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Create a presentation or document business plan quickly and easily with Visme's template options. Customize each page or slide to fit your vision and information to pitch to cofounders or investors. Get started today.

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Tell your story with the data to match using easy-to-customize charts and graphs. Select from 40+ chart and graph visualizations and find the one that proves your point clearly. Upload static data or connect to Google sheets for live data.

Customize every aspect of your presentation with your own images and text

Convey the exact mood you desire for your business plan with over a million images, thousands of icons, dozens of charts and data widgets to visualize information in an engaging way. Apply a color scheme to all your slides with one click. Add animation effects, transitions, interactivity, pop-ups, rollovers and third-party content to support your business case.

Speed things up with Visme AI Designer

Go from a text prompt to a ready-to-use design in mere minutes with Visme AI Designer (Beta). Do you need to create a business plan but lack the time? Let Visme AI Designer help you save time and effort. Describe your desired project to our AI Designer Chatbot, choose a style, and relax as AI Designer generates your project.

Apply our simple business plan template to give you a head start.

Meet the Team

Mission Statement

Product Overview

Value Propositions

Industry Landscape

Market Size

Customer Descriptions

Market Growth

Competitive Comparison

Competitive Advantage

Business Growth Projections

Marketing Mix

Conversion Funnels

Funding Needed

Share Your Business Plan

Finished your business plan and ready to share with the world? Visme’s business plan template makes it easy to publish, download and get feedback on your design. Simply download as a high resolution image or PDF, or publish it to the web and send a link to access it.

LEARN ABOUT BUSINESS PLANS

What is a Business Plan ?

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

Interactivity

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

How much does it cost to create a business plan with the business plan template, what types of charts and graphs are available in visme, can i use my brand kit to create my business plan with visme, is the business plan template completely customizable, can i use any photo in the image library in my business plan, your business plans deserve to be beautiful and so does the rest of your content.

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5 Best Business Plan Software in 2022

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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.

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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.

On a similar note...

Home » Blog » 8 Best Free Business Plan Software Tools of 2024

8 Best Free Business Plan Software Tools of 2024

• October 12, 2022

Table of Contents

Whether you’re a startup or an established business, having a well-crafted business plan is essential to your success. Not only will it give you a roadmap to follow, but it will also help you secure funding and attract top talent.

There are a lot of business plan software options out there, so how do you know which one is right for you? To help you make the best decision, we’ve compiled a list of the eight best free business plan software programs.

Review of the Best Free Business Plan Software

Coro is a free business plan software that helps you create a professional and successful business plan. Coro offers many features that make it easy to get started, including templates, financials, and more.

With Coro, you can be sure that your business plan will be comprehensive and well-organized. In addition, Coro offers support and resources to help you through the process of creating and implementing your business plan.

• Templates for different types of businesses.
• Available in English and Spanish . 
• Comes with a built-in CRM system.
• Free remediation for 14 days.
• Has three months audit trail.
• Coro allows users to collaborate with others on their business plans, making it ideal for businesses that have multiple stakeholders.
• The software includes financial tools that help users track and forecast expenses and income. 
• The software offers various marketing and sales management features, including the ability to create and track campaigns. 
• Coro provides user analytics that helps businesses measure the performance of their business plans. 
• It entails all threats such as malware & ransomware, phishing, hacking & access control, insider threats, and data governance.
• The free version has some limitations regarding features and functionality.
• Coro Free – $0 per User / Month.
• Coro Flexible Pay monthly with no commitment $8.99 per User / Month (Billed Monthly).
• Coro Annual – For companies who want to save costs, SAVE 22% by paying $6.99 per User / Month (Billed Annually).

Read Also: Can I use Business Plan Software to present to investors?

Cuttles offers a 7-day free trial, and in this period, you can get familiar with its features and examine if it is suitable for your business before moving to a paid plan. You can create a custom business plan with Cuttles in just minutes.

Cuttles allows you to include all the information you need in your business plans, such as your company’s mission statement, market analysis, product or service description, financial projections, etc.

In addition, Cuttles offers a variety of templates that you can use to create your custom business plan.

Features of Cuttles

• Step-by-Step Wizard.
• Pitch Presentation.
• Financial Templates.
• Investor Management.
• Social Sharing.
• Business Plan Templates.
• Collaboration.
• Easy to use
• Fast navigation between sections.
• Pre-filled information.
• Produces high-quality professional document templates.
• Allows you to apply your company logo and other branding elements
• Tailors the text to reflect your unique voice and style
• Users can customize the expected outcomes based on realistic goals.
• Cuttles takes a lot of time to set up. 
• For Seed Plan Founders startup at €8 per month billed annually (save 58%)
• For Grow Plan founders startup with €16per month billed annually  (save 44%)
• For Series PlanFounders startups, €48 per month is billed annually (save 39%) 

InPhase is a free business plan and business intelligence software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners to visualize and create their vision for the growth of their businesses.

With an easy-to-use interface and all the tools you need like, InPhase makes it simple to brainstorm ideas, document them in your own words, and share your vision with others. It attracts investors or simply communicates your ideas more clearly.

• Adeptly execute plans
• It comes with templates.
• It has a library of resources.
• Ability to create “What If” scenarios.
• It has an intuitive interface.
• Eliminate duplicated activities
• Encourage user engagement
• Identify critical problems faster.
• Make compliance easy
• It does not have a mobile application
• Free Version: It costs $0 and is free for each user
• Basic Plan: It costs $14,98 per month for each user.

Read Also: Crafting a Comprehensive Business Plan Writing Framework  

Learnspot is a powerful Spain-based, user-friendly business plan software designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners create effective financial plans for their companies.

With an intuitive interface, various valuable templates, and an extensive library of financial formulas and calculations, Leanspot makes it easy to create professional financial plans with minimal effort.

What’s more? They have a free version and a free trial.  They also have business intelligence capacities. However, it is geared far too heavily toward a Spanish audience.

• User-friendly interface.
• Collaborative editing.
• Built-in sharing tools.
• Powerful tracking tool.
• Built-in commenting tools to get feedback.
• Assesses the feasibility of your business idea.
• Access to SWOT
• Extensive support and guidance
• Formats different combinations of data according to industry best practices.
• It caters more to Spanish users.
• For startups, Advance €30/per month
• For Advisors First month is free after 18€/month
• For Investors, Individuals €99/month

Enloop is a great option for those looking for a free business plan software program. It offers a free trial for a full week with no obligation to provide credit card information included. Enloop is solely focused on the creation of business plans. 

It features automated text writing, comparisons of financial forecasts, and a real-time performance score that monitors your advancement. The clear and straightforward instructions provided while using the software make it simple, even for those who have never created a business plan.

• Automatic financial statements generation
• Financial Performance Analysis
• Real-time performance analysis
• Plans are reasonably priced and offer an annual discount
• Automatic text generation is available to help with the business plan writing process.
• It only has one template option
• Free Trial: A 7-day free trial, access to most features so you can familiarize yourself with the software.
• Detailed Plan: It costs $19.95 per month.
• Enterprise Plan: It costs $39.95 per month.

Recommended reading: 5 Best HCM Software in 2024 (Reviewed)

Business Plan Quick Builder

The Business Plan Quick Builder is an online tool that helps users accelerate the process of creating a business plan. 

Business Plan Quick Builder’s algorithm efficiently creates a complete business plan. For example, the generated business plan lets users know the different aspects of their businesses. Plus, it also includes accurate financial projections of the businesses. 

In addition, Quick Builder can also be used by those who want to update their existing business plans.

• Financial forecast
• Automatic text generation
• PDF Support
• It has over 400 templates to choose from
• It saves time
• It is efficient
• It can only be used online.
• Free Plan: It costs nothing and comes with the basic essential features.
• Basic Plan: It costs $9.99 monthly 

ESM+Strategy

Every successful business has a well-defined strategy. Without a clear direction, it’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day grind and lose sight of your goals. That’s where ESM+ comes in. 

This software helps you map out your goals, track your progress, and make adjustments on the fly. It also provides tools to help you implement your strategy and get the most out of your team. From project management to task tracking, it has got you covered.

• Automation software for the Balanced Scorecard
• Visual charts and online reporting.
• Cascading Balanced Scorecards
• Dynamic strategy maps
• Instant-generated strategic reports and papers in PDF, PPT, and Excel.
• Personal Balanced Scorecards and employee reviews
• Data Visualization
• Customizable user interface
• Mobile app not available for macOS and iOS
• Basic Plan: Costs $0, it has valuable features like Excel Exports, Balanced Scorecard Designer, SWOT, Porter’s 5 Forces, PESTEL , and Change Agendas. It also allows users to create measures, goals, and strategic initiatives
• Pro Plan: It costs $880 monthly. It has features in the basic plan and other remarkable features like an unlimited number of users, Balanced Scorecard Automation, Custom Balanced Scorecard Templates, KPI Tracking , Initiative Prioritization, Excel Data Loading, Strategy Execution Library, and Strategic Initiative Project Management. It also allows its users to design dynamic strategy maps.
• Enterprise Plan: Contact ESM+Strategy for pricing. It has features in the pro plan and other features like several Scorecards, Configuration Instructions, Views of organizational/scorecard structure, Views with Cascading and Alignment, Permission framework based on scorecards, API integrations, etc. 

Data consolidation across scorecards, Loading Excel data across many scorecards, Dashboards tailored to each scorecard, Zapier connectors With onboarding. Users also get free data buildout.

Recommended reading: The 6 Best OKR Software Tools to Help You Achieve Your Goals

Workfacta is a simple yet powerful tool that helps businesses track employee productivity. By tracking employee login times, activity levels, and project deadlines, businesses can clearly see which employees are meeting their targets and which ones are falling behind. 

In addition, Workfacta provides employees with a clear set of deadlines and milestones to hit, helping them stay on track and motivated. As a result, Workfacta is an invaluable tool for any business that wants to improve employee productivity .

• Goal Setting and Tracking
• Strategic Planning
• Forecasting
• Key Performance Indicators
• KPI Monitoring
• Progress Tracking
• To maximize user experience, sorting and filtering options could be improved.
• Free Forever: It costs $0 and allows up to 3 users and 1 team. It has basic features like a weekly meeting schedule, three discussion items, team performance, two dashboard widgets, etc.
• Business Premium Plan: It costs $49 monthly per user, and it contains features in the free plan, unlimited users, flexible weekly meetings, Quarterly Execution Score Targets, company performance, and supports up to 3 teams.
• Enterprise Plan: Contact Workfacta for pricing. It has additional features like Xero integration, Number API, Cross-team features, enterprise widget, etc.

The first step is to define your business goals and objectives clearly. What are you hoping to accomplish? Next, you’ll need to analyze your industry and target market thoroughly. What is the current landscape, and what trends are you seeing? This will help you to create realistic financial projections. Once you have all this information, you can start developing your business plan. 

Yes, there are business plan templates available on Microsoft Word. However, the quality of these templates can vary greatly. Some are very simplistic and lack the level of detail that is often required in a business plan. Others are more comprehensive and can provide a good starting point for developing a business plan. The bottom line is that it is important to carefully evaluate any template you consider using to ensure that it meets your needs.

A business plan is a formal document that outlines the goals of your business. Examples are Executive Summary, Products and Services, Market Analysis, Sales and Marketing Plan, Operational Plan, Financial Plan, and appendix. With a well-written business plan, you’ll be on your way to achieving your entrepreneurial goals.

A business plan’s length depends on your business’s size, and complexity, a rule of thumb is that it shouldn’t be more than 30 pages. If you are seeking investment, your business plan will need to be even shorter, as investors do not have time to read through a long document.

You should avoid including information irrelevant to the business. There shouldn’t be grammatical or spelling errors, as this can make the business appear amateurish. Lastly, the document should be concise; avoid using flowery language or excessively long sentences.

Final Thoughts

When searching for the best business plan software, it is essential to look beyond the program’s price. Ultimately, the best business plan software can be defined by its ability to help you create, edit, and manage your business plan effectively and efficiently.

Whether it provides templates or allows you to create your own from scratch, offers powerful collaboration tools, or helps you organize financial information and projections. The best free business plan software should always aim to meet your specific needs and help take your business to the next level.

If you still can’t decide, we recommend giving Coro a try. It’s a tremendous all-around software that offers a free trial, so you can see if it’s the right fit for you.

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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

5 Best Free Business Plan Software in 2021

It’s a long journey from having a start-up idea to creating a plan, raising funds, and finally getting the business started. It takes extensive effort to create a business plan that would lure in capital support from investors. A business plan software is the best tool available in the market to help you with that. 

A  business plan software  offers built-in templates to create business proposals in no time. Users can search the business plan template based on their needs and write up a plan using its step-by-step guide. A business plan software allows users to identify and analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges that are anticipated in the respective business field. This has led to the rapid growth of business planning tools. According to a report, the global market value of business plan software is expected to reach  USD 1,37,871.4 thousand  by 2027. 

There are multiple free and paid options for business plan software available in the market today. So it can be a little tricky to choose the best-suited software from the pool. If you are a beginner, it is better to start by exploring the free tools and understand them before purchasing a paid plan. To help you make an informed decision, we have listed the 5 best  free business plan software  in 2021.

Table of Contents

What should users look for in business plan software?

Following are the top features of a business plan software that one can use to reap its maximum benefit –

• Pre-designed business plan templates
• Collaborative tools
• Social sharing features
• Investor management
• Fundraising management
• Step-by-step template guide
• Performance dashboards
• Import/export functionality
• Multi-device support
• Data security
• Intuitive UI

Which are the 5 best free business plan software in 2021?

Following are the 5 best business plan software available in the market for free. These tools can be used for businesses of all sizes –

1. LivePlan

LivePlan is one of the  best business plan software in 2021 . It offers a comprehensive solution with a complete set of business planning tools. LivePlan provides more than 500 sample templates that help users to create appealing business proposals in no time. It also provides step-by-step instructions to guide users to make the best use of the software. These instructions explain the key components that users should add to different sections of their business plan. In addition, LivePlan also offers video tutorials on business planning.

LivePlan follows an SBA-approved format for drafting business proposals. It is a cloud-based platform with an easy-to-use interface. Users can create balance sheets, charts, graphs, cash flow diagrams, and profit/loss figures using LivePlan and add them to their business plan. It also enables users to keep track of their financial data with real-time updates. 

Key features

• Performance dashboard
• Milestone scheduler
• Third-party integration with Xero and QuickBooks
• Cost-effective
• Financial projections
• Financial forecasting
• Step-by-step instructions
• Online customer support
• Export file format compatibility with MS Word and PDF

LivePlan offers a free trial on its subscription plans that start at  $11.66/month . 

Enloop is an online  free business plan software  with a real-time performance score tracker. It can be used to automate business planning tasks. Enloop can automatically draft business proposals online that are ready-to-use. 

Enloop has a fairly easy-to-use platform with an intuitive UI. Users can create graphs, figures, and balance sheets to make their business plans appealing to investors. Enloop also supports a multi-user login that allows teams to work simultaneously on a project . 

Enloop creates regular financial reports that allow users to keep track of monetary transactions and distribution. It also provides in-built templates for users to create effective business proposals in no time. It also offers video tutorials that guide users through the proposal template and help them draft different sections of the business plan.

Enloop offers a freemium plan that is available for public use without any subscription charges. Advanced plans are also available that start at  $11/month . Paid plans also come with a free trial option.

3. Upmetrics

Upmetrics offer  free business plan software  with great financial modeling features. Users can utilize its business plan editor tool to create a refined business proposal in no time. It also allows users to create profit/loss charts, graphs, and figures to add additional value to the business proposal.   

Upmetrics has an in-built pinboard that can be used to organize business and financial data. It offers a free trial for its subscription plans where users can create multiple projects for free before finally implementing the paid version. It also allows multi-user login that supports team collaboration. In addition, Upmetrics offers a permission control feature that provides online data protection against any unauthorized action. 

• Permission control
• Multi-user login
• In-built business templates

Upmetrics offers a free trial on its subscription plan that starts at  $15/month .

4. IdeaBuddy

IdeaBuddy is a business planning platform that allows users to create a single-page business plan pitch. It offers financial tools for creating business plans and promote them in the market. IdeaBuddy utilizes financial forecasting feature to predict the opportunities and challenges of a business idea. 

IdeaBuddy supports cash flow projections for efficient financial planning. Its proprietary algorithm also calculates the performance score of a business idea beforehand so that users can make appropriate modifications to overcome the issues. 

A complete business model can be designed with this software. Being a cloud-based application, it supports multi-user login and remote accessibility as well. The key features of IdeaBuddy as a business planning software is as follows –

• Intuitive dashboard
• Step-by-step guide
• Pitch presentation
• Financial projection

IdeaBuddy offers a free trial on its subscription plans that start at  $6/month .

5. BizPlanBuilder

BizPlanBuilder helps entrepreneurs build professional business plans. It offers in-built templates with an easy-to-use drag-and-drop functionality that allows users to add content with just a few clicks. BizPlanBuilder is a cloud-based software that supports remote accessibility . So, it is one of the best options for companies with a distributed workforce.

BIzPlanBuilder follows a two-way authentication protocol to protect data from potential malware. In addition, it offers free start-up courses for users where they can learn tips and tricks for creating an appealing landing page for their business. Users can export their business plans in a PDF format and share them with clients. BizPlanBuilder currently works in integration with Xero and QuickBooks.

• Collaborative features
• Remote accessibility
• Two-way authentication
• User-friendly dashboard
• In-built business plan templates

BizPlanBuilder offers a free trial on all its subscription plans that start at  $97/year .

Most of the time having a business idea is not enough. It has to be backed up with a solid plan of execution, marketing, finances, and much more. Drafting a business proposal that will stand out in this highly competitive market takes time and can sometimes be tiring. Business plan software is just the right solution if you are stuck in something like this.

But again, choosing the right software can be tricky. It is recommended to start with options that are available for free. This way you can understand the process and filter the required features based on your needs. Once you are there, you can go ahead and purchase advanced paid plans. 

In this article, we have listed the 5 best  free business plan software  that can be used by both professionals and non-professionals. And in case, you wish to explore more options, do visit us at  SaaSworthy .

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Business Plan Software

Plan, launch, and grow your business.

Navigate the roadmap to success with our all-in-one business planning software that combines actionable planning, real-time forecasting, and insightful reporting.

Why Upmetrics?

Collaborative planning.

Team up for success. Our collaborative features allow you to work together with partners or advisors in real time, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Data-Driven Insights

Make informed decisions with our comprehensive data analysis tools. Get real-time financial forecasts to ensure your business strategy is backed by solid numbers.

User-Friendly Interface

Navigate the planning process effortlessly. Our platform is designed for easy entry, making the creation of your business plan as straightforward as possible.

Exceptional Support on Demand

Whenever you need assistance, Our support team is ready to help. With direct access to our team any questions or hurdles you encounter are quickly resolved.

AI-Powered Business Planning

Turn your entrepreneurial ideas into a solid business plan with our AI Business Plan Generator.

No Writer’s Block: AI-Powered Content Generation

Say goodbye to the blank-page dilemma. Let our AI help you write, translate, and enhance each section of your plan.

Step-by-Step Guidance to Professional Planning

Navigate your business plan creation with clear instructions, examples, and templated sections. 

Collaborate and Share Effortlessly

Invite stakeholders to review and contribute directly to the platform. Keep everyone aligned with real-time updates and version control.

It was such an easy platform to use and the AI made everything easy to complete with a professional tone. I needed a business plan quickly and Upmetrics was the first to help.

More than business plan software

Get started with Upmetrics today and experience the power of AI-driven business planning.

Financial Forecasting & Reporting

Effortlessly create detailed financial projections without the need for complex formulas, spreadsheets and number crunching.

Automatic Financials

Our automatic financials and AI-powered forecasting suggestions let you focus on strategy, not number crunching.

Dashboard and Reporting

Navigate your financial journey with an intuitive dashboard. Access essential reports to visualize your financial data with clarity and impact.

Financial Charts and Graphs

Enhance your business plan with easy-to-create charts and graphs that investors and lenders love to see in your business plan. 

Empower Your Financial Planning

Start your free trial today and explore the future of financial forecasting with Upmetrics.

Pitch Deck Builder

Create a standout pitch deck with our AI Pitch deck Generator. Our tool ensures you hit all the key points investors are looking for.

Generate Your Deck with AI

Leverage our AI to auto-generate a compelling pitch deck directly from your business plan. 

One-Click Presentation

Ready to present? Deliver a powerful online presentation to investors and stakeholders with just one click. 

Share and Download with Ease

Easily share your pitch deck online with investors and lenders, ensuring you’re always pitch-ready. Download your deck in PDF or DOC formats.

Elevate Your Pitch Today

Get started with our AI Pitchdeck Generator and turn your business plan into an impressive pitch deck ready to win over investors.

Loved by forward-thinking entrepreneurs and business owners

The great USP here is the AI feature I used, where I can write my idea in simple terms, and I use AI to reformulate it in a more persuasive way where I saw the difference in the pitching level.

Abdelraouf Hammoud

Solutions Design Manager at DHL Supply Chain

Having complete control over our business plan has been instrumental in being able to raise funds from investors. Upmetrics is an invaluable product that keeps getting better.

Jason Lorje

Founder & CEO at Agmondo

The Upmetrics platform is perfect for someone looking to start a business and has a range of tools to assist with planning from financial forecasting to AI-assisted business plans. Strongly recommend.

Jarred Bouffier

BDM at Mandoe

Drafting impactful and clear business plans is not easy. Navigating complex spreadsheets , creating financial projections, and generating and publishing financial reports take up a lot of a founder's time.

Deepak Dhanak

Founder at DocuX

I created a fantastic business plan in 1/4 the time with much more professionalism than without Upmetrics. I especially liked the templates I could work from.

President at Ventures Lending Technologies

I loved the financial modeling capabilities of Upmetrics as they are exceptional and easy to use & understand. It simplifies the often complex process of creating financial projections and forecasts. Along with it, AI assistance worked wonders for me.

Vaibhav Kamble

Founder at CloudOptimo

Every Feature You Need To Convert A Great Business Idea Into A Reality

Collaborative workspaces.

Team up in real-time with partners and advisors in collaborative workspaces designed for seamless planning.

Interactive Financial Dashboards

Customizable templates.

Choose from a range of customizable templates that cater to various industries and business needs.

Business Model Templates

Stunning cover pages, world class support.

Experience dedicated assistance with our world-class support team, ready to help you navigate any challenges in your journey.

Upmetrics helps the world’s most innovative business owners plan better, daily

More than 110K entrepreneurs have used Upmetrics from securing funding to launching their ventures, read compelling case studies.

Business Owner at sarahdonofrio.com

Tammy Edward

Founder and Administrator, STREAM Academy

David Butterworth

Chief Executive Officer, Manninvest

Dr. Glenda Evans

Director of Operations at VWIEC, Hampton University

Upmetrics Makes Business Planning Easy For

Secure funding, loans, grants.

Craft plans that attract and secure financial backing.

Starting & Launching a Business

Navigate from startup ideas to successful operations.

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Evaluate and refine your business ideas effectively.

E2 Visa Business Plan

Create a business plan to support your E2 - Visa.

Business Consultant & Advisors

Coordinate planning across teams and clients.

Incubators & Accelerators

Empowering startups for growth.

Business Schools & Educators

Integrate real-world planning into your curriculum.

Students & Learners

Master business planning fundamentals effortlessly.

Give A Head Start To Your Business With 400+ Business Plan Templates

We have created a library of sample business plans to help you get started with your writing.

Clothing Line Business Plan Template

Restaurant business plan template, coffee shop business plan template, featured in.

Master Business Planning With These Resources

Advice, tools and tips curated by experts to help entrepreneurs plan & grow their businesses.

Comprehensive guide on writing a business plan

Write a financial section for your startup business plan?

The top 10 AI business plan generators

Write your business plans 2x faster with Upmetrics

Home > Business > Business Startup

• 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.

We are committed to sharing unbiased reviews. Some of the links on our site are from our partners who compensate us. Read our editorial guidelines and advertising disclosure .

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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The 3 Ultimate Free Business Plan Software

Free business plan software options

Non-software options for business plan creation, final thoughts.

A new business generally needs two things. First, it needs a reason to exist. What are you going to bring to the marketplace that no one else is providing or how are you going to provide an existing product in a “better” fashion? Second, you’re going to need some cash. Even if you’re just going to be making websites in your bedroom, you’ll need some money for internet access, food, and some software or hosting.

These two problems can both be addressed through a solid business plan.

A business plan tells you – and anyone you decide to share it with – what your core function is. It helps you focus in on the things that you do best and it gives you metrics to determine what your success looks like. I say, “It gives you,” but really it’s just a template for managing your own thoughts.

In the same way that a blueprint is the physical manifestation of a building plan, a business plan is the physical manifestation of your business goals. Could you build a house without drawing up a blueprint? Sure. Is it a super good idea that we’re all about to adopt? Not even close.

In addition to putting your own thoughts on paper and making the organization process more structured, a good business plan is also your pitch. When you go into the bank, you’re going in with a clear message about what you do, who buys it, and how much you’re expecting them to spend with you over time.

The forecasting and economic consolidation that happens in your business plan makes talking to the bank – or VC or neighbor or rich uncle – that much easier.

To help you pull a plan together, there are – of course – plenty of software solutions. These range from the simple to the complex. You can opt for a solution that basically just lays the material you create out or one that helps you with every step of the process.

Today, we’ll look a few free business plan software options to help get you started. I’ll also give you a few non-software solutions, just in case you want to get your hands a bit dirty.

This article looks at three free business plan software options. See the full list of free business plan software solutions here .

Note: Your hands may not get dirty, except in a metaphorical sense. Much depends on the type of pen you employ.

1. StratPad

StratPad is a cloud-based business plan software solution. There are a few different versions, depending on how many business plans you want to make, but for one plan, you can get a free account. As an additional little bonus, if you happen to teach business at a high school or university, StratCloud has a free version of its Unlimited offering. Interested in products with similar features? These StratPad alternatives could be what you are looking for.

That little bonus points to what StratCoud is really all about. The company provides workshops, videos, and educational blogs for entrepreneurs. It makes the bulk of its revenue not through subscriptions, but through the introductions it provides via StratPad Connect.

There, business coaches, accountants, and other professionals can connect with new businesses. Those leads generate a small fee from the professional, paid to StratPad. You’re not paying, so you’re the product – but it’s a pretty tame version of the old adage.

StratPad comes with follow along instructions and ends up generating a very clean and classic looking business plan. I like the layout of the system and I’m apparently not the only one. StratPad claims over 100,000 businesses are currently using its service.

Enloop is another free option for those seeking a single business plan. The company attempts to bring a little bit of credibility with its offering by scoring your business plan. Once it’s been scored, bankers or investors can look to see how well you did.

The score encompasses some basics like cash flow and growth. It updates as you update the document, so you can see what metrics are having the biggest – in Enloop’s mind – impact on your business’s viability. Sharing the actual score is only available to paid users.

Enloop also makes it easy to collaborate on plans, and the free version of the service gives you one additional user. You’ll be able to forecast up to 36 months out for financials, and all of it can be dropped into a PDF. Want to find software solutions with comparable features? These Enloop alternatives are a good place to start.

3. Plan Cruncher

This is my wildcard entry into the mix. Plan Cruncher isn’t really a business plan software. Instead, it takes the information you give it and generates a sort of elevator pitch/cover letter for your business plan.

When you’ve input all the details, you’ll end up with a one-page overview of the business, including what you’re going to do, who’s involved in the project, where you are in the funding process, and what you’re looking for next.

I like this for two reasons. First, it’s kinda fun. The final product is covered in these little logos that Plan Cruncher has come up with, so you get a nice visual view of the business. Second, it makes you summarize the whole thing. You’ll be entering details in 140 character boxes and chopping your offering down into small consumable chunks. This is a great way to determine what the core parts of your business really are.

Plan Cruncher has just the one version. It’s free and you end up with a nice PDF when it’s all said and done. That being said, it is 100 percent focused on tech startups looking for cash from investors. If you roll into the bank with this thing, it better be because you’re the founder of Plan Cruncher and you brought it along to demonstrate what the service does. No banker is going to care about this.

Software doesn’t always have to be the solution. I mean, sure, you’ll need some software to make any business plan, but we’re talking about Microsoft Office style programs. These resources are excellent alternatives to software.

The Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA wants you to succeed in business and it’s got a whole host of resources to help you generate your own business plan on its website. One of the things you’ll miss out on by using software is a solid education.

By building your own plan, you’ll be forced to learn how the whole thing works, what investors are looking for, and what all the terms means. You’ll be forecasting and analyzing before you know it. The SBA has a great set of instructions on how to get up to speed before you head down to your bank.

Speaking of which…

Your bank [Wells Fargo as an example]

Many major banks have free business planning tools to help you get started. On the Wells Fargo site, for instance, you can learn about how business plans work, use some tools to bring the whole thing together, and even do some competitive analysis.

As a major benefit, you’ll be working with the company that you’re going to be asking for money, right out of the gates. If you don’t like your bank’s offering, you can always find another bank that has better tools. Most of them are available without an account.

The SCORE network

Another SBA shout out. The SCORE network hooks successful business folk up with the next crop of winners. You can reach out to knowledgeable, local, mentors who can help you craft a business plan. These people are there to help and to make business better.

That means 1) there’s not a cost associated with reaching out and 2) they’re not going to do your homework. If you show up with all your research and a good start, a mentor can help you put some finishing touches on or send you in search of more details. If you show up with nothing, expect to get nothing in return.

That’s probably a little unfair. I’m sure you can get help finding your way if you haven’t kicked things off yet. Just don’t expect to drop off your bank records and walk out with a plan that they’ve drawn up for you.

The Business Model Canvas (BMC)

We’ll end on another quirky one. The BMC was developed by Swiss business consultant Alexander Osterwalder. The BMC breaks a business into nine basic building blocks and then has you fill out all those blocks. The result is a sort of brainstorm of business planning that fits on a single page.

This is a popular framework for lean start-ups, as you can present the entirety of the plan in a single slide – with more detail than Plan Cruncher provides. If that sounds intriguing,  check out Alexander Cowan’s overview of the BMC for more details on how it actually works.

A business plan can help you understand and champion the growth of your business. Thinking through your business’s core functions and challenges can give you a better understanding of where you should be spending your time.

You’ll also be in a better position to get the funding you need, when you need it. Business planning may be the least exciting part of starting your business, but it’s one of the most important. If you’ve got any other tools or software options that you’ve used and loved, let me know in the comments.

Was this article helpful?

About the author.

Andrew Marder

Andrew Marder is a former Capterra analyst.

RELATED READING

8 Business Plan Templates You Can Get for Free

8 min. read

Updated July 3, 2024

A business plan template can be an excellent tool to simplify the creation of your business plan. 

The pre-set structure helps you organize ideas, covers all critical business information, and saves you time and effort on formatting.

The only issue? There are SO many free business plan templates out there. 

So, which ones are actually worth using? 

To help remove the guesswork, I’ve rounded up some of the best business plan templates you can access right now. 

These are listed in no particular order, and each has its benefits and drawbacks.

What to look for in a business plan template

Not all business plan templates are created equal. As you weigh your options and decide which template(s) you’ll use, be sure to review them with the following criteria in mind:

• Easy to edit: A template should save you time. That won’t be the case if you have to fuss around figuring out how to edit the document, or even worse, it doesn’t allow you to edit at all.
• Contains the right sections: A good template should cover all essential sections of a business plan , including the executive summary, product/service description, market/competitive analysis, marketing and sales plan, operations, milestones, and financial projections. 
• Provides guidance: You should be able to trust that the information in a template is accurate. That means the organization or person who created the template is highly credible, known for producing useful resources, and ideally has some entrepreneurial experience.
• Software compatibility: Lastly, you want any template to be compatible with the software platforms you use. More than likely, this means it’s available in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or PDF format at a minimum. 

1. Bplans — A plan with expert guidance

Since you’re already on Bplans, I have to first mention the templates that we have available. 

Our traditional and one-page templates were created by entrepreneurs and business owners with over 80 years of collective planning experience. We revisit and update them annually to ensure they are approachable, thorough, and aligned with our team’s evolving best practices.  

The templates, available in Word, PDF, or Google Doc formats, include in-depth guidance on what to include in each section, expert tips, and links to additional resources. 

Plus, we have over 550 real-world sample business plans you can use for guidance when filling out your template.

Download: Traditional lender-ready business plan template or a simple one-page plan template .

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2. SBA — Introduction to business plans

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers two different business plan templates along with a short planning guide. 

While not incredibly in-depth, it’s enough to help you understand how traditional and lean plans are structured and what information needs to be covered. The templates themselves are more like examples, providing you with a finished product to reference as you write your plan.

The key benefit of using these templates is that they were created by the SBA. While they may provide less guidance, you can be assured that the information and structure meet their expectations.

Explore: The SBA’s planning guide and free templates

3. SCORE — Planning workbook

SCORE’s template is more like a workbook. It includes exercises after each section to help you get your ideas down and turn them into a structured plan.

The market research worksheets are especially useful. They provide a clear framework for identifying your target market and analyzing competitors from multiple angles. Plus, they give you an easy way to document all the information you’re collecting.

You will likely have to remove the exercises in this template to make it investor-ready. But it can be worth it if you’re struggling to get past a blank page and want a more interactive planning method.

Download: SCORE’s business plan template

4. PandaDoc — A template with fillable forms

PandaDoc’s library offers a variety of industry-specific business plan templates that feature a modern design flair and concise instructions. 

These templates are designed for sharing. They include fillable fields and sections for non-disclosure agreements, which may be necessary when sending a plan to investors.  

But the real benefit is their compatibility with PandaDoc’s platform. Yes, they are free, but if you’re a PandaDoc subscriber, you’ll have far more customization options. 

Out of all their templates, the standard business plan template is the most in-depth. The rest, while still useful, go a bit lighter on guidance in favor of tailoring the plan to a specific industry.

Explore: PandaDoc’s business plan template library  

5. Canva — Pitch with your plan

Canva is a great option for building a visually stunning business plan that can be used as a pitch tool. It offers a diverse array of templates built by their in-house team and the larger creative community, meaning the number of options constantly grows.

You will need to verify that the information in the template you choose matches the standard structure of a traditional business plan. 

You should do this with any template, but it’s especially important with any tool that accepts community submissions. While they are likely reviewed and approved, there may still be errors.

Remember, you can only edit these templates within Canva. Luckily, you only need a free subscription, and you may just miss out on some of the visual assets being used. 

To get the most value, it may be best to create a more traditional planning document and transfer that information into Canva. 

Explore: Canva’s business plan gallery

6. ClickUp — The collaborative template

Out of all the project management tools that offer free business plan templates, ClickUp’s is the most approachable.

Rather than throwing you into all the features and expecting you to figure it out—ClickUp provides a thorough startup guide with resource links, images, and videos explaining how to write a plan using the tool. 

There’s also a completed sample plan (structured like an expanded one-page plan) for you to reference and see how the more traditional document can connect to the product management features. You can set goals, target dates, leave comments, and even assign tasks to someone else on your team. 

These features are limited to the ClickUp platform and will not be useful for everyone. They will likely get in the way of writing a plan you can easily share with lenders or investors. 

But this is a great option if you’re looking for a template that makes internal collaboration more fluid and keeps all your information in one place.

Sign Up: Get a free trial of ClickUp and explore their template library

7. Smartsheet — A wide variety of templates

I’m including Smartsheet’s library of templates on this list because of the sheer number of options they provide. 

They have a simple business plan template, a one-page plan, a fill-in-the-blank template, a plan outline, a plan grading rubric, and even an Excel-built project plan. All are perfectly usable and vary in visual style, depth of instructions, and the available format.

Honestly, the only drawback (which is also the core benefit) is that the amount of templates can be overwhelming. If you’re already uncertain which plan option is right for you, the lengthy list they provide may not provide much clarity.

At the same time, it can be a great resource if you want a one-stop shop to view multiple plan types.

8. ReferralRock affiliate marketing business plan

I’m adding ReferralRock’s template to this list due to its specificity. 

It’s not your standard business plan template. The plan is tailored with specific sections and guidance around launching an affiliate marketing business. 

Most of the template is dedicated to defining how to choose affiliates, set commissions, create legal agreements, and track performance.

So, if you plan on starting an affiliate marketing business or program, this template will provide more specific guidance. Just know that you will likely need to reference additional resources when writing the non-industry sections of your plan.

Download: ReferralRock affiliate marketing business plan template

Does it matter what business plan template you use?

The short answer is no. As long as the structure is correct, it saves you time, and it helps you write your business plan , then any template will work. 

What it ultimately comes down to, is what sort of value you hope to get from the template. 

• Do you need more guidance? 
• A simple way to structure your plan? 
• An option that works with a specific tool?
• A way to make your plan more visually interesting?

Hopefully, this list has helped you hone in on an option that meets one (or several) of these needs. Still, it may be worth downloading a few of these templates to determine the right fit. 

And really, what matters most is that you spend time writing a business plan . It will help you avoid early mistakes, determine if you have a viable business, and fully consider what it will take to get up and running. 

If you need additional guidance, check out our library of planning resources . We cover everything from plan formats , to how to write a business plan, and even how to use it as a management tool . 

If you don’t want to waste time researching other templates, you can download our one-page or traditional business plan template and jump right into the planning process.

Kody Wirth is a content writer and SEO specialist for Palo Alto Software—the creator's of Bplans and LivePlan. He has 3+ years experience covering small business topics and runs a part-time content writing service in his spare time.

Table of Contents

• Qualities of a good template
• ReferralRock
• Does the template matter?

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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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Best business plan software of 2024

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Best overall

Best budget, best established, best for speed.

• How we test

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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Paid Vs. Free Business Plan Software — Which is Right For You?

Posted august 2, 2024 by kody wirth.

Should you use free business plan software to write your business plan?

With the explosion of AI-powered tools over the last few years, there is now more “free” business planning software than ever (at least until you hit a paywall). 

So, it may be tempting to just grab the cheapest option available. But will that really help you achieve success? Should you trust planning your business (and livelihood) to free software?

Instead, we recommend asking yourself these three questions to determine whether paid or free business plan software (or a free template) is right for you.

Full disclosure: our business plan software , LivePlan, comes with a 35-day money–back guarantee instead of a limited ‘free’ version. So, you can try out our entire suite of business planning and financial management features risk-free.

1. What do you want to accomplish with your plan?

When evaluating business planning software, always keep your end goal in mind. Think hard about whether the business plan solution you’re considering is really designed for what you need it to do. 

Typically, paid business plan software is built to help entrepreneurs accomplish one or all of the following goals:

• Test a business Idea: Writing a business plan helps you validate your idea, so you can determine whether or not to invest the time and money needed to make it work. Forecasting your potential revenue and comparing your idea to benchmark data helps make this decision easier.
• Build a strategy: A strategic business plan gives you a roadmap for success. It helps you clarify your vision and provides an easy way to create milestones, track your growth, and update your plan as your business evolves.
• Secure funding: Investors and banks expect to see a polished business plan that contains accurate financial information. It should follow a format approved by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and include clear details on cash flow, sales projections, and other financial data.
• Grow your business: A business plan shouldn’t be a single-use tool. The best planning software out there provides you with financial forecasting and management features you can use to make impactful decisions, review your results, and adjust your strategy.

Most free business planning software and even AI-powered business plan generators will provide a platform to put together a business plan. However, these tools lack specific features, guidance, and assurances that will help you accomplish the above-mentioned business goals. 

So, before you invest in a free tool, figure out what features will help you use your plan as intended. Research what’s out there (be sure to scan customer reviews) so you can be confident that the tool you pick will be up to the task. 

If you can’t find any information about a free business plan tool, it may be wise to avoid it.

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2. How much time do you have?

You don’t need an MBA to write a business plan. But if you’re creating one from scratch for the first time, you likely will need to invest time to get it right.

From articulating your marketing plan to building accurate financial forecasts, creating a detailed business plan on your own will require plenty of research, writing, and revisions. If you’re OK with that, you can use a free business plan template to help guide you.

But if you want to write a plan quickly, consider investing in business plan software designed to make the job easier. The software should include business plan builders that help you write a more detailed plan as well as a simpler one-page plan.

Additionally, some free (and even paid) business plan software overcomplicate the process. The builder itself is difficult to work with, locks features behind additional fees, and may even lack specific instructions to help you write your business plan. 

Again, before you commit to anything, check reviews, look at screenshots, and test a few business planning tools. If you’re unconvinced, opt for a free business plan template to keep you focused on writing instead of trying to learn a new piece of software.

3. How serious are you about starting a business?

Are you truly committed to starting or growing your business? Is building up a successful company your dream? Or is it just an idea that crosses your mind every now and then?

Your answers will probably give you the best idea of whether or not you should get paid or free business plan software.

Serious entrepreneurs should invest in professional tools, whether they’re buying heavy-duty equipment, delivery vehicles, or business software.

But maybe you’re not sure about becoming an entrepreneur, you don’t have a business idea yet, or you are just curious about what a complete business plan looks like. In that case, grabbing a business plan template or exploring some sample business plans is a great first step. If you find you need something more advanced, you can always switch to a paid business plan tool later on.

Choosing the right business plan software comes down to results

Free business plan software and templates might work fine in some situations. However, they are not the best tool for serious, growth-focused entrepreneurs.

Ultimately, what’s most important is that the business plan software you choose delivers the result you want. This might be securing a loan, building a strategy, or simply dreaming up new business ideas.

Do some research first. Read verified reviews , scan customer testimonials , and compare what business planning experts have to say about each solution. 

If paid tools offer a free trial or a money-back guarantee, then give them a shot. If anything, you’ll spend a few hours, find it’s not right for you, and walk away without spending any money. The important thing is that you still write a business plan . No matter what software you choose, it’s just a tool to help you get there.

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ExpressVPN is known for its high-speed connections and strong emphasis on security and privacy. It operates thousands of servers across 105 countries, offering a wide range of geographic options for businesses looking to manage their digital presence globally. ExpressVPN stands out with its robust features for enhanced online security and privacy. It offers TrustedServer technology, a network lock kill switch and private DNS. With up to eight simultaneous connections, it’s user-friendly and backed by 24/7 live chat and email support.

Proton VPN, launched by the team behind the respected Proton Mail service, is built with a strong focus on security and privacy. Based in Switzerland, a country known for its strict privacy laws, Proton VPN benefits from strong legal protections. Proton VPN stands out with its commitment to a no-logs policy, ensuring that it does not track or record user activity. It has a network of 4,500-plus high-quality servers in 90-plus countries, optimized for high security and speed. Proton VPN is particularly noted for features such as Secure Core architecture and Tor over VPN, enhancing protection against network attacks.

Starting at $8.32 per month for one-year plan

Not available

Standout features

Password manager, no-logs policy, tracker blocker, private DNS

ExpressVPN has consistently proven itself as a top-tier VPN provider, frequently chosen by businesses looking for a dependable, fast and secure VPN experience. One of the cornerstone features of ExpressVPN is its proprietary Lightway protocol, which enhances connection speeds without compromising security. This protocol ensures that businesses can maintain high-speed internet connectivity essential for daily operations, from secure communication to data transfer and beyond.

The widespread server network of ExpressVPN in 105 countries is another significant advantage as it allows access to geo-restricted content, which can be crucial for companies that need to perform market research or access services in multiple international locations. Moreover, ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, where it is not subject to international surveillance alliances’ jurisdiction. This additional privacy reassurance makes it an ideal VPN solution for businesses concerned with protecting sensitive information against data breaches and surveillance.

Learn more: Read our ExpressVPN review .

• Easy-to-use interface
• Servers in 105 locations
• Fast connection speeds; excellent for internet usage
• Proprietary Lightway protocol
• Easy to use for nontechnical users
• No dedicated IP
• No free plan

Starting at $4.49 per month for two-year plan

Forever free plan available

IP masking, no-logs policy, Tor over VPN, DNS leak protection

Proton VPN is an excellent choice for businesses that prioritize security and privacy above all else. The VPN’s security is strengthened by its Secure Core architecture, which routes traffic through multiple servers before leaving the network. This multi-hop approach significantly reduces the risk of surveillance and attack, making Proton VPN particularly valuable for businesses operating in regions with stringent censorship or high surveillance.

Another distinguishing aspect of Proton VPN is its integration with Tor over VPN, providing an additional layer of anonymity and privacy. Additionally, Proton VPN’s use of open-source software and external audits ensures transparency and security, giving businesses confidence in the integrity of the service they are using. Proton VPN is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, practically rendering it independent of any international surveillance alliances.

Learn more: Read our Proton VPN review .

• Forever free plan for one device
• Multi-hop for better security
• Highly customizable due to use of open-source software
• Independent auditing possible
• 10 simultaneous connections allowed
• Access to Tor websites
• Slight learning curve for nontechnical users
• Fewer server locations

To make it easier for you to evaluate which VPN is better for your needs, here is a head-on comparison between ExpressVPN and Proton VPN.

Security and Privacy

Both VPNs employ AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard for secure data transmission. ExpressVPN and Proton VPN support multiple security protocols to cater to different needs, such as speed and enhanced security. However, Proton VPN’s Secure Core architecture provides an additional layer of security by routing traffic through multiple servers before leaving its network, making it highly resistant to network-based attacks.

Performance and Speed

ExpressVPN is renowned for its exceptional performance and speed due to its proprietary Lightway protocol, which is designed to be lightweight and fast, ensuring quick connections and minimal impact on download and upload speeds. The broad server network also helps maintain higher speeds as users can often connect to a server that is geographically closer to them and not congested.

Proton VPN also offers very competitive speeds, especially since the introduction of the WireGuard protocol, which is known for its high-speed capabilities and advanced ChaCha20 encryption cipher. WireGuard helps in reducing latency and increasing speed, making Proton VPN a strong contender in terms of performance.

Customer Support

Both services provide excellent customer support, but Proton VPN includes a more extensive knowledge base, potentially reducing the need for direct contact to resolve simpler issues.

Choosing the right VPN service for a business involves assessing features and performance and understanding how these align with budget constraints and value for money. Both ExpressVPN and Proton VPN offer a range of pricing plans that cater to different business sizes and needs, from individual use to larger enterprise solutions. Proton bundles its VPN with other offerings—Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, Proton Drive and Proton Pass in its Proton Unlimited plan.

ExpressVPN offers a simple pricing structure with three plans. Despite its relatively higher price point, ExpressVPN justifies the cost with comprehensive access to all its servers, consistent performance and proprietary security protocol. The annual plan offers significant savings, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to minimize long-term costs.

Proton VPN provides a more segmented offering with its free and tiered paid plans. The free plan is a good starting point for businesses testing the waters, though it’s limited in features and server access. The paid plans are more expensive but offer advanced features, including Secure Core and Tor over VPN, which are beneficial for businesses that prioritize maximum security and privacy.

For small to medium businesses that need dependable and fast VPN access with robust customer support, ExpressVPN’s annual plan may be the better choice, especially for those who can commit to a longer-term arrangement for better savings. On the other hand, Proton VPN’s tiered options allow businesses more flexibility to scale up or down based on their current needs and budget, with the Plus and Unlimited plans offering distinctive features that enhance security beyond standard VPN capabilities.

Before making a final choice you should explore reviews of the tools under consideration. Reviews offer insights into real user experiences, highlighting strengths and potential issues. Here’s how ExpressVPN and Proton VPN stack up according to user feedback on some of these platforms.

As you can see, ExpressVPN boasts high review scores. Users frequently praise its fast connection speeds and ease of use, highlighting the VPN’s reliability for streaming and general internet access. The effective unblocking of geo-restricted content and its ability to maintain fast internet speeds also makes it popular among users. However, some users feel that the cost is higher compared to other VPN services, though many feel the quality and reliability justify the premium price.

Proton VPN’s reputation on review platforms presents a mixed picture. Most users commend its robust security features and strict privacy policies. However, most users report issues with customer service and speed, especially on servers located far away.

In Forbes Advisor’s list of Best VPN Services of 2024 , ExpressVPN was awarded best VPN for dependable streaming and Proton VPN was judged best for open-source privacy protection. Proton VPN is also the best free VPN for enhanced anonymity. To help you evaluate some more VPN software in addition to these two, here is a comparison of five more VPN services.

Most VPN services listed here offer the cheapest price when you choose their annual or two-year plan. They also offer a money-back guarantee of anywhere between seven and 30 days. This should be sufficient for you to test their features and evaluate suitability for your unique needs.

Both ExpressVPN and Proton VPN offer the most fundamental VPN features, such as strong encryption, a no-logs policy, a kill switch, a widespread network of servers, etc. However, each has its own nuances when you dive deeper and those have been discussed. Your choice should depend on what aspect of the VPN service is most critical to your business needs.

For instance, if you need a robust and speedy VPN for daily, intensive online activities such as video conferencing, large data transfers or managing a globally dispersed team, ExpressVPN would be more suitable. However, if you operate in the law, healthcare or financial services sector, where transparency and data security are more critical, Proton VPN could be your VPN of choice.

ExpressVPN is best for:

• Nontechnical users
• Businesses that need very high-speed internet access 24/7
• Organizations that need to reach wide geographic locations

Proton VPN is best for:

• Businesses that need maximum security and privacy
• Technical users who want control over advanced customizations

Is ExpressVPN better than Proton VPN?

Whether ExpressVPN is better than Proton VPN depends on your specific needs. ExpressVPN offers faster speeds, a more extensive server network in 105 countries and user-friendly software, making it ideal for businesses that need reliable and quick access globally. On the other hand, Proton VPN focuses more on security and privacy, with features such as Secure Core and Tor over VPN, catering to users who prioritize these aspects. Ultimately, the better choice depends on whether speed and ease of use (ExpressVPN) or advanced security features (Proton VPN) are more important for your requirements.

Is Proton VPN a good VPN?

Proton VPN is a good VPN, especially for those prioritizing privacy and security. It offers strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy and features such as Secure Core architecture, making it highly reliable for users with stringent security needs.

What is the most reputable VPN?

Determining the most reputable VPN can vary based on specific needs and preferences, but NordVPN often ranks highly in terms of reputation. It is widely recognized for its strong security measures, extensive server network and fast connection speeds. NordVPN also maintains a strict no-logs policy and offers advanced security features such as double VPN and Onion over VPN, which are highly valued by users concerned with privacy and data security. It was also considered the best VPN for most general users in Forbes Advisor’s list of Best VPN Services of 2024 .

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A seasoned small business and technology writer and educator with more than 20 years of experience, Shweta excels in demystifying complex tech tools and concepts for small businesses. Her work has been featured in NewsWeek, Huffington Post and more. Her postgraduate degree in computer management fuels her comprehensive analysis and exploration of tech topics.

Personal Finance

Best free business checking in august 2024.

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created by TIME Stamped, under TIME’s direction and produced in accordance with TIME’s editorial guidelines and supervised by TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it .

A business checking account can serve several purposes, from simplifying day-to-day expense tracking to making things easier at tax time. Fortunately for small business owners, there’s no shortage of business checking accounts available. But certain accounts come with high costs, large minimum deposit requirements, and other drawbacks, so comparing options is essential.

We’ve taken some of the guesswork out of the process by rounding up some top free business checking accounts. Here’s what to know about each, why we recommend these accounts, and what to consider as you research options for your business.

Our recommendations

Chase business complete checking.

Why we recommend it: Those interested in earning a bank account bonus might consider a Chase Business Complete Checking account. As a new account holder, you can earn a $400 bonus when you complete certain qualifying activities. And it provides free debit cards for employees.

While the bonus could boost your business savings, this checking account comes with a monthly maintenance fee of $15. That said, the fee can be waived by maintaining a minimum daily balance of $2,000 or meeting other requirements.

• Free employee debit cards.
• Access to Chase CardAccept enables you to take credit card payments.
• Unlimited debit card purchases.
• May be difficult for new business owners to qualify for bonus.
• Relatively high monthly maintenance fees may apply.
• Relatively high overdraft fees may apply.
• Does not earn interest

U.S. Bank Silver Business Checking

Why we recommend it: If you’re a small business owner who’s just getting started, the U.S. Bank Silver Business Checking account could be worth considering. This straightforward account has no monthly fees and a relatively small $100 minimum opening deposit.

This account doesn’t earn interest, though new account holders can earn an impressive $800 promotional bonus by completing qualifying activities.

• Small initial opening deposit.
• No monthly fees.
• Accounting software integration option.
• Does not earn interest.

Axos Business Interest Checking

Why we recommend it: The Axos Business Interest Checking account is a great option for those who want to earn interest on their checking balance and a lucrative bonus. With this account, you can earn up to 1.01% on balances of $49,999.99 or less and a $400 opening bonus when you meet certain qualifying requirements.

Axos does charge a $10 monthly maintenance fee, but you can get this fee waived by maintaining an average daily checking account balance of $5,000.

• High APY available.
• Low minimum opening deposit.
• Unlimited reimbursements on domestic ATM fees.
• High balance requirement to waive monthly fee.

LendingClub Tailored Checking

Why we recommend it: Small business owners can earn up to 1.50% APY on balances under $100,000 with a LendingClub Tailored Checking account. And when you use your companion debit card, you can earn 1% back on qualifying purchases. This account also integrates with QuickBooks and Quicken, making it easy to track your business expenses and revenue across platforms.

LendingClub charges a $10 monthly maintenance fee for its Tailored Checking account, but this fee can be waived by maintaining an account balance over $500.

• Can earn 1% back on debit card purchases.
• Monthly maintenance fee may apply.
• No physical locations available.
• No promotional account bonus available.

Bluevine Business Checking

Why we recommend it: Those seeking a high APY will appreciate the Bluevine Business Checking account. You can earn 2% on your balance with this account, provided it’s under $250,000.

While most standard checking accounts offer $250,000 worth of (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) FDIC insurance to protect you against potential bank failures, up to $3 million in deposits will be insured with a Bluevine Business Checking account. You won’t pay any monthly maintenance or overdraft fees either.

• No monthly maintenance or overdraft fees.
• Increased FDIC insurance protection.
• No employee debit cards.

EverBank Small Business Checking

Why we recommend it: The EverBank Small Business Checking account is a great option if you’re seeking a straightforward account that earns some interest. This account has a 0.50% APY, which is less impressive than some competitors but still relatively high overall. Account holders also benefit from no monthly maintenance or overdraft fees, as well as ATM reimbursements after meeting certain requirements.

That said, EverBank requires a minimum opening deposit of $1,500 for this account, which is comparatively high. There’s also no promotional account bonus available with its Small Business Checking account.

• No overdraft fees.
• ATM fee reimbursements if you meet certain requirements.
• High minimum opening deposit.
• Some competitors offer higher APYs.
• No promotional account bonus.

Grasshopper Innovator Business Checking

Why we recommend it: With a Grasshopper Innovator Business Checking account, you can earn up to 2.25% APY on your balance. Account holders can also earn unlimited 1% cash back on their debit card purchases and benefit from unlimited transfers and a low minimum opening deposit of just $100.

That said, you won’t get a bank account bonus with this account, as none are currently available from Grasshopper.

• No monthly fees or overdraft fees.
• Unlimited transfers.

Best free business checking accounts compared

Methodology

When determining our top picks for business checking accounts, we considered several key factors, including APY, account fees, initial deposit minimums, and account bonuses. All the accounts on our list feature no monthly maintenance fees or fees that can be waived by meeting certain requirements, making them a suitable choice for those seeking a free business checking account.

How to choose the best free business checking account

To find the best free business checking account for your situation, consider the following:

Interest-bearing business checking accounts are relatively uncommon, but if you’re able to find one, it’s probably worth comparing—especially if it offers a fairly high APY. For instance, if you can find a business checking account with a 1% APY and maintain a $10,000 balance, that adds up to $100 in interest earnings after a year, assuming no additional deposits.

It’s important not to consider APY in a vacuum, as fees can easily eat into potential interest earnings. While the accounts we have reviewed offer either no monthly fees or monthly fees that can be waived, not all business checking accounts have this same benefit. Look at monthly maintenance, overdraft, and other fees as you compare options.

Minimum deposits

Minimum initial deposit amounts also vary across business checking accounts. Some banks have no minimum deposit requirement at all and others require a fairly large opening deposit.

Some financial institutions offer bonuses for opening new business checking accounts and meeting certain requirements. For instance, you may need to make a set amount of direct deposits or maintain a specific average daily balance within your first three months of account opening. While meeting the requirements to earn a bank account bonus can take some work, a generous bonus could amount to several hundred dollars, so taking the steps to earn it is often worthwhile.

Transaction limits

Business checking accounts may come with monthly transaction limits. You could have a monthly limit of 100 transactions, for example, with certain accounts. Exceeding set transaction limits may result in additional fees. For this reason, you’ll want to consider how frequently you plan to use your business checking account to make purchases, accept payments, and pay bills.

Other features

Features and tools vary depending on the bank and account you choose, so it’s essential to consider your needs before opening a new account. For instance, do you rely heavily on mobile banking for your business? Do you want a feature that allows you to accept credit card payments? These may be options with certain business checking accounts.

Business checking vs. regular checking accounts

While business and personal checking accounts both provide flexible access to your money and may have features in common, the two account types serve different purposes. Small business owners use business checking accounts for transactions that help support their daily operations. For instance, it’s common to use a business checking account for office supply purchases, subscription costs, utility costs for office space, and other professional expenses.

Also, as their name suggests, personal checking accounts are used for personal transactions. For instance, you might use your personal checking for household purchases, utility bills, to pay your mortgage or rent, and more.

If you’re a solopreneur or own a small business, having both a business and personal checking account is a wise choice. This will allow you to separate your business and household expenses more easily, simplifying essential tasks like bookkeeping and filing taxes.

Considerations before deciding on a business checking account

Besides account features, you’ll also want to think about the following to choose the right business checking account.

• Employee access : Do you want your team to have access to the account as well? Are things like free employee debit cards and the ability to set spending limits important to you?
• Other banking products and services : As your business grows, will you want access to additional banking products or services from the same company? Savings accounts? Business credit cards?
• Bank reputation : Does the bank you’re considering have a good reputation with its customers? Or are there many complaints on the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) site and on Trustpilot?
• Customer service options : Can you reach customer service easily if there’s a problem with your account? Are there options to connect via mobile app, phone, email, and online chat?
• Integrations : Does your bank account integrate with popular bookkeeping software to make it easier to manage your finances? Can you send or accept credit card payments through integrated tools in your account?

TIME Stamp: The right checking account can make managing a business easier

While business checking accounts serve a valuable purpose—keeping your business and personal finances separate—different accounts offer varying features and requirements. Comparing different banks and accounts can help you find an option that best meets your needs, whether you’re looking for a generous APY or bank account bonus, a low minimum opening deposit, or the option to integrate your account with software that makes running your business easier.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can i open a bank account with an ein only.

Not generally. You’ll likely need to provide your employer identification number (EIN), but you’ll also be asked for both personal information and other business information, including copies of relevant business licenses, and more, to open a new business bank account.

What are the requirements to open a business checking account?

Requirements can vary by financial institution and account. Some may require a fairly sizable opening deposit, while others may not have an initial opening deposit at all. You’ll also likely need to have a valid EIN unless you’re a sole proprietor or single-member limited liability company (LLC).

How do you open a free business checking account?

You can generally open a free business checking account online. A variety of banks and credit unions offer this option. You may need to provide a copy of a government-issued ID to verify your identity, as well as other personal and business information.

The information presented here is created by TIME Stamped and supervised by TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page .

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Trump wants to cut Social Security taxes for seniors. It's not as good as it sounds.

• Former President Donald Trump proposed ending taxes on Social Security benefits for older adults.
• Experts say the policy could increase the deficit by $1.6 trillion and deplete the program's funds.
• Millions of American boomers are already struggling to get by on limited savings and fixed incomes.

Former President Donald Trump said that if he's elected, he'd cut taxes on Social Security benefits for older Americans — but the policy risks shrinking those funds sooner than expected.

In a Wednesday interview on " Fox & Friends ," the Republican presidential nominee said he plans to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits, which apply to all individuals with a household income above $25,000. This group pays income tax on 50% of their benefits, and people with a higher income are often taxed more.

"We can do a lot of things to help the people," Trump said during the interview. "People on Social Security are being killed, and one of the things I'm doing is no tax for seniors on Social Security, and I'll get it done quickly."

Trump had previously pitched his plan to eliminate taxes on Social Security, writing on his social-media platform Truth Social on July 31: "SENIORS SHOULD NOT PAY TAX ON SOCIAL SECURITY!"

Some experts have criticized the plan. Garrett Watson, a senior policy analyst at The Tax Foundation, published a blog on August 2 calling the proposal to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits "unsound and fiscally irresponsible," arguing that doing so would increase the deficit by about $1.6 trillion over 10 years and cause the Social Security and Medicare trust funds to dry up more quickly.

According to the latest Social Security and Medicare Trustees report, the program will be able to pay out full benefits for 11 more years , after which they will shrink if Congress doesn't act to increase funding. The average monthly Social Security check in 2024 is about $1,780, and many baby boomers rely on Medicare as their only source of health insurance.

Business Insider has talked to several boomers without retirement savings , many of whom are falling behind on bills or forgoing retirement entirely. According to the Census Bureau's Population Survey, over half of older adults in the US have an annual income of  $30,000 or less .

While tax breaks might help in the short term, boomers are scared their Social Security benefits could be significantly cut in the next decade. With Trump's proposed policy, it's a risk.

"It scares us to death because we'll still be here, God-willing," a boomer in Illinois previously told BI. "How are we to survive?"

Trump has vowed not to cut Social Security

Trump has previously taken a strong position on Social Security — one at odds with many members of his own party who have faced criticism from Democrats for calling for Social Security cuts. For example, Trump said in January 2023 that "under no circumstances should Republicans vote to cut a single penny from Medicare or Social Security."

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"Cut waste, fraud and abuse everywhere that we can find it and there is plenty, there's plenty of it," he said in a video message. "But do not cut the benefits our seniors worked for and paid for their entire lives. Save Social Security, don't destroy it."

Trump's platform, which was adopted by the Republican National Committee, vowed to preserve Social Security and Medicare benefits while ensuring there would be no cuts or changes to the retirement age. Older adults can start collecting Social Security at age 62 right now, and the official retirement age is typically 67, though it varies slightly by birth year.

Even with Trump's pledge to protect retirees' benefits, Democratic lawmakers have continued to criticize the GOP and some of their proposals to change the program by raising the retirement age.

"As long as I am President, I will keep strengthening Social Security and Medicare and protecting them from Republicans' attempts to cut benefits Americans have earned," Biden said in a May statement .

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, has not yet released a policy outline on Social Security, but she's expected to continue Biden's work to expand Social Security benefits and to protect Medicare and the Affordable Care Act .

Watch: The biggest revelations from Trump's tax returns

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