.20 per month.

What I didn't like about The Business Plan Shop?

Bizplan  is a comprehensive business plan software helping startups, entrepreneurs, and small business owners create business plans with direct access to planning experts. 

Financial tools help create detailed financial projections and financial and cash flow statements in no time, so entrepreneurs can spend more time growing and scaling their businesses.

The platform also has a fundraising tool to help startups connect with potential investors—which has already helped raise over $500 million for startups.

It has all the features to create a basic business plan but may lack industry-specific guidance or assistance.

Let’s have a look at the wide range of features that come with a Bizplan subscription:

• Financial modeling
• Integration and export
• Reporting and presentation
• Progress tracking
• Step-by-step guidance

Bizplan’s pricing plans start at $29/month, whereas the lifetime access costs $349. You may check their pricing page for more information.

What I didn't like about Bizplan?

Here are the average user ratings, comparing the experiences on Bizplan and Upmetrics.

Brixx  is a financial forecast software for cash flow, budgeting, and financial planning. Apart from helping users create a basic business plan, the platform also helps them with financial modeling, scenario planning, and goal tracking.

Its interactive charts and graphs can help you clearly present your financial data and cash flow statements for enhanced reader understanding.

Integrating Brixx and other accounting software automates the syncing of your actuals and forecasts, giving you a head start using Brixx.

The tool primarily focuses on financial projections and forecasting, so there are only a few features for other parts of the business plan.

Let’s have a look at the wide range of features that come with a Brixx subscription:

• 1-10 year financial forecasts
• Professional charts and reports
• Automated tax forecasts
• Quick-start templates
• Share plans in real-time
• Business Resources
• 3-way forecasting

Brixx has four packages in its subscription model: Foundation, Essentials, Professional, and Enterprise. The pricing for these packages may range from $0 to $66 per month.

What I didn't like about Brixx?

How to Choose the Right Business Plan Software?

All the business plan tools on our list are credible and can help you create a winning business plan. However, it’s critical to understand each tool specializes in certain aspects of business planning.

Let’s understand which factors to consider while choosing the right tool to help you create a professional business plan:

The most obvious factor. Ask yourself how much you can afford to spend on a business plan maker.

A free or low-cost tool may provide only some necessary functionalities to create a detailed plan. So, figure out your budget and shortlist the tools that you can afford to invest in.

2. Your specific requirements

The next step. Learn your specific requirement. For instance, if your business is in the idea stage, you may not require a tool with advanced financial features like—PlanGuru; Ideabuddy may work.

Both tools cater to specific audiences; if you are not sure, you may go with Upmetrics. It has pricing plans suitable for all business sizes.

3. Business plan templates

Custom designing a business plan can be tedious, so make sure the business plan software you choose has industry-specific templates to help you get started.

4. AI assistance

Artificial Intelligence has revolutionalized the way people get their things done. Make sure you select a platform that also provides AI assistance while creating a business plan.

With tools like ChatGPT and  AI business plan generator,  you can draft a business plan in a breeze.

5. Charts and graphs

Let’s face it, no one likes to read long paragraphs. The tool you choose must be able to turn your financial data and balance sheets into appealing and easy-to-understand charts and graphics.

6. Financial projections

Most critical section of a business plan. Understand your requirement regarding financial projections and the level of features the tool provides.

For instance, a large-scale organization may require a tool that can easily do business financials for ten or more years.

7. Contribution and sharing features

Make sure the tool you choose must provide the contribution and sharing features so that you can work with multiple team members.

8. Convenience and user-friendliness

A no-brainer. Ensure the software you choose has a user-friendly user interface and a manageable learning curve to understand all the working features.

9. Integrations

Some of the best business plan software integrates with accounting software. This feature can be handy while transferring financial details into your business plan.

10. Step-by-step guides

These user guides and tutorials can help you easily outline and prepare the first draft of your business plan, so make sure you consider this as one of the factors while selecting a tool.

11. Support

You are new to business planning software and may need help using some of its features. A responsive support team can help you get back on the right track.

Think of these factors as a checklist while researching the right business plan software. Once you have checked off all the boxes, you will have the right business plan software by your side.

Pros and Cons of Using Business Plan Software

Undoubtedly, business plan software can be a worth-it investment for your business, but it surely has a few disadvantages too. Let’s get to that:

• Time Saving: business plan software can be a big time-saving investment.
• Step-by-step guidance: These guides make it easier to get started for beginners.
• Accurate reporting: Good business plan software guarantee the accountability and accuracy of the reports generated.
• Customizations: Business plan tools also offer options to personalize your reports.
• Generic templates: These planning tools often provide generic templates that may not suit your requirements.
• Limited flexibility: In terms of formatting, content, design, and layout.
• Learning curve: Using these tools requires a learning curve to navigate the software.

There have to be a few disadvantages, but they are negligible when you look at the positive side of having a business plan software onboard.

And this section leads us to our conclusion!

That was the article for today with some of the best business plan software. Now over to you. Revisit the top business planning software on the list, do your research, and select the one that best suits your requirements.

Got any more burning questions in mind? The FAQ section starts right after we wrap this article up, feel free to explore. Happy business planning! 

Other Business Plan Software Alternatives

• Best 8 Liveplan alternatives
• Top Bizplan alternatives & competitors
• 8 Growthink alternatives
• Best Ideabuddy Alternatives
• Best Enloop Alternatives

Say No to Expensive Business Planning Software!

Get Affordable and Feature-Packed Business Planning with Upmetrics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best business plan software for startups.

We’ve already mentioned the best business plan software in the blog post earlier; you may choose one amongst those depending on your specific needs.

However, Upmetrics can be a go-to business planning software for startups as it only costs $9 per month to get started—which is worth it against the value you get.

Which tool is used as a one-page business plan?

There are many business plan software providing features to create one-page business plans like—Upmetrics and Ideabuddy. You can use Upmetrics’ canvas modeling feature to develop actionable and entrepreneur-focused one-page business plans.

Can I write a business plan myself?

Of course, you can. It’s easier than ever to write a business plan with the emerging use of tools like ChatGPT. Though you can write a business plan, you need assistance making it presentable for your investors.

And business plan software providers like Upmetrics can help you do that. With 200+ sample business plans, you can easily write the first draft of your business plan.

What is the best way to write a business plan?

There cannot be a standard answer to this question. There are various business planning processes, and all of them might not work for you. Still, considering the time-saving approach, using an industry-specific template and editing it as per your requirements can be an easy way to write a business plan.

Using ChatGPT for business plan writing can also be one of the best ways to write a business plan. As mentioned, there can’t be a specific answer to this question; find a way that best suits your needs.

Is there any free business plan software available?

It’s really challenging to find the perfect business plan software, that too, for free. IdeaBuddy from our list has a free plan, but it comes with very limited features, not so helpful for creating a business plan.

Business plan software like Upmetrics, Bizplan, and LivePlan also have free trials, so you may try their features before purchasing. Furthermore, you can get a 30% off on an Upmetrics subscription if you are a nonprofit or student.

How much does business plan software typically cost?

The cost of a business plan software can widely depend on the level of features and functionalities they provide. Still, the monthly subscription of a business plan tool can range anywhere between $5 to $300.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Frequently asked questions, how does a business plan builder like liveplan compare to free templates or other tools.

LivePlan is way more than business planning software , and far more powerful than a business plan template. Not only does it guide you through each step of writing your business plan - which you won’t get from a template - you won’t have to use spreadsheets to do your financials or create charts and graphs. As your business evolves, LivePlan helps you track your performance, lets you define the tasks needed to grow your business, and contains competitive industry benchmarks. No other template or tool comes close to the support, guidance, and ease that LivePlan brings to creating a business plan.

Do I need to have anything ready, like research or financials, before using LivePlan to build my business plan

No! Using LivePlan you can dive right in to starting your business plan with no preparation necessary. Working through LivePlan, you’ll be guided through where you need to supplement your knowledge of your market and industry. Of course, as you create your business plan you may need to gather additional data to add important details to your plan.

What is SBA approved formatting and will LivePlan help me create a business plan for the SBA?

The Small Business Administration, or SBA, requires business plans to be formatted in a specific way and include details indicating your business is viable. All LivePlan business plans follow SBA-approved formatting so you can ensure they include everything the SBA would expect to see.

What are all the things I can do in LivePlan?

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Can I explore LivePlan before signing up?

Absolutely. To experience planning in LivePlan, visit our interactive product tour or watch some of our getting started videos .

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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.

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.

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.

• ^ Back to the top

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. 

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 .

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.

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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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.

Take The First Step Towards Success

The Best 10 Business Planning Tools for Startups

Business planning is one of the significant strategic approaches that startup companies use to showcase their core objectives and programs to achieve organizations goals. Young businesses also prefer to make solid business plans to attract investors.

Therefore, the use of authoritative business planning tools is crucial for startups. That is why this article shares one of the top business planning tools with all necessary features and pricing models.

• 1 Top 10 Business Planning Tools for Startups
• 2.1 Features
• 2.2 Pricing
• 3.1 Features
• 3.2 Pricing
• 4.1 Features
• 4.2 Pricing
• 5.1 Features
• 5.2 Pricing
• 6.1 Features
• 6.2 Pricing
• 7.1 Features
• 7.2 Pricing
• 8.1 Features
• 8.2 Pricing
• 9.1 Features
• 9.2 Pricing
• 10.1 Features
• 10.2 Pricing
• 11.1 Features
• 11.2 Pricing
• 12 Conclusion
• 14 What is Business Planning?
• 15 Why business planning is important?
• 16 What are ten of the best business planning tools?

Top 10 Business Planning Tools for Startups

Here are ten of the best tools that will help you writing a business plan.

Enloop is a cloud-based business planning tool that 323,180 entrepreneurs, students and businesses have used. It can create around 16 financial ratios and real-time performance reports.

Financial Forecast —  Businesses can automatically anticipate their financial reports with this tool.

Currency Support —  It supports around 100 currencies, so people from different countries can smoothly use this app for business planning.

Real-Time Score —  Enloop permits the startups to watch their real-time score to improve performance.

Its Free plan enables the businesses to get a 7-day free trial. But the monthly cost of its Detailed plan is $19.95.

2. LivePlan

LivePlan could be a reliable option for startups to nail down a solid business plan. Moreover, it also claims to build business plans 30% faster than the rivals. Luckily, 1 million small businesses, enterprises and entrepreneurs have shown trust in this tool.

Sample Plans —  It is the perfect business tool for new teams because they can get guidance from 500+ already available sample plans.

Professional Documents —  LivePlan also enables the startups to design an engaging business plan and other documents to convince investors.

LivePlan comes with two plans Standard and Premium, and its monthly charges start from $20.

3. IdeaBuddy

If you are finding an ingenious business planning tool, then you shouldn’t ignore IdeaBuddy. With planning, development and real-time evaluation, its financial projection properties are also appealing.

One-Page Plan —  Startups can build a business plan within 30 minutes, and yes, it could consist of a single page for ease of understanding.

Financial Properties —  Financial calculators, profit and loss statements, and forecasts benefit from using IdeaBuddy.

The yearly cost of its Dreamer plan is $65, but only 1 collaborator is eligible for it. However, for 3 and 30 collaborators, you can also consider its Founder and Team plans. The yearly charges of these plans commence from $115.

Cuttles is one of the most straightforward business planning tools that 20,000+ startups are using. It could surely be a great option when it comes to building startup plans.

Canvas —  This property aids the young companies to smoothly architect and corroborate their business idea.

Suitable for Teams —  It also allows the startups to easily include the teams’ ideas while making a business plan.

Its Free plan is applicable for 1 member and offers restricted features. On the other hand, you can consider its Seed, Grow and Series plans with more advanced characteristics. Its Seed plan bills €8/month to users.

5. Vizologi

Vizologi is an AI-backed business planning tool that is the foremost choice of students, strategists, managers, entrepreneurs and consultants. The availability of free business models also differentiates it from rivals.

Business Intelligence —  Companies can make wise decisions using premium analytics and data reports.

Business Plan —  Its business plan includes a mash-up method, canvas, SWOT & PEST analysis.

Although Vizologi confers a free trial, but its monthly charges commence from $9.

6. TheBizPlanner

TheBizPlanner is also a unique business planning tool. This end-to-end business planning software comes with four significant properties: profile, connect, plan and collaborate.

Dashboard —  The single screen dashboard provides all reports to businesses.

Campus Edition —  It has also released an exclusive edition for educators.

Fortunately, TheBizPlanner Pro is free for startups now. Howbeit, you can talk with the sales team to get the pricing of its Competition plan.

7. AchieveIt

AchieveIt is a purpose-built Georgia-based strategic business planning solution that was founded in 2010. This is an ideal business planning platform for all sectors, including credit unions, commercial, healthcare, federal and local governments.

Integrated Tool —  It provides data uniformity and great accountability for execution.

PowerPoint Digestibility —  This tool could be easily connected with PowerPoint.

This platform bills $70 per user and month under its Core plan.

8. PlanGuru

PlanGuru is also a considerable business planning, forecasting and budgeting software that startups should use. Furthermore, it is more suitable for accountants, small businesses and nonprofit organizations than big enterprises.

Forecasting —  PlanGuru provides 20 powerful forecasting tools to businesses.

Analysis in Minutes —  Users can get all historical data analysis within minutes.

The monthly cost of its cloud and desktop version starts from $99.

Jedox is a unified business planning and forecasting solution that 2500+ companies use worldwide. The major brands that are practicing Jedox are ManpowerGroup, McDonald’s and Bosch.

Timely Insights —  Time-intensive planning has become essential for startups, and it is only possible with timely insights.

Predictive Forecasting —  It is packed with artificial intelligence-based predictive forecasting and planning features.

Jedox comes with four major plans Essential, Business, Professional and Performance. However, you will have to click the ‘Get A Quote’ tab to explore the pricing.

If you want business planning software for VC funded companies, growth and accounting firms, then Jirav is the best option for you. This is a smart and all-in-one budgeting, planning and forecasting tool.

Automatic Imports —  Jirav could automatically integrate all of your business data. Companies can also connect it with accounting and workforce software like Gusto, Xero and QuickBooks.

Reports & Dashboards —  It provides both commercial and non-financial information.

Starter and Pro are core plans of Jirav that monthly cost $250 and $850, respectively.

Business planning is critical for startups and founders to execute a business idea successfully. The use of smart and interactive business planning software and solutions definitely help the new businesses in convincing VCs to fund them. In this regard, entrepreneurs can utilize the above best performing business planning tools.

To discover more startups tools, please refer to the article Top Startup Tools .

What is Business Planning?

Business planning typically applies to organizing ideas in a formal business plan that summarizes the business’s current state.

Why business planning is important?

– Steer the business – Define milestones – Help with funding

What are ten of the best business planning tools?

– Enloop – Live Plan – IdeasBuddy – Cuttles – Vizologi – TheBizPlanner – AchieveIt – PlanGuru – Jedox – Jirav

Jessica Clark

I'm a professional software engineer freelancer. I'm passionate about coding and tech startups.

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A business plan is a written document or presentation that allows business leaders to share the business potential and goals, as well as your plans for the future. The business plan is a key step in working towards getting investors looking at your product.

If you're looking to flesh out a new business idea or venture in order to get cofounders or investors on board, you need a business plan. Get started with one of our templates to give you a starting point and framework for your own plan.

Why do I need a business plan?

Writing a business plan is a key step in securing funding and convincing high level executives that your business is worth their time. A well-executed business plan is crucial to the success of a business and it’s one of the first steps you should take.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED + MORE

Make Your Business Plan Stand Out

Take your business to new heights with a beautifully designed business plan. Our tools put the power of visual communication in the hands of entrepreneurs and business owners, no matter their level of design skills.

MAKE IT ENGAGING

Highlight your business’ unique selling point with interactive hotspots and rollover effects. Capture the attention of investors and stakeholders with interactive content.

VISUALIZE YOUR DATA

Charts & Graphs

Showcase in-depth data, statistics, and financial projections in a unique way. Harness the power of data visualization with Visme’s professional infographics, charts and graphs.

MEASURE THE IMPACT

Gain insight into the impact of your business plan with an analytics report. Track how many people have viewed your business plan and gauge its effectiveness.

HOW IT WORKS

How to Make a Business Plan in 5 Steps

If you are wondering how to write a business plan, you’ve come to the right place. Instead of starting your business plan from scratch, use our business plan templates to get you going in no time.

Learn more about creating your own business plan presentation or document by going through our step-by-step tutorial below or watching this quick video.

• Log into your Visme dashboard or create a new account, then click Create New Project.
• Access our business plan templates by searching for “Business Plan” in the search box.
• Select the template, then customize the content for your business.
• Update any charts and graphs to reflect your business goals.
• Once all your content is added, customize colors, logos, icons and more.

Questions About the Business Plan Template

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9 Best Business Plan Software in 2024

Business plan is a document outlining business goals, financial projections, and strategies. It clarifies organizational vision, strategy, and finances while increasing the chances of securing funding and attracting investors. A well-written business plan works as an investor’s roadmap, showcasing a researched market opportunity, a sound strategy, and the true potential for financial return.

While developing a business plan using the traditional method is time-consuming and overwhelming, business planner software can assist entrepreneurs in creating a professional plan. These provide the necessary structure and guidance to create business plans efficiently.

Geekflare reviewed dozens of business planning tools and picked the best business plan software applications based on their features, ease of use, and pricing.

• Cuttles – Best for Interactive Business Planning and Pitching
• IdeaBuddy – Best for Comprehensive Planning with Financial Projections
• LivePlan – Best for Innovative Idea Development
• Bizplan – Best for Modern and Visual Planning
• Upmetrics – Best for Data-Driven Planning
• PlanGuru – Best for Advanced Financial Analysis
• Enloop – Best for Automated Financial Forecasting
• PlanBuildr – Best for Quick and Simple Business Plans
• The Business Plan Shop – Best for User-Friendly Interface
• Show more Show less

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Best for Interactive Business Planning and Pitching

• Financial Reporting Comprehensive
• Integration Yes
• Ease of Use Beginner-Friendly

About Cuttles

Cuttles is fully interactive business plan software that helps entrepreneurs develop business plans and understand their businesses. It is a web app that asks questions and creates a plan based on the answers given by the company, with a layout according to the brand.

Cuttles offers fully customizable business plan templates that organizations can modify according to their industrial needs. It has a beautiful editor that anyone can use with flexibility. It is available in English, French, Spanish, German, and Portuguese.

After creating a solid business plan, users can easily share its link with other team members or investors. It also supports exporting the plan in PDF format.

Cuttles Pros and Cons

250+ guides, examples, and widgets for assistance

7-day free trial on any plan

Dashboard to track financial health

No free plan is available

Does not offer any mobile app

Best for Comprehensive Planning with Financial Projections

• Financial Reporting Advanced
• Integration No

About IdeaBuddy

IdeaBuddy turns innovative business ideas into professional business plans for successful ventures. This free business planning software allows you to enter data in the sections in the Business Guide and automatically generate an investor-ready business plan.

IdeaBuddy has pre-built templates that companies can customize using an unlimited-edit-ability built-in editor. The business plan can be exported in Word, Excel, and PDF format or shared using a link. Organizations can use it to collaborate with teammates and stakeholders in real-time.

IdeaBuddy has a financial plan feature that companies use to get financial forecasts, which is an important component of a business plan. However, businesses can utilize sales pipeline software to generate data on financial projections.

IdeaBuddy Pros and Cons

Free plan available for one idea

15-day free trial

Mobile-friendly platform

Does not have any dedicated mobile app

Whiteboard is only available for Free and Team Pro plan users

Best for Innovative Idea Development

• Ease of Use Intermediate

About LivePlan

LivePlan allows users to create their business plans for all major industries with its collection of 500+ templates. LivePlan forecast feature lets companies skip the manual calculation and provide the data input based on which it will generate charts, figures, graphs, and other documents for the business plan.

After creating the business plan, companies can export it in Word or PDF formats. LivePlan supports real-time financial data tracking and Xero and QuickBooks integration. It also offers milestone scheduling and sales and budget tracking. It lets users create a one-page pitch in 30 minutes.

LivePlan Pros and Cons

AI-powered LivePlan Assistant for improved writing version

Performance dashboard with 20+ trend reports

Compare KPIs with industry benchmark data

Does not offer any free trial

Standard plan users do not get integration support

Best for Modern and Visual Planning

About Bizplan

Bizplan is ideal business plan software for startups looking for investors or funding. With this modern and intuitive business plan builder, entrepreneurs can create a business plan exactly as they want.

Bizplan also offers educational resources to help companies easily use this drag-and-drop tool for building templates. Its Financial Command Center comes with various financial tools. Companies can use this business plan software platform to create team salary forecasts, revenue projections, and balance sheets.

While users can add collaborators and stakeholders here, they can control who can view sensitive data and comment on them. Companies can share their business plan using the online link.

Bizplan Pros and Cons

Direct access to a community of 20,000 startup founders

1200+ detailed guides

Free technical support

No free trial available

No mobile apps

Best for Data-Driven Planning

About Upmetrics

Upmetrics offers an AI-powered business plan generator that can write a complete or partial business plan, re-format sections, make improvements, and adjust content tone. It allows real-time feedback and collaboration with an easily navigable comment section.

Upmetrics offers a drag-and-drop interface so that companies can create plan outlines according to their preferences. Once the plan is generated, users can save the file in DOC or PDF formats or share it online with the stakeholders.

Upmetrics users also choose creative cover pages to make their business plans stand out. It also has a financial forecasting feature that suggests expense types, revenue streams, sale costs, and expenses. It generates reports on cash flow, profit breakdown, retained earnings, etc.

Upmetrics Pros and Cons

400+ templates for almost all industries

Business plan checklist to track progress

15-day money-back guarantee

Does not have any mobile app

Best for Advanced Financial Analysis

• Ease of Use Advanced

About PlanGuru

PlanGuru is the right business planning software for companies focused on the financial aspect of the company. Businesses can utilize its budgeting, and reporting, and financial forecasting tools to include in the business plan.

PlanGuru is a web app that is also available on Windows-based apps. Using its 20+ standard forecasting methods, companies can generate forecasts for up to 10 years.

PlanGuru supports integration with QuickBooks, Xero, and Microsoft Excel for data import. The generated reports can be exported in Word, Excel, and PDF formats.

PlanGuru Pros and Cons

30-day money-back guarantee

14-day free trial

US-based technical support

Does not offer business plan templates

No desktop app for Mac

Best for Automated Financial Forecasting

About Enloop

Enloop facilitates quick business plan creation by generating automated text that users can easily edit. It automatically syncs the company’s financial data with the business and updates it whenever that data changes.

Enloop users can develop business plans using customizable text, tables, charts, images, and 100+ currency symbols and formats. They can invite their colleagues to edit the plan and other partners to view it.

Enloop automatically generates bank-ready financial forecast reports and 16 critical financial ratios for forecasted performance analysis. This tool allows users to utilize real-time performance scores in their business plans.

Enloop Pros and Cons

7-day free trial

Pass/fail report for understanding critical issues

Colored chart for data visualization

Free subscription plan is unavailable

Costlier than many of its competitors

Best for Quick and Simple Business Plans

About PlanBuildr

PlanBuildr is a user-friendly solution that prompts businesses to fill in the blanks to generate a business plan. Users have 10 templates of various industries to choose from to build a business plan for their company.

PlanBuildr automatically makes financial projections for 5 years, including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, charts, and graphs to be included in the business plan. It supports direct printing of the plan and downloading to share with others.

PlanBuildr also supports adding teammates and creating an executive summary. The content and format generated by PlanBuildr are highly tailored to raise money faster from investors.

PlanBuildr Pros and Cons

Limited free trial

Expert customer support team and online support center

Business plan samples for various industries

Only 10 designs to choose from

Unavailability of free plan

The Business Plan Shop

Best for User-Friendly Interface

About The Business Plan Shop

The Business Plan Shop is a solution that offers a wide collection of templates for business plan creation. After signing up for this user-friendly software, users get instructions and examples for each section of the business plan.

The Business Plan Shop generates forecasts for three to five years, and measures progress toward goals using KPIs. Companies can use business consulting software while working on goals. It also supports side-by-side scenario comparisons between actual and forecast.

The Business Plan Shop integrates with Xero and QuickBooks to import accounting data for forecasting purposes. After creating the plan, users can easily export it in MS Word or PDF formats.

The Business Plan Shop Pros and Cons

7-day free trial is available

Built-in document editor for quick formatting

SSL for data security

Does not work offline

Free trial does not include access to templates

Business Plan Software Comparison

What Is a Business Plan?

A business plan is a document that explains a business’s objectives and how it aims to achieve them. It is an essential written document that companies need for internal (organizational decision-making) and external (securing funding from investors or partners) audiences. It focuses on key elements to demonstrate the business’s viability.

A standard business plan should consist of 15 to 20 pages. If it includes lengthy components, it is better to add them to the appendix and refer to them in the main plan.

How to Create a Business Plan

Creating a business plan involves steps like creating an executive summary, performing market research, developing business strategies, discussing business products, and making financial projections. To develop a business plan for an organization, go through the steps below.

#1. Write an Executive Summary

Consider it as the elevator pitch and include the summary of the whole business plan, including the mission statement. It is better to write it in the end.

#2. Define the Business

In this section, mention the basic info about the company, such as its registered name, location, key people, and their expertise. Also, include business structure, company history, and ownership percentage.

#3. Mention Business Objectives

The business plan should include an objective statement – what the company wants to achieve in the long run. While developing a plan for investment or loan, emphasize this section and make it elaborate.

#4. Discuss Products and Services of the Business

Here, describe in detail the product or service the business will offer. Also, include the pricing model, target audience, and sales and distribution strategy.

#5. Market Research

In this segment, discuss the competitors. Include the reason behind their success and how the organization has the potential to outperform them.

#6. Develop Business Strategy

Mention how the organization is planning to persuade customers to avail of the services and retain customer loyalty. Include detailed plans of marketing, management, and operational strategies.

#7. Financial Analysis

While startups may not have enough information on business financials, existing businesses should include a balance sheet, profit-and-loss statements, and a cash flow statement.

#8. Make Financial Projections

This is a critical section for financing or investors. Here, outline how the company is planning to generate profit to repay the loan or offer a generous return to the investors. 

#9. Additional Information

Any supporting information that the company wants to include in the business plan should go in the appendix.

Benefits of Business Plan Software

Business plan software has a robust toolkit that allows businesses to create investor-ready documents from the concept. It offers step-by-step guidance for business plan creation and pre-formatted templates for a professional structure. 

Business planning tools, when integrated with BPM software , accounting software, and market research software, can automatically collect relevant data for the business plan. It even has built-in tools to generate financial projections with complex calculations and graphs.

With these features, business planning software solutions empower companies to create compelling and error-free plans. Thus, they effectively communicate the organizational vision to investors.

How to Choose the Right Business Plan Software

Creating solid and convincing business plan tools is crucial, so companies must choose the right software to make the process smoother. Although there are many options, following these points will help them select the most suitable business plan software solution. 

Assessing Business Needs

Companies should start by identifying what the business plan requires. Does the company need in-depth financial forecasting, or does it need to focus on market research? Match it with the software’s features to choose the most useful software. 

Considering Team’s Expertise

Always take the technological expertise of the team into consideration. If the team has limited tech experience, go for user-friendly software with clear instructions and a flat learning curve.

Budgeting for Business Plan Software

Determine the organizational budget for the business plan apps and choose the tool with an affordable plan. To that end, compare the pricing models of the shortlisted applications.

Reading Reviews and Getting Recommendations

Read online user reviews and seek recommendations from other entrepreneurs or business advisors. This will provide valuable insights into the software’s effectiveness and user experience.

Regardless of the estimated business size, a properly written business plan is vital for future growth and success. Companies should choose the right tool to ensure that they send a clear and focused message to investors. It guides them through essential elements and helps them avoid critical oversights.

With sophisticated business plan software providers, users can effortlessly write a business plan. The above list will help them choose the right solution for business.

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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.

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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
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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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20 top strategic planning tools and frameworks [templates & examples]

If you want homemade bread, you need access to the right appliances and ingredients. And if your strategic plan is a loaf of sourdough, your strategic planning tools are the measuring spoons, the framework is the recipe, and your model is the oven. Each component works together to create the desired result.

Whether it’s baking fresh bread or increasing revenue or customer satisfaction, all goals take strategic planning initiatives — and in some cases, all-purpose flour — to accomplish. Let's go over the 15 most popular frameworks and five of our favorite strategic planning tools to achieve organizational success.

What is strategic planning?

The goal of developing a strategic plan is to communicate where your organization wants to go and determine what each team member needs to do to help get it there. Strategic planning helps your organization develop and document action items for carrying out the company vision and achieving business goals. 

While there are several models that can help you determine opportunities, priorities, and overall objectives, most strategic planning processes follow five general steps:

• Identify your organization’s vision
• Assess your current internal and external environments
• Outline goals
• Determine stakeholder responsibilities
• Measure and assess outcomes

Regardless of the process you choose, each of these steps will lead to the next, allowing you to build out a comprehensive strategic plan.

15 types of strategic planning frameworks

Strategic planning frameworks help teams with brainstorming in order to create specific goals from an overall vision. Frameworks are essentially roadmaps to take teams from ideas to actions. You don’t necessarily need to use a framework within a model — just like you don’t necessarily need to follow a recipe to bake a loaf of bread — but it helps you produce the best outcome. And don’t feel limited to using only one framework within a particular model.

Although it’s not a complete list, the 15 frameworks listed below are some of the most commonly used.

1. Balanced scorecard

Created by Dr. Robert Kaplan and Dr. David Norton, the balanced scorecard is designed for organizations that want to focus on their business as a whole, rather than solely on financial performance. It helps give leadership teams a look at how their operations are performing, particularly within quick timelines.

When using the balanced scorecard, you’ll reference four factors to set goals and assess performance:

• Customers or clients: How your users perceive your business
• Internal processes: Your organization’s efficiency when developing quality products or services
• Organizational capacity: Your company culture and the ways in which your business can improve and grow
• Financial capacity: Your organization’s potential profitability and the effectiveness of resource allocation

Once you determine where your organization stands with regard to the factors above, you can develop specific goals, measurable objectives, and the steps you’ll need to take to achieve these.

2. Objectives and key results (OKR)

Objectives and key results (OKR) is a straightforward strategic planning framework used to translate overarching business goals into specific measurable objectives. It helps you define:

• Objectives: Identify three to five time-bound goals you want to achieve.
• Key results: Determine three to five quantitative outcomes per objective.

The OKR framework helps your team build connections between their individual contributions and your company’s success. Your team should shoot for a 70% key result success rate . If they’re hitting 100% right out of the gate, your organization’s goals weren’t ambitious enough.

Related: OKRs vs. KPIs: What’s the difference?

3. SWOT analysis

A SWOT analysis is a framework for strategic planning that helps you identify your organization’s internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats. You should use the SWOT framework at the beginning of your strategic planning process to align stakeholders and provide a common lens through which to view your company’s current position.

List your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within the four quadrants of a 2x2 box. Once outlined, your team can seek connections between quadrants that will inform your strategy. The goal of the SWOT framework is to help you create a strategy that takes advantage of growth opportunities but also prepares for worst-case scenarios.

4. PEST or PESTLE analysis

A PEST analysis is a strategic planning framework that helps teams analyze external political, economic, sociocultural, and technological factors that could impact your business goals. It could also be modified to include legal and environmental elements (PESTLE).

Like a SWOT analysis, considering each factor of PEST or PESTLE within your industry environment gives your team advanced warning about any significant or immediate threats to your organizational goals. It also enables teams to pinpoint business opportunities within each of the framework’s factors.

5. Gap analysis

The gap analysis framework should be used to compare where your organization currently stands with where you want it to be and help you understand how to bridge the gap between the two. 

With the gap analysis framework — also called the strategic planning gap, need assessment, or need-gap analysis — you’ll be able to determine weak points and root causes (or potential causes) of performance issues by comparing what you’re currently doing with what you intend to do. It helps you identify internal organizational deficiencies and create a plan that addresses them.

6. VRIO framework

The VRIO framework helps you identify your organization’s competitive advantages and is composed of four elements:

• Value: Do your resources help increase revenue or decrease costs, resulting in business value?
• Rarity: Is there a lot of competition in the market for your resources? Are other companies able to create your products and services using these resources?
• Imitability: Could a competing organization copy your products and services easily?
• Organization: Does your organization have the right systems in place to capitalize on your resources?

By analyzing these elements, you’ll be able to refine your organization’s vision and create a plan that helps you meet your customers’ needs.

7. Porter’s Five Forces

Developed in 1979 by Michael Porter, the Five Forces strategic planning framework helps you identify and understand the factors that put competitive pressure on your organization.

The five forces are:

• Bargaining power of buyers: If the same products and services are offered elsewhere with minimal differences in quality, consumers will have the power to influence pricing.
• Bargaining power of suppliers: If there are fewer product or service alternatives for consumers, suppliers like large retailers will have the power to drive down costs.  
• Threat of new entrants: What are your industry’s barriers to entry? New companies in your marketplace will increase pressure on the cost of your products and services.
• Threat of substitute products or services: Can consumers easily substitute a competitor’s product or service for yours? Your business offerings need to create value.
• Rivalry among existing competitors: How'll your competitors’ growth impact your business? The more competition in the marketplace, the harder it'll be to create value with your business offerings.

These forces determine how economic value is divided among your competitors, so using this framework for strategic planning will help you identify your company’s position in the industry.

8. 7S model

The 7S model was developed by McKinsey consultants, and it emphasizes the value of strategically aligning internal departments with business processes. The key elements organizations should be looking to align include:

• Strategy: Your organization’s business plan for outperforming your competitors supported by your company’s mission and vision.
• Structure: How your internal departments and teams are organized; the chain of command.
• Systems: The procedures, daily duties, and technical infrastructure your organization uses to perform.
• Shared values: The beliefs and norms that guide your business decisions and actions; these reflect your company’s work ethic.
• Style: The way management and other stakeholders approach leadership.
• Staff: How employees are sought out and trained and what motivates them; your workers’ general capabilities.
• Skills: Your team members’ capabilities; the level of employee competence. 

The 7S model encourages leadership teams to explore the interconnectedness of these elements within the company and look for inconsistencies or areas of weakness. Once you’ve noted the areas that need to be strengthened, you can work toward realigning these elements to accomplish strategic goals in your organization.

Related: Tactical vs. strategic planning: Why you need both

9. Ansoff Matrix

The Ansoff Matrix framework was developed to help companies plan their growth strategies. The base for this framework is a 2x2 matrix with “products” on the x-axis and “markets” on the y-axis.

Each box within the matrix corresponds to a particular growth strategy. These are:

• Market penetration: Sell an existing product in an existing market.
• Market development: Sell an existing product in a new market.
• Product development: Sell a new product in an existing market.
• Diversification: Sell a new product in a new market.

Each business strategy is increasingly risky, with diversification being the biggest swing. The Ansoff Matrix helps organizations with financial decision-making and developing an action plan for business growth.

10. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) matrix

This matrix was developed by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in the early 1970s to help companies categorize products or business units based on their market growth rate and relative market share. The BCG matrix helps you prioritize resource allocation by identifying where to invest, divest, or maintain products or business units.

The four groups under the BCG matrix include:

• Stars: Products with a high market share in a fast-growing market. These top performers need investment to maintain growth.
• Cash cows: Products with a high market share in a slow-growth market. They churn out cash and require minimal investment.
• Question marks: Products or business units with a low market share in a high-growth market. They have the potential to be stars if given high investment.
• Dogs: Products with low market share in a stagnant market. They often drain resources and are candidates for divestment.

11. Feature market analysis

Feature market analysis is a strategic approach used to assess the potential of new product features or innovations in the market. 

Key steps in feature market analysis typically include:

• Segmentation: Identifying specific market segments or customer groups with distinct needs and preferences to target with new features.
• Market needs: Gathering data on customer preferences, pain points, and trends through surveys, interviews, focus groups, or other methods.
• Competitor analysis: Studying competitors' products and features to understand what is currently available in the market and identify gaps or areas for differentiation.
• Feature prioritization : Evaluating potential features based on criteria such as customer demand, feasibility, competitive advantage, and alignment with the overall product strategy.

12. Lean canvas

The lean canvas is a one-page strategic management framework adapted from the Business Model Canvas by Ash Maurya. It helps startups and entrepreneurs efficiently develop and iterate on business strategy. 

Lean canvas provides a structured framework for identifying key elements of a business model, including:

• Problem: Describes the top three problems your customers face.
• Solution: Outlines your solution to the identified problems.
• Key metrics: Lists the key performance indicators (KPIs) you'll use to measure success.
• Unique value proposition: States the unique value your product or service offers to customers.
• Unfair advantage: Highlights any strengths or advantages that give your business an edge over competitors.
• Customer segments: Identifies the target customer segments for your product or service.
• Channels: Specifies the channels through which you'll reach and acquire customers.
• Revenue streams: Details how your business will generate revenue.
• Cost structure: Outlines the fixed and variable costs associated with running your business.

13. Four corners analysis

The four corners analysis, developed by Michael Porter, helps you understand a competitor's intent, objectives, and strengths. It addresses four core questions:

• Drivers : This corner examines the driving forces behind your competitors' actions, such as market trends, customer preferences, and industry dynamics.
• Current strategy: This corner looks at your competitor's current strategy, including its objectives, goals, and the tactics it employs to achieve them.
• Management assumptions: This corner explores your competitors' beliefs and assumptions on market conditions and competitive dynamics.
• Capabilities and resources: This corner evaluates the competitor's strengths and weaknesses, such as technology, talent, brand reputation, and financial resources.

14. Pareto analysis

Pareto analysis helps you prioritize tasks, issues, or factors based on the principle that a small number of inputs (20%) typically lead to a large majority of outputs (80%).

During the strategic planning process, you often identify multiple issues or challenges you need to address to achieve your goals. With Pareto analysis, you focus on the ones that have the most significant impact on your organization's performance or objectives.

15. The 3 horizons model

This strategic framework is developed by McKinsey to help you balance focus between short-term optimization, medium-term innovation, and long-term transformation. 

The three horizons represent different timelines and levels of innovation:

• Horizon 1: Represents products, services, and business models that drive current profitability and performance. The focus is on optimizing operations and improving efficiency.
• Horizon 2: Includes emerging opportunities and initiatives that have the potential to become significant contributors to future growth and profitability.
• Horizon 3: Represents disruptive innovations and future possibilities that have the potential to reshape industries and create entirely new markets.

5 great strategic planning tools

Strategic planning tools are software programs that help teams put frameworks into action. There are many tools out there, each offering a unique specialty or perspective.

There's no one platform that's perfect for every single company. But these five are all exceptional at helping companies build their strategic plans. Find the one that best fits your company to help with planning.

Not to brag, but… Mural’s visual work platform makes strategic collaboration easier. It gives teams the tools — like custom templates and asynchronous collaboration features (like anonymous voting) — to outline business goals, identify key performance metrics, and measure results.

Mural’s templates for strategy and alignment help teams start the planning process by providing structure for frameworks like OKR or SWOT analysis . And each template features facilitation assistance to walk your team through strategic planning activities .

Cross-functional collaboration is easy in Mural — in real time or asynchronously. The anonymous voting feature, for example, lets teams come to a consensus and reach internal alignment quickly. 

ClickUp is a project management tool that helps teams prioritize tasks and organize strategic plans.

ClickUp offers templates like matrices and visual timeliness so you’re able to plug in content quickly, process this information, and start coming up with plans faster.

There’s also a feature called ClickUp Goals that helps teams break objectives down into smaller tasks using Targets or ways to measure each item. These targets include number, true/false, currency, and task.

ClickUp is comprehensive, but the pre-built automations may be limiting to some users if too many are triggered at the same time or if your organization requires more customization.

Hive marries task management with strategic planning by helping teams manage complex timelines, large-scale projects, and workflows.

Hive has goal-setting and milestone-tracking features that help teams set task dependencies, follow progress, and share reports with relevant stakeholders. Its visualization tools allow you to toggle between overarching organizational goals and individual teammate objectives. 

You can use the Hive Pages feature as a dashboard for your workspace’s hub. You can set Pages as public or private, add and customize widgets within your Pages, and even export Pages to non-Hive users.

A chat function is available within the tool, but some users have reported losing messages within the platform. So, some may find other collaboration tools more reliable for communication.

Airtable is a next-generation platform that gives teams the power of relational databases in the form of user-friendly spreadsheets. It lets users organize, collaborate on, and store strategic plans within these databases.

Airtable offers an OKR tracking template that helps align teams and manage goals while maintaining accuracy. It also includes a Sync feature that updates workflows seamlessly across teams.

Airtable is a flexible tool but may have limitations, like lagging, when dealing with complex projects or datasets. Data processing functions and complicated calculations could lead to slower response times within the platform.

Trello is a Kanban-based project management tool. Its intuitive design features boards and cards, which can be used to structure strategic models and frameworks. 

Trello offers board templates for project and task management that provide organizational structures to help teams outline deliverables and assign tasks. It also features Timeline and Calendar views, so it’s easy to envision goals and schedule deadlines.

Power-Ups are Trello board features that allow you to use your favorite third-party apps directly within the platform. However, some users may find that combining Power-Ups from different vendors may cause friction in Trello’s functionality.

Bring your organization’s vision to life

There’s no one best framework or strategic planning tool — the right options for you'll depend on your organization’s vision, mission, and available resources. 

Regardless of methodology, most strategic planning begins with analyzing your current internal business environment and external factors, developing specific objectives, and creating action items to achieve these goals. 

Not sure where to start your strategic planning? Mural's template library includes preformatted, customizable frameworks (like this radar template !) to get your team on the path to success.

About the authors

Bryan Kitch

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The online tool for strategic planning

Propel your plans from strategy through execution. Run engaging kickoff sessions, build visual presentations, and manage and track progress collaboratively, all in one online planning tool.

Over 70M+ users love Miro.

Build strategy, manage execution

Collaboratively build strategy and manage projects by combining your thought process and data in one workspace. Use Miro’s planning tools to develop strategy, align teams, and communicate plans across the whole organization.

Visualize projects and dependencies

Organize all your project tasks and resources in one place. Draw dependency lines, manage workloads, and make adjustments on the fly to stay aligned and on track. Easily visualize timelines and the strategic planning process from start to finish.

Present strategy and execute with the latest info

Turn strategic plans into engaging presentations with live dashboards, wireframes, and diagrams on beautiful frames. Give more context in real time, or make a board recording async and ensure everyone is in the loop.

Why Miro is the best online planning tool

Run strategic meetings.

Facilitate strategic planning sessions where everyone can participate regardless of location. Generate ideas, discuss, and build plans in real time or continue work async. You'll never run out of space or get erased.

Present your vision

Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic plans and turn them into beautiful presentations with just a few clicks. Present live, or export as an image or PDF. Embed boards as visual documentation in Confluence, Jira, and more.

Bring agility to teams

Establish a culture of trust and transparency through visibility & inclusion. Structure your strategy in a way everyone understands, streamlining communication and workflows.

Maximize resource and time efficiency with cross-functional alignment, no duplicated work. Use Miro’s planning tools to automate processes and jump to execution faster.

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Strategy Map Template

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Strategy Diamond

Consider all the elements you need to create an integrated and powerful business strategy using our template for the Strategy Diamond Model.

Strategy Presentation Template

Ensure that your team understands the direction to take and how to execute plans.

PI Planning Template

Manage your team's backlog, increase productivity, and build the foundation for a successful PI Planning event.

Competitive Analysis Template

Identify the other companies you're competing with and how your product or service compares.

Business Model Canvas Template

Determine and align your business priorities in a simple and visual way.

More than just an online planning tool

Miro is designed to do much more than just streamline your strategic processes. With intuitive features, collaborative capabilities, and precision in execution, transform your planning into an inspiring and engaging experience, and lead with confidence in any organization.

Strategy Development

Propel your plans from strategy through execution. Run engaging kickoff sessions, build visual presentations, manage and track progress collaboratively, all in one online planning tool.

SWOT Analysis

Understand the market landscape and anticipate opportunities and threats with a SWOT analysis tool. Make better-informed decisions and align teams on company goals and strategies.

Project management

Unleash your team's potential and bring your projects to life with Miro, your all-in-one workspace for project management.

Communicate timeframes, context, priorities, and deadlines, and create workflows that bring projects to life.

Gantt Charts

Design projects efficiently and visualize all tasks in one timeline. Run engaging sessions, and manage progress collaboratively.

Visualize information with Miro’s T-chart maker. Easily identify patterns and improve decision-making.

Supply and Demand Graphs

Quickly create a supply and demand graph and get insights on pricing and the best way to target consumers.

How to use Miro for strategic planning

Select the ready-made templates

From SWOT analysis to project planning and  Gantt charts, find all the resources you need.

Use the template frameworks to guide you, or simply add your data to the board. Include diagrams, notes, and context to your plans.

Invite others to join

Share your board link and brainstorm how to move forward.

Keep your board as the single source of truth, so people can refer to it whenever they need.

Planning tools FAQs

What are the most common planning tools.

There are many planning tools you can use to move projects forward. Every tool supports you at a different stage of your process, from Porter’s Five Forces to Balanced Scorecard and Ansoff Matrix. Miro’s online workspace lets you add as many frameworks as you want without any space constraints, making it easy for teams to have everything they need in one shared tool.

How can I choose the best strategic planning tool for me?

Start by analyzing your project needs and scope to see which frameworks are fitting your needs. Make sure to choose an online planning tool that is intuitive and easy, so everyone is kept in the loop and works collaboratively. Miro lets you work in real time or async, making it easy for teams to connect and develop actionable plans and strategies, no matter where they are.

Are Miro’s planning tools free?

Yes! Sign up for free, browse through our Templates Library, and start your planning immediately, right on the board.

How to write a strategic plan (and what it should include)

How to use the Ansoff Matrix for strategic planning (with examples)

How to hold a strategic planning meeting: A simple, step-by-step guide for facilitators

What is the Strategic Management Process? + How to Get Started

How to facilitate an OKR planning workshop

What is a Lean Canvas?

What is an action plan and how to write one

What is a business model canvas (BMC)?

How to make a good business plan: step-by-step guide

What is a key performance indicator (KPI)?

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9 Strategic Planning Models and Tools for the Customer-Focused Business

Published: July 11, 2023

As the economist and business strategy guru, Michael Porter, says, “The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do.”

With strategic planning, businesses identify their strengths and weaknesses, choose what not to do, and determine which opportunities should be pursued. In sales operations, having a clearly defined strategy will help your organization plan for the future, set viable goals, and achieve them.

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So, how do you get started with strategic planning? You‘ll begin with strategic planning models and tools. Let’s take a look at nine of the most prominent ones here.

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Strategic planning models.

Strategic planning is used to set up long-term goals and priorities for an organization. A strategic plan is a written document that outlines these goals.

Don't confuse strategic planning and tactical planning . Strategic planning is focused on long-term goals, while tactical planning is focused on the short-term.

Here are a few strategic planning models you can use to get started.

1. The Balanced Scorecard

The Balanced Scorecard is one of the most prominent strategic planning models, tailored to give managers a comprehensive overview of their companies' operations on tight timelines. It considers both financial and operational metrics to provide valuable context about how a business has performed previously, is currently performing, and is likely to perform in the future.

The model plays on these concerns: time, quality, performance/service, and cost. The sum of those components amount to four specific reference points for goal-setting and performance measurement:

• Customer: How customers view your business
• Internal Process: How you can improve your internal processes
• Organizational Capacity: How your business can grow, adapt, and improve
• Financial: The potential profitability of your business

Those four categories can inform goals that are more thoughtful and focused while surfacing the most appropriate metrics with which you can use to track them. But the elements you choose to pursue and measure are ultimately up to you. As there's no definitive list, they will vary from organization to organization.

That being said, there‘s a universally applicable technique you can use when leveraging the model—creating a scorecard. This is a document that keeps track of your goals and how you apply them. Here’s an example of what a scorecard might look like:

Image Source

The Balanced Scorecard is ideal for businesses looking to break up higher-level goals into more specific, measurable objectives. If you're interested in translating your big-picture ambitions into actionable projects, consider looking into a Balanced scorecard software .

Example of the Balanced Scorecard

Let‘s imagine a B2B SaaS company that sells a construction management solution. It’s been running into trouble from virtually all angles. It‘s struggling with customer retention and, in turn, is hemorrhaging revenue. The company’s sales reps are working with very few qualified leads and the organization's tech stack is limiting growth and innovation.

The business decides to leverage a Balanced Scorecard approach to remedy its various issues. In this case, the full strategic plan—developed according to this model—might look like this:

• The company sets a broad financial goal of boosting revenue by 10% year over year.
• To help get there, it aims to improve its customer retention rate by 5% annually by investing in a more robust customer service infrastructure.
• Internally, leadership looks to improve the company's lead generation figures by 20% year over year by revamping its onboarding process for its pre-sales team.
• Finally, the business decides to move on from its legacy tech stack in favor of a virtualized operating system, making for at least 50% faster software delivery for consistent improvements to its product.

The elements listed above address key flaws in the company‘s customer perception, internal processes, financial situation, and organizational capacity. Every improvement the business is hoping to make involves a concrete goal with clearly outlined metrics and definitive figures to gauge each one’s success. Taken together, the organization's plan abides by the Balanced Scorecard model.

2. Objectives and Key Results

As its name implies, the OKR (objectives and key results) strategic planning model revolves around translating broader organizational goals into objectives and tracking their key results. The framework rests on identifying three to five attainable objectives and three to five results that should stem from each of them. Once you have those in place, you plan tactical initiatives around those results.

After you‘ve figured out those reference points, you determine the most appropriate metrics for measuring their success. And once you’ve carried out the projects informed by those ideal results, you gauge their success by giving a score on a scale from 0 to 1 or 0%-100%.

For instance, your goal might be developing relationships with 100 new targets or named accounts in a specific region. If you only were able to develop 95, you would have a score of .95 or 95%. Here's an example of what an OKR model might look like:

It's recommended that you structure your targets to land at a score of around 70% — taking some strain off workers while offering them a definitive ideal outcome. The OKR model is relatively straightforward and near-universally applicable. If your business is interested in a way to work towards firmly established, readily visible standards this model could work for you.

Example of the Objectives and Key Results

Let's consider a hypothetical company that makes educational curriculum and schedule planning for higher-education institutions. The company decides it would like to expand its presence in the community college system in California, something that constitutes an objective.

But what will it take to accomplish that? And how will the company know if it's successful? Well, in this instance, leadership within the business would get there by establishing three to five results they would like to see. Those could be:

• Generating qualified leads from 30 institutions
• Conducting demos at 10 colleges
• Closing deals at 5 campuses

Those results would lead to initiatives like setting standards for lead qualification and training reps at the top of the funnel on how to use them appropriately, revamping sales messaging for discovery calls, and conducting research to better tailor the demo process to the needs of community colleges.

Leveraging this model generally entails repeating that process between two and four more times, ultimately leading to a sizable crop of thorough, actionable, ambitious, measurable, realistic plans.

3. Theory of Change (TOC)

The Theory of Change (TOC) model revolves around organizations establishing long-term goals and essentially “working backward” to accomplish them. When leveraging the strategy, you start by setting a larger, big-picture goal.

Then, you identify the intermediate-term adjustments and plans you need to make to achieve your desired outcome. Finally, you work down a level and plan the various short-term changes you need to make to realize the intermediate ones. More specifically, you need to take these strides:

• Identify your long-term goals.
• Backward map the preconditions necessary to achieve your goal, and explain why they're necessary.
• Identify your basic assumptions about the situation.
• Determine the interventions your initiative will fulfill to achieve your goals.
• Come up with indicators to evaluate the performance of your initiative.
• Write an explanation of the logic behind your initiative.

Here's another visualization of what that looks like.

This planning model works best for organizations interested in taking on endeavors like building a team, planning an initiative, or developing an action plan. It's distinct from other models in its ability to help you differentiate between desired and actual outcomes. It also makes stakeholders more actively involved in the planning process by making them model exactly what they want out of a project.

It relies on more pointed detail than similar models. Stakeholders generally need to lay out several specifics, including information related to the company's target population, how success will be identified, and a definitive timeline for every action and intervention planned. Again, virtually any organization — be it public, corporate, nonprofit, or anything else — can get a lot out of this strategy model.

Example of the Theory of Change

For the sake of this example, imagine a business that makes HR Payroll Software , but hasn‘t been doing too well as of late. Leadership at the company feels directionless. They think it’s time to buckle down and put some firm plans in motion, but right now, they have some big picture outcomes in mind for the company without a feel for how they're going to get done.

In this case, the business might benefit from leveraging the Theory of Change model. Let‘s say its ultimate goal is to expand its market share. Leadership would then consider the preconditions that would ultimately lead to that goal and why they’re relevant.

For instance, one of those preconditions might be tapping into a new customer base without alienating its current one. The company could make an assumption like, “We currently cater to mid-size businesses almost exclusively, and we lack the resources to expand up-market to enterprise-level prospects. We need to find a way to more effectively appeal to small businesses.”

Now, the company can start looking into the specific initiatives it can take to remedy its overarching problem. Let's say it only sells its product at a fixed price point that suits midsize businesses much more than smaller ones. So the company decides that it should leverage a tiered pricing structure that offers a limited suite of features at a price that small businesses and startups can afford.

The factors the company elects to use as reference points for the plan's success are customer retention and new user acquisition. Once those have been established, leadership would explain why the goals, plans, and metrics it has outlined make sense.

If you track the process I‘ve just plotted, you’ll see the Theory of Change in motion. It starts with a big-picture goal and works its way down to specific initiatives and ways to gauge their effectiveness.

4. Hoshin Planning

The Hoshin Planning model is a process that aims to reduce friction and inefficiency by promoting active and open communication throughout an organization. In this model, everyone within an organization—regardless of department or seniority—is made aware of the company's goals.

Hoshin Planning rests on the notion that thorough communication creates cohesion, but that takes more than contributions from leadership. This model requires that results from every level be shared with management.

The ideal outcomes set according to this model are also conceived of by committee to a certain extent. Hoshin Planning involves management hearing and considering feedback from subordinates to come up with reasonable, realistic, and mutually understood goals.

The model is typically partitioned into seven steps:

• establishing a vision
• developing breakthrough objectives
• developing annual objectives
• deploying annual objectives
• implementing annual objectives
• conducting monthly and quarterly reviews
• conducting an annual review.

Note: The first three steps are referred to as the “catchball process.” It's where company leadership sets goals and establishes strategic plans to send down the food chain for feedback and new ideas. That stage is what really separates Hoshin Planning from other models.

Example of Hoshin Planning

For this example, let‘s imagine a company that manufactures commercial screen printing machines. The business has seen success with smaller-scale, retail printing operations, but realizes that selling almost exclusively to that market won’t make for long-term, sustainable growth.

Leadership at the company decides that it's interested in making an aggressive push to move up-market towards larger enterprise companies. However, before they can establish that vision, they want to ensure that the entire company is willing and able to work with them to reach those goals.

Once they‘ve set a tentative vision, they begin to establish more concrete objectives and send them down the management hierarchy. One of the most pressing activities they’re interested in pursuing is a near-comprehensive product redesign to make their machines better suited for higher volume orders.

They communicate those goals throughout the organization and ask for feedback along the way. After the product team hears their ideal plans, it relays that the product overhaul that leadership is looking into isn‘t viable within the timeframe they’ve provided. Leadership hears this and adjusts their expectations before doling out any sort of demands for the redesign.

Once both parties agree on a feasible timeline, they begin to set more definitive objectives that suit both the company‘s ambitions and the product team’s capabilities.

Strategic Plan Example

The strategic plan above is for a fictitious shoe company and outlines the way in which it'll differentiate itself within the market. It effectively uses each step in the strategic planning model framework and is written in a way to give a brief overview of how the company will enter the market and sustain longevity.

If you're working on a strategic planning model for an existing business, your plan will look similar, but have a few tweaks to the goals, including more goals about improving sales and processes. When drafting the action plan and evaluation parts of the plan, be sure to think tactically about the actions that will help you achieve the goals, and use your mission, vision, and values to guide the choices you make.

Strategic Planning Tools

There are additional resources you can use to support whatever strategic planning model you put in place. Here are some of those:

1. SWOT Analysis

SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool and acronym for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It's used to identify each of these elements in relation to your business.

This strategic planning tool allows you to determine new opportunities and which areas of your business need improvement. You'll also identify any factors or threats that might negatively impact your business or success.

2. Porter's Five Forces

Use Porter‘s Five Forces as a strategic planning tool to identify the economic forces that impact your industry and determine your business’ competitive position. The five forces include:

• Competition in the industry
• Potential of new entrants into the industry
• Power of suppliers
• Power of customers
• Threat of substitute products

To learn more, check out this comprehensive guide to using Porter's Five Forces .

3. Visioning

Visioning is a goal-setting strategy used in strategic planning. It helps your organization develop a vision for the future and the outcomes you'd like to achieve.

Once you reflect on the goals you‘d like to reach within the next five years or more, you and your team can identify the steps you need to take to get where you’d like to be. From there, you can create your strategic plan.

4. PESTLE Analysis

The PESTLE analysis is another strategic planning tool you can use. It stands for:

• P: Political
• E: Economic
• T: Technological
• E: Environmental

Each of these elements allow an organization to take stock of the business environment they're operating in, which helps them develop a strategy for success. Use a PESTLE Analysis template to help you get started.

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14 Exceptionally Useful Tools for Writing a Business Plan

Alyssa Gregory is an entrepreneur, writer, and marketer with 20 years of experience in the business world. She is the founder of the Small Business Bonfire, a community for entrepreneurs, and has authored more than 2,500 articles for The Balance and other popular small business websites.

Writing a business plan is a necessary part of starting a business, yet many small business owners struggle with the process. Not only can it be time-consuming and stressful to conduct the necessary research and gather the required materials, but it can also be difficult to know exactly what format your business plan should be in and what information it should include.

To help you streamline the process, here are 14 tools you can use to get started with your business plan.

Online Tools

This set of online tools walks you through each section of a traditional business plan in a step-by-step format.

• SBA's Build Your Business Plan Tool - The SBA's Business Plan Tool is a step-by-step guide that allows you to save your progress and come back to it for up to six months.
• Enloop - With this tool, you add in your information, and Enloop automatically writes your plan based on your details.
• LivePlan - LivePlan is an online service that simplifies the business planning process while providing assistance with budgeting, forecasting, and performance tracking.
• RocketLawyer - Business owners can create a customized, printable business plan with RocketLawyer by following an online step-by-step interview process.
• StratPad - StratPad's step-by-step approach and cloud-based business planning software help small business owners create a plan in less than a day.

Business Plan Tutorials

These five business planning how-to documents will help you get your business plan started.

• How to Write a Simple Business Plan - An easy 8-step business plan tutorial that results in a streamlined and brief business plan that you can use as-is or as a starting point for a more traditional business plan.
• SBA's Video Business Planning Tutorial - This series of video tutorials includes nine videos that are about 2-10 minutes each. You can pick and choose where to start or run through them in the original order.
• Entrepreneur's Elements of a Business Plan - An in-depth review of the seven essential sections of a business plan: what you should include, what you shouldn't include, how to work the numbers and additional resources you can turn to for help.
• Comprehensive Business Plan Outline - A business plan outline that walks you through each section of a basic business plan, including an overview of what should be included, examples and tips for writing each section of your business plan effectively.
• Shopify's Ultimate Guide to Business Plans - This comprehensive 9-chapter business plan guide covers every important aspect of writing a business plan.

Business Plan Templates

If you prefer more of a "fill-in-the-blank" format to get your business plan started, one of these templates may be exactly what you need.

• SCORE Business Planning Templates - A collection of business planning templates that are for both new and established businesses.
• BPlans' Business Plan Template - A downloadable template that gives you a clear idea of what a traditional business plan should look like. (Free sign-up is required to download.)
• The $100 Startup One-Page Business Plan - Download and fill in the blanks with this one-page business plan template.
• Office Depot's Business Plan Templates - These templates include the most important elements of a business plan that demonstrate how the nature of a business and the target audience for the plan impact the content.

Keep in mind that the best business plans are those that are updated and regularly used as a way to keep your business on track. Whichever tool you use, make it a goal to create a plan that you can use as an action document and can grow with your business over time.

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New tech tools are hitting the market every day, promising to increase productivity and help businesses stay competitive. Tech experts have their fingers on the pulse of innovation and often gain unique insights into which of these productivity tools actually delivers the best performance.

Below, 18 Forbes Technology Council members share the tools that have made the biggest impact on their organizations. Learn why these tools are indispensable in their daily routines and the improvements they’ve seen in their time and resource management.

I find ClickUp to be an indispensable tool for enhancing productivity and project management. The customization options and robust automation capabilities allow us to tailor ClickUp to our specific needs, while its user-friendly interface ensures quick onboarding and seamless integration with other tools we use. It combines task management, collaboration and time tracking. - Volodymyr Dudas , CodeLions

Notion is the best-performing productivity tool we currently use. It allowed us to implement our whole company's operating-system on top of it and, using custom integrations and its APIs, we were able to connect to pretty much every workflow inside the organization. The only downside of the tool is that it might require a specific champion to maintain and develop it for more use cases. - Aviv Mussinger , Kodem

Even for the simplest messages, sending a 10-second Loom screen recording with your picture in the bottom corner eliminates all miscommunication, and you even get a notification when people watch it. This practice has proliferated our organization, and meetings are reduced or eliminated across the board. - Garrett Fritz , Swenson He

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I find Jira to be a very relevant and effective productivity tool for the ad exchange business that I'm managing. It's universal for different projects and specialists—tech developers, project managers, marketers and more. With its friendly interface, ease of use, wide variety of tools, and ability to track time and create boards, it's among the best-performing productivity tools for my programmatic ads team. - Roman Vrublivskyi , SmartHub

A favorite tool of mine is the Motion app. Its intuitive interface allows seamless organization of tasks, schedules and reminders. The integration with calendars and to-do lists streamlines our workflow, while customizable features cater to individual needs. With real-time updates and collaboration options, it helps me be as productive as possible. - Shayan Hamidi , Rechat

Keeping track of conversations, ideas, meetings and priorities is important to me. I use the Day One app for all this. It is available on all my devices and syncs between them, so no matter which device I am using, I have access to the most current version of my information. I can securely create notes, make lists, add pictures and draw. It's an amazing little app. - Robert Martin , Oil City Iron Works, Inc.

ChatGPT has become an indispensable tool both within our team and in our offerings. It boosts performance by helping domain experts in research, idea generation and code creation. Additionally, it excels in summarizing large datasets and handling tasks that don't require human oversight. This versatility makes it my top pick for enhancing productivity across various functions. - Rachel Lyubovitzky , Setuply, Inc.

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8. Otter.ai

Otter.ai is a tool that automates the process of recording and transcribing meetings, leading to time savings and efficiency. It converts speech to text in real time, allowing users to focus on discussions. It also enhances collaboration by making it easy to search for essential discussion points and share them with team members. - Sarah Choudhary , Ice innovations

My favorite productivity tool is Trello . It's incredibly user-friendly and flexible, allowing for seamless project management and team collaboration. The visual card system makes tracking progress intuitive, which helps in efficiently managing multiple projects and deadlines. - Savitri Sagar , Kenzo Infotech

10. Superhuman

Superhuman is the fastest email client I have used to date. As the CEO of a technology company, I get a lot of emails, and shaving milliseconds off triaging each email adds up to many minutes a day and hours a week. - Raghav Gupta , Nymble

11. Circleback.ai

One of my favorite tools is Circleback.ai . It does an incredible job summarizing key takeaways from meetings, and it even lets you design prompts to look for specific elements in conversations, like Q&A discussed on a call with a client. We use it to summarize product feedback, build out our help content and generate follow-up emails automatically after sales calls. - Marc Rutzen , HelloData.ai

GitHub is an excellent platform for technical and product teams to come together to manage tasks, set up road maps and visualize in-flight work. It can be used by everyone and gives you an excellent overview of everything that's being worked on, where it is and how it's going. I've recently migrated off all task management tools and now run all my work off GitHub, and I haven't missed a step. - Lewis Wynne-Jones , ThinkData Works

I am a big fan of Slack . It connects my team and me, and anyone we're working with, for real-time engagement, accountability and team management. This tool has helped me supercharge my productivity across the board. - Michael Gargiulo , VPN.com )

One of my favorite tools is Range.co . It allows me to see what other team members are working on and prioritizing, so I can structure our priorities in the most efficient way. It also helps me understand the stages of products. I’m also a big fan of old-school tools like paper calendars and notepads. - Jordan Yallen , MetaTope

15. FlowTime

Because I’m a digital nomad, my go-to productivity tool is a lesser-known gem called FlowTime . It combines the Pomodoro technique with task management, allowing users to track time blocks while integrating deep work sessions seamlessly. Its minimalist interface eliminates distractions and boosts focus. It’s perfect for managing tasks without feeling overwhelmed. - Nicola Sfondrini , PWC

Coda is a top productivity-management tool, notable for its extensive plugin ecosystem. It seamlessly integrates with numerous applications, enhancing task management, allowing streamlined communication across departments and syncing with CRMs and Jira. This centralization makes Coda ideal for efficient, comprehensive project oversight. - Roman Vinogradov , Improvado

Asana is the ultimate productivity tool, providing robust project planning and task management capabilities. Its user-friendly interface and collaborative features empower teams to coordinate projects seamlessly. Features like timeline view and progress tracking help users stay organized and focused on both short-term tasks and long-term goals. - Cristian Randieri , Intellisystem Technologies

As a remote worker in tech, I love Miro because it allows collaboration and brainstorming. One of its unique features is the ability to create a virtual interactive whiteboard where teams can literally work out new ideas or approach potential problems, all in real time. Using visuals allows everyone to understand the issue, potential solutions and people’s reactions. - Parul Batra , neuro42

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20 Best Project Management Software with Gantt Charts of 2024

Our reviewers evaluate software independently. Clicks may earn a commission, which supports testing. Learn how we stay transparent & our review methodology.

As a project manager, I’ve reviewed and tested various project management software with Gantt charts to identify the most effective tools for enhancing project visibility and meeting deadlines.

Best Project Management Software with Gantt Charts Shortlist

Here’s my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.

• 1. Redbooth — Best for AI-powered task management
• 2. Toggl Plan — Best for visual planning simplicity
• 3. ProofHub — Best for flat-rate team collaboration
• 4. Adobe Workfront — Best for strategic project advancement
• 5. TeamGantt — Best for free forever Gantt charts
• 6. ActiveCollab — Best for rapid work execution
• 7. nTask — Best for comprehensive task management
• 8. GanttPRO — Best for efficient online planning
• 9. ProjectManager — Best for tailored project solutions
• 10. Celoxis — Best for all-in-one project portfolio management

Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.

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Project management software with Gantt charts can be transformative, yet choosing the right one presents challenges. You want a solution that can plan, track, and manage your projects, but the array of options can be overwhelming.

I've been in your shoes and I'm here to guide you through this. Drawing from my extensive experience with various tools, I know what works best. Here are my picks of the best project management software with Gannt charts.

Why Trust Our Software Reviews

We’ve been testing and reviewing project management software since 2012. As project managers ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.

We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different project management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our review methodology .

Best Project Management Software with Gantt Charts Summary

We’ve investigated the pricing and availability of free trials and demo versions so you can make a much simpler side-by-side comparison.

Compare Software Specs Side by Side

Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.

How To Choose Project Management Software With Gantt Charts

As you work through your unique software selection process, remember the following points.

• Ease of Use: The software should be intuitive and user-friendly. A steep learning curve can be a significant barrier to adoption, so selecting a tool that team members can quickly become comfortable with is important. For instance, project managers who are not tech-savvy will benefit from a straightforward interface that simplifies creating and updating Gantt charts.
• Integration Capabilities: Look for software that integrates well with your other tools. This is important for maintaining data consistency and saving time on data entry. For example, a marketing agency might need project management software that integrates with its CRM to track client projects efficiently.
• Customization: The ability to customize the software to fit your project management needs is essential. This includes custom views, fields, and workflows. A construction company, for instance, may require custom fields to track specific project details like materials used or regulatory compliance.
• Resource Management: Effective resource management features are a must-have. The software should help you allocate resources efficiently and avoid over-scheduling. In IT projects, this could involve balancing the workload among developers to ensure timely project delivery without burnout.
• Reporting and Analytics: Strong reporting tools are necessary to track progress and analyze project data. This helps in making informed decisions and identifying areas for improvement. A software development team, for example, would benefit from detailed reports on sprint progress and bug resolution times.

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Best Project Management Software with Gantt Charts Reviews

Below is an in-depth analysis and comparison of top project management software with Gantt chart functionalities. Each review highlights the pros and cons, key features, and best use cases for these tools.

Best for AI-powered task management

• 14-day free trial
• From $9/user/month (billed annually)

Redbooth is a project management tool that simplifies team tasks and project organization. It's ideal for those who appreciate AI-driven assistance in managing their workloads.

Why I Picked Redbooth: I chose Redbooth because its AI features offer user recommendations and due date predictions, enhancing task management. Redbooth is best for teams that value AI assistance. It uses historical task data to intelligently guide project planning and execution, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include intuitive Kanban boards, detailed productivity reports, visual project timelines, and Gantt charts. These features help with better task management and project tracking. It also includes mobile app support for iOS and Android.

Integrations i nclude Zoom, Outlook, Workspace, Box, Slack, Zapier, WebEx, Evernote, Clockify, Dropbox, and Google Drive.

• Check out Redbooth on their website

Pros and cons

• Mobile app for on-the-go access
• Visual project timelines with Gantt charts
• AI-powered features for task management
• Limited storage in the free plan (2 GB)
• Dependency feature in Gantt charts is not included in the free plan

Best for visual planning simplicity

• From $8/user/month

Toggl Plan is a project management tool that simplifies planning with drag-and-drop timelines. It's best for teams that value visual simplicity in project scheduling and workload management.

Why I Picked Toggl Plan: I chose Toggl Plan for its intuitive interface that simplifies project management through visual planning. Its drag-and-drop timelines make it easy to adjust plans on the fly, which is essential in dynamic team environments. I believe Toggl Plan is best for agencies and teams that need a straightforward tool to manage complex projects without the clutter of unnecessary features.

Features  include time tracking, reporting, project tracking, revenue tracking, and team scheduling. The scheduling software’s interface and drag-and-drop options make switching between tasks easy.

Integrations include Toggl Track. Slack, Asana, Jira, Podio, and Gitlab.

• Check out Toggl Plan on their website
• Read my in-depth review of Toggl Plan
• Customizable features like custom colors and favorites for personalization
• Integration with Toggl Track for enhanced time tracking
• Intuitive drag-and-drop timelines for easy planning
• May not be suitable for very large teams or complex enterprise needs
• No free plan available

Best for flat-rate team collaboration

• From $45/month (billed annually)

ProofHub is an all-in-one project management and team collaboration tool. It's best for teams that need a comprehensive solution without worrying about per-user fees.

Why I Picked ProofHub: I chose ProofHub for its complete feature set that caters to various team needs, from marketing to product development. Its flat-rate pricing model stands out as it allows unlimited users without additional costs. ProofHub is best for teams that require a solid project management tool but want to avoid the complexity of per-user pricing, ensuring budget predictability.

Features include task management, Gantt charts, board and table views, calendars, time tracking, and custom workflows. It also provides collaboration tools like discussions, proofing, notes, announcements, and chat. 

Integrations include Google Drive, OneDrive, Box, Dropbox, Google Calendar, iCal, Outlook, QuickBooks, FreshBooks and Zapier.

• Check out ProofHub on their website
• Intuitive user interface and flexibility in use
• Comprehensive feature set for various team functions
• Flat-rate pricing with no per-user fee
• May have a learning curve for new users
• Limited customization options compared to some competitors

Adobe Workfront

Best for strategic project advancement

• Free demo available
• Pricing upon request

Workfront is an enterprise work management platform that helps teams prioritize and execute projects strategically. It is best for marketing and IT teams that require alignment of their projects with the company's strategic goals.

Why I Picked Workfront: I chose Workfront for its unique approach to project management. Its ability to provide visibility into project status and resource utilization makes it stand out from other project management tools. Workfront is best for marketing and IT teams because it offers features that encourage strategic execution and ensure that projects contribute to the broader business goals.

Features include work automation, goal alignment, scenario planning, budget and expense management, workflow management, proofing and approvals, agile work management, and reporting dashboards. These features help teams to launch projects quickly, prioritize high-value work, and gain real-time visibility into project progress.

Integrations include Adobe Experience Cloud, Creative Cloud, Marketo Engage, and Experience Manager.

• Check out Adobe Workfront on their website
• Read my in-depth review of Adobe Workfront
• Real-time project visibility
• Strategic planning capabilities
• Comprehensive project management features
• Slower loading times for complex projects
• May require contact with sales for detailed pricing and feature information

Best for free forever Gantt charts

• 30-day free trial
• From $49/user/month

TeamGantt is a project management tool that simplifies task scheduling and collaboration. It's best for teams seeking free Gantt chart software that supports unlimited projects and collaborators.

Why I Picked TeamGantt: I chose TeamGantt for its intuitive interface and the ability to offer free Gantt charts without sacrificing quality or functionality. This tool stands out for its ease of use and the fact that it caters to various industries, from digital agencies to construction and marketing teams. I believe TeamGantt is best for teams that require robust Gantt chart capabilities without any financial commitment, ensuring that project management is accessible to everyone.

Features include drag-and-drop simplicity for changing start and end dates, viewing all projects on one screen, managing workloads and team availability, and collaborating easily with stakeholders. The tool also provides portfolio views, reports, and multiple project views such as calendar, list, and board formats.

Integrations include Slack, Trello, Basecamp, Google Calendar, Microsoft Project, JIRA, Asana, Dropbox, Google Drive, and Box.

• Check out TeamGantt on their website
• Integrations with popular tools like Trello, Slack, and Dropbox
• Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for easy scheduling and adjustments
• Free Gantt chart software for unlimited projects and collaborators
• May lack some advanced features that competitor may have
• Limited to 20 projects per manager on the Pro plan

ActiveCollab

Best for rapid work execution

• From $3.17/user/month (billed annually)

ActiveCollab simplifies project management and time tracking for businesses. It's ideal for companies seeking a solid platform to manage workloads and monitor project progress.

Why I Picked ActiveCollab: I selected ActiveCollab because its focus on real work execution is particularly beneficial for businesses that must manage projects effectively and track time. ActiveCollab provides features essential for managing projects, fostering team collaboration, and ensuring accurate time tracking, which is critical for productivity and profitability.

Features include project planning, team collaboration, and time tracking. It offers various task views, such as Gantt charts for project scheduling and Kanban boards for workflow visualization. The tool also includes workload management to help evenly distribute tasks and client management functionalities to enhance customer engagement.

Integrations include Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox, QuickBooks, PayPal, Stripe, Zapier, Hubstaff, Timecamp, and Trello.

• Check out ActiveCollab on their website
• Extensive native integrations
• Variety of task views, including Gantt charts and Kanban boards
• Comprehensive project management and time tracking
• The system can sometimes run slow
• It is difficult to search for files and data within the tool

Best for comprehensive task management

• 7-day free trial + free demo available
• From $3/user/month (min 5 seats)

nTask is an all-in-one project management solution that simplifies task management, planning, and team collaboration.

Why I Picked nTask: I chose nTask for its features that cater to various aspects of project management, making it a versatile tool for different team needs. Its comprehensive nature sets it apart from other software that may specialize in only one or two areas of project management.

I believe nTask is best for teams desiring an all-in-one platform because it integrates task management with additional tools like Gantt charts, issue tracking, and risk management, which are essential for handling complex projects efficiently.

Features include interactive Gantt chart software, Kanban boards for organizing and collaborating, and time tracking to monitor team productivity. It also offers risk management tools and the ability to manage meetings within the platform.

Integrations include over 1000+ apps, including Google Calendar, Outlook Calendar, Apple iCal, Zapier, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Slack.

• Check out nTask on their website
• Provides comprehensive project management features
• Integrates with over 1000+ apps
• Offers a free plan for small teams
• The free plan is limited to 5 users
• No refunds offered for subscription plans

Best for efficient online planning

• From $7.99/user/month (billed annually)

GanttPRO is an online Gantt chart software for efficient project planning and collaboration. It is best for teams that require advanced Gantt chart features to simplify their project planning processes.

Why I Picked GanttPRO: I chose GanttPRO because of its features that cater to detailed project planning and management. Its ability to create visually appealing Gantt charts stands out, providing a clear picture of project tasks, deadlines, and dependencies. 

GanttPRO is best for teams that need sophisticated project planning tools. It offers advanced planning capabilities, including dependencies, auto-scheduling, and custom fields, which are essential for managing complex projects.

Features include task management with bulk changes and custom fields, real-time data synchronization for collaboration, and resource management with workload views. It also provides time tracking, budget tracking, and the ability to create project baselines and critical paths.

Integrations include Slack, Google Drive, Jira Cloud, OneDrive, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft Excel.

• Check out GanttPRO on their website
• Read my in-depth review of GanttPRO
• Native integrations with popular tools like Slack and Google Drive
• Real-time data synchronization for team collaboration
• Advanced Gantt chart features for detailed project planning
• Custom quote needed for the Enterprise plan, which may not be suitable for smaller teams
• A minimum of 5 users is required for the Basic plan

ProjectManager

Best for tailored project solutions

• From $13/user/month (billed annually)

ProjectManager is a cloud-based project management software with Gantt charts for project planning, task scheduling, and real-time progress tracking. It allows for easy setting of task dependencies and milestones, providing a visual timeline that updates dynamically as team members adjust their tasks. Thus, it enhances collaboration and ensures project schedules are maintained efficiently​.

Why I Picked ProjectManager: I chose ProjectManager for the list because it offers a broad range of features that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different industries. This flexibility is what makes it different from other project management software. 

I think it's best for diverse teams needing industry-specific tools due to their adaptability and ability to customize their features to fit various sectors' unique workflows and processes.

Features include Gantt charts, real-time dashboards, and workload management tools. It also provides collaboration features that facilitate team communication. 

Integrations include Slack, Google Drive, Microsoft Office, Salesforce, Trello, Jira, Hubspot, Power BI, Acumatica, OneDrive, Dropbox, Desk.com, QuickBooks, and Xero.

• Check out ProjectManager on their website
• Read my in-depth review of ProjectManager
• Real-time data and reporting
• Integrates with many popular tools
• Customizable for various industries
• May be a learning curve for some users
• Automation feature can take time to learn

Best for all-in-one project portfolio management

• 14-day free trial + free demo available
• From $25/user/month (billed annually)

Celoxis is a project management tool that facilitates the management of project portfolios, resources, and workflows. It is best for teams that require a solution that balances features, ease of use, and value.

Why I Picked Celoxis: I chose Celoxis for this list because it caters to the needs of various teams and projects. Its all-in-one project portfolio management capability sets it apart from other tools by providing a single platform for managing multiple aspects of project work. I believe Celoxis is best for teams needing a versatile tool that can handle complex project management tasks without compromising user-friendliness or affordability.

Features include automatic scheduling, inter-project dependencies, project tracking, financial management, portfolio management, resource management, and reporting capabilities. It also includes task management, custom workflows, what-if analysis, multilingual support, and customizable dashboards.

Integrations  include Microsoft Project, QuickBooks Online, Zapier, Excel, Google Drive, Outlook, Salesforce, Jira, Slack, Trello

• Check out Celoxis on their website
• Read my in-depth review of Celoxis
• Offers a 14-day free trial for evaluation
• Integrates with a wide range of business applications
• Comprehensive project portfolio management features
• Steeper learning curve for new users
• Requires a minimum of 5 full-access user accounts

Other Project Management Software With Gantt Charts

Below is a list of additional project management software with Gantt charts that we shortlisted but did not make it to the top list. It is definitely worth checking them out.

• Zoho Projects
• Microsoft Project

Related Project Management Software

If you still haven't found what you're looking for, check out these related project management tools we've tested and reviewed. 

• Project Management Software
• Resource Management Software
• Workflow Automation Software
• Task Management Software
• Collaboration Tools
• Gantt Chart Maker

Project Management Software With Gantt Charts Selection Criteria

As an expert who has personally tried and researched project management software With Gantt Charts, I have developed a set of criteria that reflect the most important aspects buyers should consider.

Core Project Management Software With Gantt Charts Functionalities (25% of total score):  

To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases first:

• Task scheduling and tracking: Ensuring tasks are completed on time.
• Resource allocation: Assigning the right resources to tasks.
• Progress monitoring: Visualizing project timelines and milestones.
• Collaboration: Facilitating communication among team members.
• Reporting: Generating insights on project status and resource utilization.

Additional Standout Features (25% of total score): 

To help me find the best software out of numerous available options, I also kept an eye out for unique features, including the following:

• Innovative project visualization tools beyond basic Gantt charts.
• Advanced analytics and forecasting to predict project outcomes.
• Integration capabilities with other business systems.
• Customization options to tailor the platform to specific workflows.
• Mobile app availability for on-the-go project management.

Usability (10% of total score): 

To evaluate the usability of each system, I considered the following:

• Intuitive navigation and user interface design.
• A clear and responsive layout that adapts to various devices.
• Drag-and-drop functionality for ease of scheduling and resourcing.
• A minimal learning curve for new users to become proficient.

Onboarding (10% of total score): 

To get a sense of each software provider's customer onboarding process, I considered the following factors:

• Comprehensive training materials such as videos and templates.
• Interactive product tours and walkthroughs for new users.
• Customer service is available via chatbots or live support during setup.
• Webinars and online tutorials for in-depth understanding of features.

Customer Support (10% of total score): 

To evaluate the level of customer support each vendor offered, I considered the following:

• Responsiveness and availability of support channels.
• Quality of technical assistance and problem resolution.
• Access to a knowledge base or community forum for self-help.
• Multilingual support for global user bases.

Value for Price (10% of total score): 

To gauge the value of each software, I considered the following factors:

• Competitive pricing relative to the features offered.
• Transparent cost structure without hidden fees.
• Flexible pricing plans that cater to different business sizes.
• Free trials or demos are available to evaluate the platform before purchase.

Customer Reviews (10% of total score): 

Evaluating customer reviews is the final element of my selection process, which helps me understand how well a product performs in the hands of real users. Here are the factors I considered:

• Positive feedback on user experience and feature set.
• Testimonials on the impact of the platform on project success.
• Critiques on areas of improvement and how they are addressed.
• Overall satisfaction ratings from a diverse user base.

This assessment framework helped me identify software with unique features, intuitive usability, smooth onboarding, effective support, and great value for price.

Trends In Project Management Software With Gantt Charts

Project management software with Gantt charts is ever-changing. Here are the latest trends that are shaping its future.

• Enhanced Visual Interface: Project management tools are now more visually intuitive. Improvements in interface design help with project tracking and team coordination.
• AI Integration: Artificial intelligence is being embedded into project management software. It automates tasks and predicts project risks, aiding resource management.
• Real-time Collaboration Plug-ins: Software is integrating real-time collaboration features. This allows for in-app discussions and file sharing, supporting remote teamwork.
• Decrease in Oversized Tech Stacks: Companies are reducing the number of apps they use. This trend allows for a more focused approach to technology in project management.
• Return to Basic Agile: Organizations are reverting to fundamental Agile principles. This shift is due to Agile's adaptability and efficiency in project management. These trends shift towards more intuitive, intelligent, and collaborative project management environments.

What Is Project Management Software With Gantt Charts?

Project management software with Gantt charts is a digital tool that integrates project planning and tracking features with visual timelines. It is used by project managers, teams, and stakeholders to plan, monitor, and execute projects across various industries. The software aligns project objectives with tasks, deadlines, and resource allocation, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.

This software includes interactive Gantt charts that display project timelines, task dependencies, and progress tracking. Users can adjust schedules, assign tasks, and manage resources directly within the chart, providing an overview of the project lifecycle.

Features Of Project Management Software With Gantt Charts

Project management software equipped with Gantt charts helps visualize schedules and track the progress of various tasks within a project. Here are some of the most important features to consider when selecting such software.

• Task Dependencies: This feature allows you to establish relationships between tasks. Understanding task dependencies is crucial for managing workflow and ensuring that subsequent tasks start only after the preceding ones are completed.
• Milestone Tracking: Milestones mark significant points in a project timeline. Tracking milestones helps recognize key achievements and maintain momentum throughout the project lifecycle.
• Resource Allocation: This feature enables the assignment of resources to tasks. Proper resource allocation is essential for ensuring that each task has the necessary personnel and tools to be carried out effectively.
• Time Tracking: Time tracking allows for monitoring the time spent on tasks. Keeping track of time is important for maintaining schedules and assessing productivity.
• Drag-and-Drop Editing: Users can edit timelines through a drag-and-drop interface. This intuitive feature simplifies the process of adjusting project schedules as changes occur.
• Collaboration Tools: These tools facilitate communication and coordination among team members. Effective collaboration ensures that all team members are aligned and can contribute efficiently.
• Custom Views: Custom views let you tailor the Gantt chart display to suit your needs. Having the flexibility to create custom views is important for focusing on different aspects of the project as required.
• Progress Tracking: This feature provides visual indicators of task completion. Tracking progress is vital for assessing whether the project is on track and identifying areas for additional attention.
• Reporting and Analytics: Reporting tools generate insights into project performance. Access to analytics is important for making informed decisions and improving project outcomes.

These features provide a visual of the project timeline and enhance the ability to manage tasks, resources, and team collaboration effectively. With the right tool, managing complex projects becomes more controlled and predictable. p

Benefits Of Project Management Software With Gantt Charts

Project management software with Gantt charts is designed to assist both individuals and organizations in managing their projects more effectively. Here are five primary benefits that users and organizations can gain from using project management software with Gantt charts.

• Enhanced Visibility: Gantt charts visually represent the entire project timeline, making it easier for users to understand the sequence of tasks and their respective deadlines.
• Improved Planning: Using Gantt charts within project management software, planners can set more accurate timelines and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently to meet project demands.
• Better Collaboration: The software allows team members to view updates in real-time, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone knows their responsibilities and the project's progress.
• Increased Flexibility: With Gantt charts, project managers can shift tasks and deadlines, allowing for a flexible response to unforeseen changes or challenges.
• Enhanced Accountability: The software clarifies who is responsible for each task, which helps hold team members accountable for their work and ensures that everyone contributes to the project's success.

Investing in project management software with Gantt charts can be a game-changer for organizations looking to improve their project management processes.

Costs & Pricing Of Project Management Software With Gantt Charts

Understanding the different pricing structures is an important process of the project management software buying process. Below is a summary of the plan options and their pricing, formatted in a table for clarity.

Plan Comparison Table For Project Management Software With Gantt Charts

You should assess your project management needs against each plan's features and limitations. You should also consider current needs and potential growth to ensure the chosen software can scale with your business.

Project Management Software with Gantt Charts FAQs

Can project management software with gantt charts integrate with other tools.

Yes, many project management software options that feature Gantt charts also offer integration capabilities with other tools. This can include integration with calendars, email, file sharing services, and other productivity or collaboration tools. Integration helps in centralizing project information and improving team collaboration.

Is project management software with Gantt charts suitable for Agile project management?

While Gantt charts are traditionally associated with the Waterfall project management methodology, they can be adapted for use in Agile project management. They can be used to visualize sprints and track progress, although they may not reflect the iterative and flexible nature of Agile as effectively as other tools like Kanban boards.

Can project management software with Gantt charts be used by remote teams?

Yes, Gantt chart software is well-suited for remote teams. It allows team members to access project timelines, collaborate on tasks, and update their progress from anywhere. This is particularly useful for teams distributed across different locations and time zones, as it provides a centralized view of the project’s progress.

What kind of reporting can I expect from project management software with Gantt charts?

Project management software with Gantt charts typically offers a range of reporting features. These can include progress reports, resource allocation reports, and variance reports that compare planned versus actual timelines. Good software will allow you to customize reports to focus on the information that is most important to your project and stakeholders.

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Best Scheduling Software for Small Business: 12 Tools to Consider

by Clint Fontanella

  |  06.26.24  |  

12 min read

Does your to-do list look like this?

Sticky notes are great, but lose their luster once they pile up in bunches. During a busy workday, sticky notes get crumpled, ripped, and lost, resulting in missed calls, no-show appointments , and poor customer experiences.

You need a better way to manage appointments – and scheduling software is an excellent solution. It books appointments and tracks them over time, so you don’t have to keep a stack of sticky notes on your desk or in your car. Instead, your scheduling software sends you updates, reminders, and other information that you can use to create a memorable customer experience .

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In this post, I’ll discuss the best scheduling software for small businesses. I tested several providers, recorded their pros and cons, and curated this list so you can find the best solution for your company.

Best Scheduling Software for Small Business

• SimplyBook.me
• When I Work
• Acuity Scheduling
• Zoho Bookings

Below are the top three scheduling tools I recommend for small business owners. You can also use the jump links below to find a specific type of scheduling software:

• Best Overall for Small Business
• Free Schedule Software
• Employee Scheduling Software
• Job Scheduling Software
• How to Pick the Best Scheduling Software

Best For: Small Businesses with 1-10 Employees

Thryv is a business platform that offers several solutions for small business owners. Its Business Center provides scheduling software that syncs with your CRM , and your Google or Outlook calendar. It sends reminders to you and your customers, reducing no-shows and keeping the team updated if rescheduling occurs. Customers can book appointments directly from your company’s local listing with the “Reserve with Google” feature.

Thryv’s scheduling tool works great for events, too. It sends invites, accepts payments, and tracks registrants so you can communicate with them before an event. This tool removes some of the stress of hosting an event while balancing a busy work schedule.

• It comes with a CRM .
• You can offer custom promotions and pricing packages to repeat customers.
• It’s designed for individual and group meetings.
• Large businesses may reach usage limitations.
• You need an online listing to use the “Reserve with Google” feature – learn how to create one here .

Price: $228/month for Plus, $382/month for Professional, $533/month for Unlimited

2. SimplyBook.me

Best For: Businesses Without a Website

My favorite part about using this tool is that I had a fully functional webpage ten minutes after signing up. I used one of its pre-made templates for my home page, selected my availability, and then used an AI assistant to produce an “About Us” section for my site. As someone who has designed websites in the past, I found this to be a quick and easy solution compared to other builders I’ve used.

• It provides real-time customer support via online chat.
• You can create web pages in minutes.
• There are QR codes that direct people to your signup page.
• Account settings can be confusing to navigate.
• The calendar interface doesn’t have weekly or monthly views.
• There are a lot of cookie tracker pop-ups.

Price: Free to get started; $8/month for Basic Plan, $25/month for Standard Plan, $50/month for Premium Plan

Best For: Quick Meetings with Clients

Zoom became incredibly popular following the COVID-19 pandemic . Why? Because it provides free video conferencing for up to 40 minutes each call. It’s ideal for quick meetings, and you can host as many meetings as you would like with a free account – when one session runs out, you can create a new link for another. The only catch is that you are limited to 100 attendees per meeting, so you’ll need to upgrade to use Zoom for bigger online events.

• Zoom connects to your Gmail and Outlook Calendars.
• Provides whiteboards that you can edit as a team during meetings.
• There are unlimited meetings each month.
• Free plans limit calls to 40-minutes each.
• You can only have 100 participants in each meeting, unless you pay for the Business Plan.

Price: Free to get started; $13/month for Pro Plan, $18/month for Business Plan, $22/month for Business Plus Plan, custom pricing for Enterprise Plan

Buying Software Checklist

A 12-step guide to buying the right software for your business.

Free Scheduling Software for Small Business

If you are looking for a free scheduling solution, there are plenty to choose from, but here are my top three.

4. Appointy

Best For: Sales Teams

Appointy is a tool for sales reps who attend several meetings each day. When you open the app, a dashboard summarizes your schedule and makes it easy to see who you need to meet with that day. You can also check in from the same page and view details for each appointment. It’s a valuable solution for sales teams constantly connecting with new customers .

• It’s web-browser-based and easy to get started.
• There are reporting tools for monitoring performance.
• Appointy provides marketing tools and incentives like gift certificates and coupons.
• There is no built-in CRM, but it has CRM-like features.
• The free version is limited to 100 appointments each month.

Price: Free to get started; $20/month for Growth Plan, $50/month for Professional Plan, $80/month for Enterprise Plan

5. Calendly

Best For: Booking Meetings with New Customers

Calendly is a handy tool for scheduling one-off meetings. A calendar with all your scheduled meetings appears after selecting the “create meeting” option. From there, you can choose when you’re available and send a link that shows your availability. You can also connect tools like Zoom to host video calls directly from your Calendly invite.

• There are automation features for sending emails and reminders.
• Calendly provides unique settings for holiday availability .
• You can embed signup forms on your website.
• Free plans are limited to one event type.
• You can only connect one calendar and use basic integrations.
• There are limited options for customization.

Price: Free to get started; $12/month for Standard Plan, $20/month for Teams Plan, custom pricing for Enterprise plans

Best For: Businesses with Online Stores

Square is a scheduling tool with several features targeted at e-commerce websites . For example, if customers want to book multiple services simultaneously, they can group them into “packages” or create a custom order using “modifiers.” Item categories also make navigating your site easier and help customers find specific services they want to book. These features make it convenient to book one or multiple appointments online for companies that provide a range of services.

• The free plan provides a lot of advanced features.
• You can put clients on a “waitlist.”
• It’s compatible with Instagram.
• Some features may not be as valuable if you don’t have an e-commerce website.
• It can be challenging to navigate at first.

Price: Free to get started; $29/month for Plus Plan, $69/month for Premium Plan

Employee Scheduling Software for Small Business

These tools are excellent for managing work schedules at your business. They ensure you have enough team members to complete a project or meet customer demand.

Best For: Restaurants

7shifts is great for restaurant owners who want to manage their team schedules efficiently. It helps you meet customer demand and create schedules based on your business’s revenue. You can also collect employee feedback and measure your team’s overall satisfaction. That way, you can keep employees happy and reduce turnover at your restaurant .

• Great for restaurants with or without a point-of-sales system.
• It has an intuitive onboarding process for new users.
• It provides job-posting features.
• Free plans are limited to one location.
• Employee feedback is only available with paid plans.

Price: Free to get started; $35/month for Entrée Plan, $80/month for The Works Plan, $135/month for Gourmet Plan

8. When I Work

Best For: Brick-and-Mortar Retail Stores

When I Work is similar to 7shifts, except it markets to retail shops rather than restaurants. It also has a “WorkChat” feature to message your coworkers in real-time. This feature is useful for reassigning shifts when employees call out sick. There are also payroll tools built directly into the scheduler. These features ensure team members are paid fairly and on time.

• Forecasting tools can assist with budgeting.
• WorkChat sends both individual and group messages.
• You can have unlimited users.
• Approval is needed to access payroll features.
• There are limited customer support channels.

Price: $2.50/user/month for Essentials Plan, $5/user/month for Pro Plan, $8/user/month for Premium Plan

Best For: Businesses with Multiple Locations

Deputy is a helpful platform for business owners looking to manage a large team. The “open shift” feature alerts employees when a new shift is available so everyone can request it. There’s also an “Insights” tool that monitors labor costs and helps you stay within budget — you won’t overschedule your team, but you’ll also have enough staff to manage foot traffic in your store.

• The free plan supports businesses with multiple locations.
• The newsfeed lets you share updates with your team.
• You can assign tasks to individual employees.
• Employee schedule templates are only available with paid plans.
• It may be less useful for smaller teams.

Price: Free to get started; $6/month for Premium Plan, custom pricing for Enterprise Plan

Job Scheduling Software for Small Business

These tools help you book appointments with customers and create landing pages and signup forms for your website.

10. Acuity Scheduling

Best For: Tech-Savvy Business Owners

Acuity Scheduling is ideal for tech-savvy business owners who want to build signup pages. It gives you a template for each page and lets you customize elements like font styles and URL structures. There’s also a coding feature that you can use to adjust the design of your page so it looks like the rest of your website.

• This tool is very customizable.
• You can create different appointment types.
• It takes some time to set up.
• Some coding knowledge is required to use the “Advanced CSS” feature.
• It works better if you have a website.

Price: $16/month for Emerging Plan, $27/month for Growing Plan, $49/month for Powerhouse Plan, custom pricing for Enterprise Plan

11. Zoho Bookings

Best For: Businesses with Consistent Working Hours

Zoho Bookings is great for small business owners who work on a fixed schedule and want a low-touch scheduling solution. This software begins by asking you to set your working hours; then, it creates a signup page that you can share or embed into your website. If you want to reschedule or cancel an appointment, you can easily do so through a drop-down menu in the “Status” column. Overall, Zoho Bookings is a simple tool and ideal for business owners who may be new to this type of software.

• It’s compatible with most CRM software .
• It integrates with video tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
• It can estimate revenue based on appointments/services booked.
• There are limited customization features.
• Online payments are only available with the Premium plan.

Price: $6/user/month for Basic Plan, $9/user/month for Premium Plan

12. Reservio 

Best For: Businesses with a Strong Social Media Following

Reservio has a built-in CRM that creates new contacts or “clients” as appointments get booked. You can set a “meeting status” and mark whether a client has confirmed their attendance or you’re waiting to hear back from them. Its sharing options also make publishing your meeting link to your social media channels easy. While it has many of the same features as the other providers on our list, Reservio is a well-rounded tool that’s ideal for most small businesses.

• The “Book Now” button can be embedded on your website.
• There are QR codes for sharing your meeting link.
• You can import existing clients via CSV files.
• It may have limited features for some businesses.
• The booking page is informative but not very customizable.

Price: Free to get started; $9/month for Starter Plan, $18/month for Standard Plan, $37/month for Pro Plan

What is the best scheduling software for small business?

The right solution will depend on your budget, needs, and the customers that you work with. However, there are some features that you should look for in your scheduling solution.

Your scheduling software should have the following:

• A calendar that shows all of your meetings
• The ability to integrate your existing calendar and meetings
• A landing page where customers can book appointments
• Automated reminders that update you about upcoming meetings
• The ability to sync with (or embed) forms on your website

It’s nice if it also has:

• Payment software
• A built-in CRM
• Event registration
• Marketing tools (coupons, promotions, QR codes)
• Employee scheduling features

Pick the Right Scheduling Software for Your Business

It’s time to put the sticky notes away – and you won’t regret it if you do. If you’re unsure where to start, sign up for a free trial and see if you notice the difference. From there, take notes about what you like and dislike, and return to this post (if needed) to find the right solution for your business.

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Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Organization > How to organize your wedding guest list

How to organize your wedding guest list

Organizing a wedding guest list involves more than just jotting down names. It’s about creating an inviting experience that respects both your preferences and the practical constraints of your budget and venue .

While making a guest list can feel overwhelming at first, approaching it with clear strategies and the right tools can help alleviate some of your stress. Start managing your guest list efficiently with this practical guide.

Start with the basics

Before diving into the details, brainstorm a rough idea of your wedding’s style and size. This will help dictate the length of your list and prevent overcrowding at your venue. Here’s how to get started:

• Set a preliminary guest count. Estimate a total number based on your venue’s capacity and your budget.
• Categorize your guests. Sort your list into categories like family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances so you can prioritize and de-prioritize guests later if needed.

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The best way to organize your wedding guest list

To keep your wedding planning smooth and stress-free, follow these steps to optimize your guest list:

• Prioritize invitations. Decide which guests are the most important to your wedding and which guests can be optional. Immediate family and close friends are usually top of the list, while co-workers and distant relatives might fall into the optional category.
• Use a tier system. After prioritizing, create a tiered system (A, B, C or 1, 2, 3) to manage potential guests based on how close you are to them.
• Track your RSVPs. As RSVPs arrive, promptly update your list. This will help you finalize seating arrangements, your budget, and catering numbers as you get closer to your big day.
• Manage plus-ones carefully. Establish clear rules for plus-ones to maintain control over your guest count. Consider offering plus-ones to guests in higher tiers or those in long-term relationships and communicate that clearly in your invitations .
• Review and adjust. As your wedding date approaches, review your guest list for any last-minute adjustments. This might include following up on pending RSVPs or accommodating late plus-one requests.

Choosing the right tools

Using digital tools can simplify the process of managing your guest list. Here are two options worth considering and how to use them:

• Spreadsheets. Track your guest list using a digital spreadsheet template that includes columns for names, addresses, RSVPs, and special requirements. Using an online spreadsheet makes it easier to update and sort your list as RSVPs come in.
• Cloud storage options. Use cloud storage solutions to access your guest list from anywhere and share updates with your partner or wedding planner.

Sharing your organized list

Once your list is organized, share it with your wedding planner, venue, and caterer. Ensure that everyone involved in the planning process has the most current version to avoid any discrepancies.

Organizing your wedding guest list can be a straightforward task with the right tools and a systematic approach. Use these tips to streamline your guest list planning so you can focus on enjoying your big day.

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Many business owners lack a succession plan

• June 28, 2024

Among business owners with no succession plan, 38% reported their business is not at a point at which succession planning is a priority. Both uncertainty about the future of the business and how to start making a succession plan were the top reasons for not having one (32% for both), according to the survey. 

“For many business owners, short-term priorities associated with running a business might feel more urgent than planning for future succession,” said Katherine Roy, Principal, Retirement Products at Edward Jones, in a press release announcing the survey findings. “However, business owners should consider what will happen once they leave the business, whether by selling, retiring or becoming unable to manage the business due to health or age. A well-conceived succession plan allows the owner to identify what their ideal exit looks like and address tax, business, estate and liquidity considerations that reflect both business goals and family dynamics.”

Younger family members can build a new, innovative legacy for the family business.   (Anna Shvets/Pexels)

Business owners said that barriers to making a succession plan are emotional as well as logistical; 26% said they were unable to identify a successor, but 88% believed that their businesses will grow over the next decade.

The survey results showed that four main factors drive the need for a business transition. The first is the legacy of the business and the future of employees and stakeholders. The second consideration is the market, in which the sale or exit of an owner is needed to maintain business operations and part of the proceeds will fund the owner’s retirement. The third factor is a health event or other change in priorities or circumstances for owner and the owner’s family. Lastly, the sale of the business also must align with the owner’s vision and the organization’s commitment to the integrity of the business.

Financial advisors can help business owners build a successful plan to help ensure a smooth transition of the business, but only 37% of those surveyed reported using a financial advisor to help with transition issues and decision-making.

“Even if a business owner already knows the succession plan that they want put in place, a financial advisor can guide them through all of the complexities and challenges owners face when determining and implementing the future of their business,” said Zachary Gildehaus, Business Owner Strategist, Client Needs Research at Edward Jones.

For more information about the survey visit: www.edwardjones.com/NextInLine .

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Tags: Family businesses , Family firms , leadership , management , millennials , Succession plans

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