Who has the best business plan software? Or is it better to do it on my own?
lesolesrvivor asked:
I wrote a business plan a year ago with just microsoft software (i.e. excel & word). But are there some features in the programs that you just cant pass up?
I wrote a business plan a year ago with just microsoft software (i.e. excel & word). But are there some features in the programs that you just cant pass up?
I have tested several business plan softwares, but I like Palo Alto Business Plan Pro 2006 the best. It is easiest to follow and the financials are easier to do (not what I fully wanted, but the best among the bunch). Plus, it has over 500 different sample business plans that you can look at. It also allows you todesign your own loan documents, summary memo, product descriptions, marketing plans and more.
Of course you can do it with just MS Word - as long as all the ingredients are there. Using a software just allows you to make sure that you are not forgetting any gritty nitty that you may need.
I have written business plans in Word without problem at all. If you are familiar with the structure of a business plan and know what to put in there, you don’t need a software. Sometimes, a software may even confuse you because it asks questions that are not relevant to your business and circumstances.
It looks more original if you do it yourself. Go to for a tutorial on how to write a business plan.
Planware.org has some great business plan tips, that you might find helpful.
BPlans.com also offers a business plan guide here, that provides expert advice on how to take a business idea and turn it into a polished business plan.