Guide to Business Plan Software

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.