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Chris Maxcer

Guide to Business Plan Software

A good solution will help you transform an idea into a reality


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Formulating a business plan from scratch can seem overwhelming, but the task is now much easier thanks to a variety of software applications. Before you choose a business-plan software consider several key questions:
  1. What are the compatibility requirements? Will it run on your current PC or do you need to upgrade?
  2. Does it require a separate application like Microsoft Word or Excel?
  3. Will it let you convert your plan to common formats, such as those used by Microsoft's Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe's Acrobat, or HTML?
  4. How much does it cost?
  5. Are there add-on tools or templates specific to your business interests? Are they free or do they cost more?
  6. Is the application easy to use or hard to learn?
  7. Can you integrate your existing financial data? For instance, from QuickBooks?
  8. Does the solution provider offer technical support?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Free solutions


If your business is relatively simple, you might be able to build a great plan with free online tools and templates.

I recommend: Download templates at SCORE.org or use the free online business planning tool at thebeehive.org.

Browser-based solutions


With these online applications, you can create a plan that includes text, data, and images. You can even publish it to the Web, as well as store and retrieve your business plans.

I recommend: Check out Smart Online's Smart Business Plan, Strategic Services Group's FundablePlans.

Template-based solutions


If you have Microsoft Word or Excel, a template-based solution can give you fill-in-the blank prompts.

I recommend: JIAN's BizPlanBuilder and PlanMagic's PlanMagic Business are comprehensive products.

Application-based solutions


Step-by-step applications can help novices build plans. They can also help with tackling complicated financial projections.

I recommend: Check out Palo Alto Software's Business Plan Pro, BRS's Plan Write and Atlas Business Solutions's Ultimate Business Planner.

Industry-specific solutions


Build your plan based on models for the industry you're trying to break into.

I recommend: RestuarantFunds.com offers business planning software with scenarios specific to restaurants. Palo Alto sells plans for hundreds of business types.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • After your business plan has been written, keep updating the information in the plan, so the next time you need to use it, it will be ready to go.

The official source of Business Plan Software is
the Business Plan Software page at Business.com


Featured Vendors

AT&T Business Solutions
The Information You Need to Start, Manage, Move & Grow Your Business.
www.att.com

Free Intuit QuickBooks Simple Start 2009
QuickBooks Simple Start Free Edition is a Free and fully featured bookkeeping software solution.
ibx.intel.com

Business Template Software
Offers Business-in-a-Box business document template software. Includes legal forms, letters, contracts, policies, spreadsheets and more.
www.envision-sbs.com/

Business Plan Template - Just $39.95
High-impact Business Plan Template with complete pro forma financial templates. 100% Customizable. Immediate Download.
www.Business-Plan-Success.com

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 Related Resources from Business.com Back to top 
 Recommended Solution Providers Back to top 

Developer of business plan software for small businesses.

Offers software for writing business plans, evaluate marketing strategies, and testing product ideas.

Provides business plan, marketing plan and financial plan software designed for start-ups, and companies planning for expansion.

Offers downloadable business plan software with over 500 sample business plans.


 Best Sites to Learn MoreBack to top 

Features articles on business plan requirement, software, and more.

Provides a range of information resources about business planning, including occasional reviews of business plan software.


  Best Blogs and Forums Back to top 

Moderated discussion of online business plan software.

Message board dedicated to all aspects of business plans for startups and small businesses.


  CommentsBack to top 

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