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• Business Plans

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• Create a comprehensive business plan.
• Easily customize your slides to fit your needs.
• Showcase data with 40+ chart options.

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Professional business plan templates.

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.

Data visualization made easy

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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The best free small business software in 2024

Whether you find them on basic cable or on your parents' Facebook timelines, the top-rated personal finance gurus all agree: free is good. Especially if you're launching a new business venture. To get your company off the ground, you'll need to make every inch of your runway count, which is why free business software can be an attractive—even necessary—option.

It's fair to be worried about quality. Free apps for business often mean undeletable watermarks that ruin your branding or unreliable functionality that can toss a wrench into your workflows at any moment. But if you know which apps to use and how to use them, free doesn't have to mean cut-rate. 

In fact, the right free small business app can give you the power to pull off a successful launch, and then scale up as your margins allow you to grow. Or, when the time's right, you can simply jump ship to another platform that makes more sense for your expanding business needs. 

To do that, you'll first need a solid start that won't bust your bottom line. Here's a roundup of the best free small business software. Since every business has different needs, I'll introduce you to categories of apps you should consider when putting together your small business tech stack, suggest apps along the way, and link you to more top apps within that category.

The best free software for small businesses

How we evaluate and test apps, the best free software for small businesses at a glance .

Free CRM software like EngageBay

Add new EngageBay Marketing contacts to Google Sheets as rows

Add new EngageBay contacts from Typeform form

Free email marketing services like MailerLite

Create/update MailerLite subscribers from new Squarespace form submissions

Create or update MailerLite subscribers from new Webflow form submissions

Free website builders like Wix

Once you've attracted attention with your dazzling email marketing, you'll need a place to send all that traffic. You can try to cut corners with that friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend who builds websites on the side until their pro League of Legends career takes off. Or you can opt for a more reliable, still affordable option by going with a website building platform. 

These apps, even in their free tiers, are customizable and easy to use—no coding required—allowing you to build a dynamic web presence that won't get buried in search engine results.

Add or update Mailchimp subscribers when a new Wix Form is submitted

Send private channel messages in Slack for new forms in Wix

Free project management software like Trello

When looking at free software for small businesses, you need to think about your internal operations, too. For all your core processes, it's about organized projects that are planned and executed with maximum efficiency. 

Create Trello cards from new Google Forms responses

Create Trello cards from new rows on Google Sheets

Free survey tools and form builders like google forms.

Send new Google Forms responses to Notion databases

Share Google Forms responses in a Slack channel

Free graphic design and photo editing software like canva.

You're likely already thinking about (or using) social media as a way to keep in touch and nurture customer relationships. More than just collecting likes and hearts, the right social media presence can boost customer engagement and drive traffic to your door. 

Free keyword research tools like Moz Keyword Explorer

Free timesheet software like Toggl Track

If you're employing others, timesheet apps are an indispensable tool for equitable resource allocation, transparent invoicing, budgeting, and oversight. To track time effectively, however, you need user-friendly software that integrates into your workflows. 

Create new Toggl Track entries for every new Google Calendar event start

Create new Toggl Track projects from new rows in Google Sheets

Free invoicing software like wave.

At the end of the day, you need to get paid for the goods and services you provide—hence the whole "business" aspect of launching a business. You can bring that money in the door faster, and with less effort, by using invoicing software.

Create Wave customers from new Pipedrive deals

Create Wave customers from new changes to properties of HubSpot contacts

Connect your free small business apps with automation

The best free apps for small business owners can be a boost on their own. But to really move the needle, your apps need to talk to each other.

Related reading:

This article was originally published in February 2023. The most recent update, with contributions from Jessica Lau, was in February 2024.

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Toby Peterson

Toby Peterson is an educator, writer, and editor living in Portland, Oregon. He enjoys unironically British food and the Oxford comma. Visit him at tobiaspeterson.com.

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

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The 5 best business plan software options

The right business plan software will make the process of writing your business plan much simpler. Like many business software solutions, however, there are a number of different business plan software options out there—each of which has a unique set of features, user experience, and price.

This being said, if you're looking for a place to start your search for the best business plan software, you can explore the five top options below:

How much do you need?

with Fundera by NerdWallet

We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

1. LivePlan

Best overall business plan software.

If you want template-rich, modern-feeling business plan software, then LivePlan may be the right pick for you. LivePlan excels with their user interface, which feels updated and slick, and also offers intuitive, easy-to-use features and options.

Their step-by-step instruction will help you kick things off from the beginning, and you can take advantage of their online learning center to continue to gain business skills.

Affordable plans, including pay-as-you-go option

No long-term contracts or cancellation fee; 60-day money-back guarantee

Modern, intuitive interface; cloud-based, can be used on Mac, PC, as well as tablets

Ability to create unlimited plans in one account; over 500 customizable templates

Variety of business resources including video tutorials, step-by-step instruction, and general customer support

Limited integration options

Challenging to enter your own financial modeling projections

Can be difficult to learn

Ability to create an unlimited number of business plans on one account

More than 500 business plan templates spanning various industries

Integration with Xero and QuickBooks Online

Real-time tracking of financial data with accounting integrations

Ability to export your business plan to Word or PDF

Expert advice and step-by-step instruction included

Performance dashboards for tracking against budgets and sales goals

Ability to create and export a one-page pitch executive summary

Annual plan: $15 per month, billed every 12 months

Six-month plan: $18 per month, billed every six months

Pay-as-you-go plan: $20 per month, billed once every month

2. GoSmallBiz

Best for multiple business management tools in one platform.

Next on our list of the best business plan software options is GoSmallBiz, which is much more than just a business plan software. With GoSmallBiz, you have access to business continuity planning software with features that cover creating a roadmap, working through business and legal forms, building a website, and more.

In this way, GoSmallBiz is great for startups or newer businesses looking to access multiple business management tools through one platform.

Unlimited business consultation and extensive library of online resources

Multiple business tools in one software

Website consultation analysis and business assessment

Industry-specific business plan templates with emphasis on financial projections and statements

Expensive monthly cost compared to alternatives

Limited business plan features

Entire business plan can only be exported to Microsoft Word

Outdated interface

Industry-specific business plan templates with step-by-step building wizard

Ability to create financial statements and projections

Free website hosting and website builder

Customer relationship manager with integration with MailChimp

Digital marketing dashboard with social media and Google Analytics integrations

HR document builder

Corporate minutes writer

Business documents library

Business courses library

Unlimited business consultation

$39 per month, no contracts, free cancellation

Best for simple, fast business plan creation.

If you're looking for free business plan software, Enloop will be one of your closest options—they offer an all-inclusive seven-day free trial, no credit card required. Additionally, unlike some of the other options on our list, Enloop is strictly dedicated to business plan creation, including automated text writing, financial forecast comparisons, and a real-time performance score that tracks your progress.

This being said, if you'd prefer the most straightforward, fast, and simple way to write your business plan, Enloop will be a platform worth considering.

Simple and straightforward software, solely dedicated to business plan creation

Seven-day free trial

Automatic text generation available to streamline the writing process

Affordable plans with annual discount option

Limited additional educational resources

Only one template option

No integration options

Ability to create three business plans with customizable text, images, tables, charts, and over 100 currency symbols and formats

Includes automatic text generation for each plan section that you can then customize

Automatically generated financial statements

Includes financial performance comparison analysis (using three ratios with Detailed plan and 16 with Performance plan)

Real-time performance score to track your progress

Ability to invite users to edit (two with Detailed plan, five with Performance plan)

Pass/fail report and certificate to help you identify issues with your plan

Free plan: Seven-day free trial with no credit card required

Detailed plan: $19.95 per month or $11 per month, paid annually

Performance plan: $39.95 per month, or $24 per month, paid annually

Best for startups looking to acquire funding or find investors.

Part of the Startups.com suite, Bizplan gets top marks for their user interface—it’s intuitive, easy to use, and modern. You’ll work with a step-by-step business plan builder to get exactly what you’d like from your business plan. It may remind you of a modern website builder, since it has drag-and-drop tools to build templates.

Moreover, for one subscription fee, you have access to all of the tools in the Startups.com network, including self-guided courses, how-to guides, masterclass videos, and more. All in all, with a direct connection to Fundable, Bizplan is a top business plan software option for startups looking to acquire funding and find investors.

Subscription gives you access to all Startups.com tools

Lifetime access subscription option

User-friendly drag-and-drop business plan builder

Excellent educational resources

Connection to Fundable great for businesses looking for capital

No free trial

No templates based on industry

No mobile access

Drag-and-drop templates for business plan building

Financial command center to track all business financials in one place

Unlimited account collaborators

Ability to share business plan online with investors

Online resources including self-guided courses, masterclass videos, how-to guides, mentorship access

Unlimited software use for Fundable, Launchrock, and Startups.com

Monthly plan: $29 per month

Annual plan: $20.75 per month, billed at $249 per year

Lifetime access: $349 one-time fee

5. PlanGuru

Best for financial planning and budgeting.

Finally, for some of the strongest financial features among business plan software options, including budgeting and forecasting, you might check out PlanGuru. Whereas the other solutions we've reviewed were first and foremost focused on writing a business plan, PlanGuru is dedicated to business financial planning —providing the tools you need to create budgets, financial forecasts, reports, and more.

Therefore, if you need a software solution that can streamline the financial piece of your business planning processes, PlanGuru will certainly have the most to offer.

Extensive financial tools and detailed forecasting, budgeting, and reporting capabilities

Substantial library of resources

Cloud-based and desktop options

14-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee

Expensive, especially for additional users

Only focuses on the financial aspect of business planning; no templates or tools for basic business plan writing

Difficult to use without prior financial knowledge

Cloud-based version of software, as well as locally installed Windows version (desktop version has a few more features)

Works with QuickBooks Online, Xero, and Excel

Budgeting and forecasting for up to 10 years

Over 20 standard forecasting methods

Formula builder to create custom methods

Ratios and KPIs

Dashboard and reporting tools

Help guides, video tutorials, knowledgebase, and live U.S.-based customer support

14-day free trial

$99 per month (additional users $29 per month)

$899 per year (additional users $299 per year)

What to look for in business plan software

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide, which, if any, of the best business plan software solutions on our list is right for your business.

So, if you're trying to figure out how to choose between the various options out there, it might be helpful to compare your top choices based on the following criteria:

Features: As we've seen different business plan software solutions offer different features. You'll want to look carefully at the feature list of any software and determine what features are most important for your business needs. Do you need an extensive library of templates with detailed customization? Would you prefer software that includes an online learning center for business skills? Are you looking for a solution that combines business plan writing with other tasks? It may be useful to list out your ideal feature set, so you can compare individual software plans to that list.

Price: Although you might be able to find some free business plan software options (or at the very least, free trials), in most cases, you'll need to pay a subscription fee to access the platform you choose. Therefore, you'll want to think about what your budget is for this business tool and what type of software is most cost-effective for your needs.

User experience: User experience can vary widely among different business plan software options. You’ll find some programs that are newer or have been recently updated. Others might have the kind of interfaces that felt new years ago but are now pretty out of date—and, subsequently, make them a little harder to use. The right user experience for your needs is genuinely a matter of opinion and comfort—nevertheless, it's worth testing thoroughly testing out a platform to ensure that it can truly work for you before investing in a monthly or annual subscription.

The bottom line

There's no doubt that properly crafting your business plan is important for the future growth and success of your small business. Luckily, the right business plan software should make the process much simpler.

This being said, whether you opt for one of the best business plan software options listed here, or another platform entirely, you'll want to take the time to compare multiple solutions and ensure you choose the one that's right for your business.

As we mentioned, it can be helpful to think about the features you're looking for, your budget, and your user-experience preferences ahead of time—that way, you'll have a set of criteria in mind as you explore different solutions.

Ultimately, perhaps the best thing you can do to find the right software is to actually test out the platforms themselves—either by using a free trial or a money-back guarantee.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

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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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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The #1 Free Business Plan Software

Create Your Business Plan in Minutes

10,000+ clients

Business Plans Generated

Avg. Generation Time

Countries Supported

How it Works

Start With Your Idea

Craft Your Vision: Jumpstart your business journey with a brief description of your business. Acknowledge your business type and let us seamlessly transform it into a meticulously structured plan.

Series Of Guided Questions

Easily navigate through each section with Plannit's step-by-step guidance. Enter your own detailed solutions or leverage with AI-generated content and receive helpful prompts and ideas along the way. Plannit's AI capabilities provide insightful and precise content for market analysis, financial projections, marketing strategies, sales plan and more.

Collaborate With Your Partners

Bring your team over! PlannitAI provides a dedicated space where you can invite team members to view, shape and refine your online business plan. With or without the help of our AI model You can reword, rephrase, prolong and shorten sections to your liking. Collaborate in real-time to ensure your business strategy benefits from diverse insights and expertise, leading to a well-rounded and robust plan.

Present With Confidence

With a polished, expertly crafted plan in hand, You have already won half the battle. Confidently present business strategy to investors, stakeholders, or financial institutions.ć Start your journey with Plannit AI and transform your vision into a reality, creating a pathway for that entrepreneur life.

Try Plannit AI Today

Who can benefit from plannit.

Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Analyze your ventures through extensive business plans aligned with your vision and goals.

Business Owners

Back your business with a solid plan that aligns with your objectives. Perfect for small businesses.

Educational Institutions

Develop your business understanding and vocabulary by analyzing your business idea and creating a plan.

Startups Accelerators

Work alongside your founders as they build their plan to ensure they have a solid roadmap for scalability.

Funding Ready Business Plan

Executive summary, company overview.

Problem Statement

Business Description

Mission Statement

Business Model

Products and Services

Additional Features

Revenue Model

Market Analysis

Target Market

Market Size and Segments

Unique Value Proposition

Risks and Mitigations

Identified Risks

Mitigation Strategies

Financial Overview

Income Statement

Marketing and Sales Plan

Focus On Your Vision

Language support.

Key Features & Benefits

Ai editing companion.

Modify and regenerate sections of your business plan using premade or custom prompts. Our AI will help you refine your plan to perfection.

Multi-User Collaboration

Invite team members with easy sharing to collaborate on your business plan in real-time. Communicate and make changes together. Collaborate with your partners in real-time as you perfect your plan.

Education Center

Immerse yourself in a rich library of articles, tools, templates, webinars and resources for continuous business and professional growth. Learn all about the key aspects of starting, running and growing a business.

Powered by Chat GPT

Our algorithms are powered the latest in AI technology to ensure the most accurate and relevant output. We use OpenAI's GPT 4 and 3.5 engines for the perfect blend of accuracy and speed.

Business Resources

We recommend a variety of useful tools and resurces that help sustain your growth. We only recommend the best in the business. Filter your needs and equip yourself with the best tools.

Your plan in your language. We offer a choice of over 150 worldwide languages to ensure the best fit for your business plan.

Financial Projections

Take an additional questionnaire about your financial trajectory and get a detailed financial projection + 3 year income statement for your business.

Tools and Templates

Plannit's comprehensive suite that accompany business planning. From pitch decks to financial models, we have you covered.

Plan Export

Download your business plan in an editable .docx format. Fully edit & share your plan with investors, partners, and stakeholders.

Plannit Business Ecosystem

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.

Privacy & Security

Rest assured, we never share your data with third parties. Your privacy is our top priority, and we're committed to keeping your information safe and confidential.

Take The First Step Towards Success

10 Best Business Plan Software and Tools in 2024

Got a million-dollar idea but find yourself staring at a blank page when it comes to crafting a business plan?

Yes, a business plan. It’s essential for your company, just like it is for any other firm. No entrepreneur is new to the importance of the plan.

But does the thought of spending endless hours and resources on creating one seem daunting?

Here’s the game-changer—with business plan software , you can craft a solid, engaging plan that attracts investors in just days.

These platforms not only assist in writing your plan but also in creating financial projections, cover pages, and more. But with so many options available, finding the perfect fit for your company can be confusing.

To help you with that, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 business plan software based on user interface, features, pricing, and more.

Let’s dive in and explore your best options!

Best Paid and Free Business Plan Software and Tools

Jump to section.

Before getting into detailed analyses of each tool, let’s take a look at them to understand their suitability, impressive features, and base price.

How do we analyze these business planning tools?

Following extensive research and evaluation, we’ve compiled a list of the top business planning platforms. We considered factors like user experiences, ratings and reviews from G2 and Capterra, cost, and scalability.

Additionally, we’ve assessed these tools based on their automation capabilities, integrations, and other features. This list is tailored for business owners and individuals looking to streamline and optimize their business planning process.

1. Upmetrics

About Upmetrics

Upmetrics is the leading AI-powered business planning and financial forecasting tool for business students, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.

Upmetrics’ AI assistance helps you draft an entire business plan within an hour; you only need to answer a few questions and refine the initial draft. The platform allows you to work with your partners, advisors, or consultants in real time, ensuring everyone’s on the same page.

Besides, if you have burning business questions, you can’t seem to find the answer, shoot. Upmetrics’ AI Assist will provide practical answers for them. It’s like a business coach or co-pilot working with you on your plan.

Wait. That’s not all! Besides all these features, Upmetrics offers an automated financial forecasting tool with a visual dashboard, an AI-powered pitch deck creator, an extensive library of 400+ sample plans, a strategic planning tool, and a lot more.

Here’s the cherry on top: All these features won’t cost you a fortune. Upmetrics is affordable, reliable, and best for beginners (no technical knowledge needed).

Let’s have a look at what more you get using Upmetrics:

AI business plan generator

With an AI business plan generator, you answer a few questions and your plan will be ready.

Automated financial projections

Our AI does all the hard work and provides realistic financial projections without any complex calculations.

400+ business plan templates

Upmetrics has a library of customizable business plan templates to give you a great start on your plan.

AI co-pilot

Our AI co-pilot is your research assistant & business advisor, answering questions and providing insights.

Integration

Integrate your actual financial data from Xero and QuickBooks directly for seamless financial planning.

Real-time collaboration

The tool lets teams work together on business plans simultaneously, enhancing efficiency.

Other key features of Upmetrics include:

• AI pitch deck creator: With our AI business pitch builder, you can effortlessly auto-write sections, integrate business plan data, and create compelling presentations that capture investor interest.
• Guided business plan builder: With practical tips and examples you get inspiration on what exactly to write. Besides that, our drag-and-drop builder ensures a clear and visually appealing design.
• AI assistance: Enhance the business plan writing with AI assistant, through which you can auto-write, change the tone, alter the language, adjust the length, make financial statements, and more.
• Create actionable business strategies: Simplify the creation, management, and execution of your business strategy with our powerful planning tools and business canvases.
• Business resources: The tool offers various business resources like checklists, guides, and video tutorials to give you a great head-start for your business plan writing journey.
• Scenario planning: Easily see how different decisions affect your finances by testing various scenarios. This helps you prepare for any future financial situation.

Upmetrics pricing

Upmetrics provides the most affordable plans, and it also offers a 15-day money-back guarantee. Here are the two plans that the tool offers:

Create winning Business Plans with ultimate

AI Business Plan Generator

Plans starting from $7/month

What People Say About Us

2. Liveplan

About Liveplan

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

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

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

LivePlan provides a wide range of features which may include:

• AI-powered business plan creator: It helps you write your business plan and answer your business-related doubts. It also helps you change the tone and length. However, the price may be prohibitive for some users.
• Budgeting and expense tracking: The tool helps you manage your finances with ease, providing real-time insights and detailed reports.
• Online learning tools & resources: From tutorials to step-by-step guides and a library of templates, LivePlan provides the resources needed to create a successful business plan.
• Collaborative planning: It enables teams to collaborate on business plans with real-time editing and commenting from anywhere.
• Pitch deck creator: With a customizable template and easy-to-use tools, you can create professional pitch decks that effectively communicate your business idea and vision.

What I didn't like about LivePlan?

Compare Liveplan with Others

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

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

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

About Enloop

Enloop is a business planning and financial forecasting tool. It helps business owners measure the strength of their business plan through their performance score feature to help them begin their venture with confidence. 

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

Understanding all of its functionalities can be tough since it’s not the most intuitive and user-friendly application in this space. So it may take a while to get used to it.

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

• Business plan creation: Enloop's business plan creation feature guides you through the process of creating a professional business plan.
• Automated financial forecasts: The tool automatically generates financial forecasts in your business plan, which you can edit later. Although, there aren’t many verified reviews to back their claims.
• Collaboration features: It allows collaboration but lacks real-time editing and commenting. Members must save changes before others can access the plan.
• Real-time performance score: The real-time performance score goes up as you complete each section helping you improve your plan.

What I didn't like about Enloop?

4. IdeaBuddy

About IdeaBuddy

IdeaBuddy is an innovative business planning tool that helps new-age entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful business plans. 

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

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

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

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

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

• Modern business plan builder: It compiles all the sections from the business guide to generate a modern business plan.
• Mobile-friendly platform: It lets you manage your business plans from any mobile device with ease. You can collaborate in real-time and make quick edits and updates.
• Customizable templates: IdeaBuddy’s customizable templates offer a flexible and professional framework for creating business plans, financial forecasts, and pitch decks. But it doesn’t offer extensive design customization features.
• Test to score your idea: This feature evaluates your business concept's viability using a structured scoring system, competitive advantage, and financial feasibility.
• Brainstorm ideas with your team: This feature facilitates collaborative idea generation and development. It allows members to contribute their insights in a shared environment.

What I didn't like about IdeaBuddy?

About Planful

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

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

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

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

• Budgeting and forecasting: With features like forecasts, driver-based planning, and what-if scenario analysis organizations can align budgets with business goals.
• Financial consolidation: Real-time consolidation updates and detailed reporting capabilities offer insights into financial performance across the organization.
• Scenario modeling: Users can create multiple scenarios and compare them to make informed decisions.
• Anomaly detection: Planful helps you spot unusual or out-of-the-ordinary things in a company's financial information to improve data accuracy.
• Data integration and connectivity: The platform integrates seamlessly with ERP, CRM, and other systems, ensuring that data is up-to-date and accurate.

What I didn't like about Planful?

6. iPlanner

About iPlanner

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

Though this business planning tool has been around for over a decade now, it hasn’t seemed to cope with technological advancements, so it may not provide the most intuitive and visually appealing user interface.

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

Here’s an overview of the key features of iPlanner—a business planning tool: 

• Financial forecasting: There are tools to create comprehensive financial forecasts, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flows.
• Scenario analysis: The scenario analysis feature enables you to evaluate various business scenarios by adjusting key variables and assumptions.
• How-to articles and guides: There are how-to articles and other resources to guide you in your business plan writing journey.
• Collaboration and sharing: With real-time editing and commenting, team members can collaborate from anywhere, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

What I didn't like about iPlanner?

7. PlanGuru

About PlanGuru

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

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

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

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

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

• Business valuation tool: With advanced valuation methods and sensitivity analysis, it enables informed decision-making for strategic planning and investments.
• 20+ standard forecast methods: The platform offers over 20 standard forecast methods, empowering businesses to protect their financial performance.
• Archive budget feature: This feature enables businesses to store and organize past budgets for easy reference and analysis.
• Custom report builder for Excel: It allows users to create tailored financial reports within Excel, leveraging the platform's analytical and visualization tools.

What I didn't like about PlanGuru?

8. The Business Plan Shop

About The Business Plan Shop

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

Its industry-specific business plan templates make it easier for beginners to get started.

Despite its many features, the business plan tool specializes in financial analysis, forecasting, and KPI tracking. It surely has a few advanced features but can be expensive for startups and small businesses.

This business planning tool provides a wide range of features, which may include:

• Financial forecasting: It automatically generates key financial metrics and allows for scenario commentary to explore different outcomes.
• Sync accounting data: It seamlessly integrates with your accounting software to import financial data directly into your business plan.
• Drag and drop templates and editor: This feature offers you a flexible way to create your plan. Users can easily customize templates by dragging and dropping sections.
• Faster than Microsoft Word: Unlike the manual formatting required in Word, this platform automates many aspects of the process, significantly speeding up the process.

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

About Bizplan

Bizplan is a comprehensive business planning tool that helps startups, entrepreneurs, and small business owners create business plans with direct access to planning experts. 

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

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

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

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

• Drag and drop functionality: Customizable templates with drag-and-drop functionality for easy organization and editing.
• Financial modeling: It allows users to easily visualize financial data through charts and graphs, making complex financial information more understandable.
• Reporting and presentation: Track progress and metrics with detailed reports, and easily create professional presentations to showcase your business plan.
• Progress tracking: It enables users to monitor the development of their plan in real-time. It provides a visual overview of completed sections to stay organized.
• Step-by-step guidance: The tool provides users with a structured framework for creating their business plans. It ensures that users cover all aspects of business plans.

What I didn't like about Bizplan?

About Brixx

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

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

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

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

Let’s have a look at some features that come with a Brixx subscription:

• 1-10-year financial forecasts: This tool enables businesses to create detailed projections for profit & loss, cash flow, and balance sheet statements for up to 10 years.
• Automated tax forecasts: It simplifies tax planning by automatically calculating future-based and practical tax liabilities based on your financial data and projections.
• Business resources: The tool includes step-by-step guidance, pre-built templates, and a library of sample plans to help users create professional plans. But if you need help beyond that, the technical support may not be as helpful.
• Scenario planning: It allows users to create and compare multiple financial scenarios to understand the potential impact of different business decisions.

What I didn't like about Brixx?

How to choose the right business planning platform?

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

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

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

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

Your specific requirements

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

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

Business plan templates

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

AI assistance

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

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

Charts and graphs

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

Financial projections

The most critical section of a business plan. Understand your requirements regarding financial projections and the level of features the tool provides.

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

Contribution and sharing features

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

Convenience and user-friendliness

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

Integrations

Some of the best business planning tools integrate with accounting software. This feature can be handy while importing your existing financial details into your business plan.

Step-by-step guides

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

When you’re new to business planning tools, you may need help using some of its features. A responsive support team can help you get back on the right track.

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

Pros and Cons of Using Business Plan Software

Undoubtedly, a business planning tool can be a worthwhile investment for your business, but it indeed has a few disadvantages too. Let’s get to that:

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

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

And this section leads us to our conclusion!

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

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

Other Business Plan Software Alternatives

• Best Liveplan Alternatives
• Best Bizplan Alternatives
• Best Growthink Alternatives
• Best Ideabuddy Alternatives
• Best Enloop Alternatives

Say No to Expensive Business Planning Software!

Get Affordable and Feature-Packed Business Planning with Upmetrics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best business plan software for startups.

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

However, Upmetrics can be a go-to business planning tool for startups as it only costs $7 per month to get started—which is worth it against the value you get.

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

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

Can I write a business plan myself?

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

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

What is the best way to write a business plan?

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

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

Is there any free business planning platform available?

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

A Business planning platform like Upmetrics, Bizplan, and LivePlan also have free demos and trials, so you may try their features before purchasing. Furthermore, you can get 30% off on an Upmetrics subscription if you’re a nonprofit or student.

How much does a business plan tool typically cost?

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

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

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

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!

Related content

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• Best Project Management Software and Tools in 2023
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Creating a business plan can take anywhere from a couple hours to several weeks. Your timeline will depend on things like the elements you choose to include, whether you use software or hire a writing service, and how much research goes into your plan.

That said, much of the business plan software out there brags that it can help you create a fairly detailed plan in a few hours. So if you’re going the software route, that can help you set your expectations.

If you want to get the most out of your business plan, you should update it on a regular basis―at least annually. That way, you can continually refer to it to inform your company’s strategies and direction.  

At the very least, you should update your business plan before you start looking for a new round of funding (whether that’s with investors or lenders).

Thanks to business plan software, you can easily write your own business plan rather than pay someone to do it for you. And in most cases, software will cost you less than a professional business plan service.

There are some times you might want to go with a service though. If time is tight, you might find that it’s worth the cost of a service. Or if you’ve got big investor meetings on the horizon, you might want the expertise and polish that a professional service can offer.

Ultimately, you’ll have to decide for yourself whether business plan software or a business plan service will work better for your company.

Methodology

We ranked business plan software and tools based on features, pricing and plans, and connections to project management and other services. The value of each plan and service, along with what it offers, was a big consideration in our rankings, and we looked to see if what was offered was useful to small businesses or just extra. The final thing we looked at was the ease of use of the software to see if it's too complex for small businesses.

At Business.org, our research is meant to offer general product and service recommendations. We don't guarantee that our suggestions will work best for each individual or business, so consider your unique needs when choosing products and services.

Sources 1. Harvard Business Review, “ Research: Writing a Business Plan Makes Your Startup More Likely to Succeed .” Accessed March 13, 2023.

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Blog Business 8 Best Business Plan Software for 2024

8 Best Business Plan Software for 2024

Written by: Krystle Wong Jan 01, 2024

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

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

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

Click to jump ahead:

What is a business plan software?

• 7 Best business plan software for 2024

Factors to consider when choosing a business plan software

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

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

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

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

8 Best business plan software for 2024 

1. venngage.

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

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

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

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

Pricing options:

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

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

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

Can I export my business plan to different file formats?

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

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

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

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

2. LivePlan

Source: Screenshot from LivePlan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Upmetrics

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

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

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

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

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

Pricing plan options 

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

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

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

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

4. BizPlan by Startups.com

Source: Screenshot from BizPlan

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

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

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

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

Pricing plan options:

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

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

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

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

Source: Screenshot from Enloop

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. PlanGuru

Source: Screenshot from PlanGuru

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What other apps does PlanGuru integrate with?

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

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

7. Business Sorter

Source: Screenshot from Business Sorter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. AchieveIt

Source: Screenshot from AchieveIt

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can AchieveIt integrate with existing systems?

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

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

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

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

Ease of use

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

Features and business plan templates

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

Financial modeling tools

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

Collaboration and sharing

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

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

Security and data protection

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

Exporting and sharing options

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

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

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

Step 1: Executive summary

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

Step 2: Company description

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

Step 3: Market analysis

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

Step 4: Products and Services

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

Step 5: Marketing and sales strategy

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

Step 6: Financial projections

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

Step 7: Implementation plan

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

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

Is my business data safe with business plan software?

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

What are the benefits of using business planning tools?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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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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Construction Project Management Tips And Best Practices

Published: Aug 28, 2024, 8:40am

Table of Contents

What is construction project management, why is project management important for construction, challenges in construction project management, 9 tips and best practices for construction project management, bottom line, frequently asked questions (faqs).

Whether it’s a single dwelling or a shopping complex, every construction project has multiple moving parts. Using construction project management can elevate the quality, efficiency and profitability of the projects through effective planning, execution and supervision.

These essential best practices can help guide your approach to managing construction projects successfully. From foundational principles to advanced strategies, our tips will enhance your skills and equip you with the knowledge to tackle challenges head-on, ensuring your projects meet and exceed expectations.

Construction project management is the disciplined approach to managing construction projects, encompassing a wide range of functions from inception to completion. It involves detailed planning, coordination, budget management, vendor management and problem-solving to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.

Construction project management is a specialized form of project management that addresses the unique challenges of construction projects, including design complexities, regulatory compliance, material procurement, labor management and delivery management. By applying effective project management principles, construction managers can streamline processes, avoid common pitfalls and achieve their project objectives efficiently.

Key Stakeholders in Construction Projects

Here is a list of common roles and responsibilities in construction project management.

• Project Owner: The individual or entity that finances the project is the project owner. They have a vested interest in its successful completion within the agreed-upon budget and timeframe.
• Project Manager: This role oversees the project’s planning, execution, monitoring and closure. They are the link between the project’s operational team and the project owner.
• Architects and Design Engineers: These professionals are tasked with designing the project, ensuring the designs meet the owner’s requirements and complying with local regulations.
• Contractors and Subcontractors: Contractors manage the actual construction work, and subcontractors specialize in specific areas, such as electrical, plumbing or roofing.
• Suppliers: They provide the materials and equipment necessary for the construction project. Their timely delivery is crucial for project schedules.
• Local Government and Regulatory Bodies: These stakeholders ensure the project complies with all local, state and federal regulations, issuing necessary permits and conducting inspections.
• Community: The local community can be a stakeholder, especially if the construction project impacts local traffic, environment or economy.
• Financial Institutions: If the project is financed through loans, banks or other financial institutions, they become stakeholders. They are interested in the project’s timely completion and financial success.
• Legal Advisors: They provide counsel regarding contracts, regulations and potential disputes among stakeholders.
• Labor Unions: If the construction workforce is unionized, labor unions play a role in negotiations concerning wages, working conditions and labor practices.

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Effective project management is crucial for maintaining profitability, enhancing reputation and ensuring the long-term success of any business. It is especially critical for construction businesses because they have many teams and stakeholders involved in a given project.

Project management for construction projects provides a structured framework to enable teams to work more cohesively and effectively on projects of any size or complexity. Good project management ensures that projects are delivered on time and within budget while also meeting or exceeding industry standards and customer expectations. It minimizes risks, optimizes resource allocation and improves communication among stakeholders, thereby reducing the likelihood of project failures, delays and cost overruns.

Construction project management has challenges that can hinder project progress and affect overall success. Understanding these hurdles is critical for taking a proactive approach to problem-solving and adapting to changing conditions and requirements of construction management .

• Project Delays: Construction projects often face delays due to various factors such as weather conditions, unforeseen site issues, delays in material supply or labor shortages.
• Budget Overruns: Staying within the project budget is a significant challenge, with unexpected expenses often arising from changes in project scope, increased material costs or design modifications.
• Quality Control: Maintaining high standards of quality throughout the construction process is crucial. Issues related to workmanship, materials or noncompliance with specifications can lead to rework and affect the project timeline and budget.
• Safety Concerns: Construction sites are fraught with safety risks. Ensuring the safety of workers and compliance with occupational health and safety regulations is paramount.
• Communication Breakdowns: Effective communication among all stakeholders, including clients, contractors and team members, is key to the smooth execution of construction projects. Miscommunication can lead to errors, delays and dissatisfaction.
• Regulatory and Legal Issues: Navigating the complex landscape of regulatory compliance and legal requirements is another challenge. Staying informed about local, state and federal regulations and obtaining all necessary permits in advance is necessary for successful project completion.
• Technological Integration: While technology can significantly improve efficiency and productivity in construction project management, integrating new tools and systems can be challenging.
• Environmental Concerns: Environmental sustainability, which covers aspects such as waste management, pollution control and resource conservation, is becoming increasingly important in construction.
• Stakeholder Expectations: Balancing the expectations of various stakeholders, including clients, investors and community members, can be challenging.

Here are some tips to help you navigate the challenges posed by construction projects.

1. Establish Clear Objectives and Scope

Defining clear objectives and a detailed project scope at the outset is crucial. This ensures that all team members understand the goals, deliverables and limitations of the project. A well-defined scope helps prevent scope creep, which can lead to project delays and budget overruns.

2. Implement Robust Planning and Scheduling

Effective planning and scheduling are key to a construction project’s success. Use tools such as Gantt charts or project management software to outline each phase of the project, from pre-construction to completion. Detailed schedules help track progress, manage timelines and allocate resources efficiently.

3. Embrace Technology and Software Solutions

Leveraging technology can significantly enhance project management efficiency. Construction management software offers tools for scheduling, budgeting, communication and documentation. Implementing the right technology streamlines processes, facilitates better communication and offers real-time insights into project progress.

4. Effective Resource Allocation

Optimal resource allocation, including labor, materials and equipment, is essential. Plan your resource use meticulously to avoid shortages or excesses that can lead to delays or increased costs. Regularly reviewing resource allocation throughout the project can help you make necessary adjustments promptly.

5. Ensure Strong Communication Channels

Maintaining open and effective communication channels among all stakeholders, including contractors, subcontractors, clients and team members, is vital. Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and ensures everyone is aligned with the project objectives and progress.

6. Risk Management and Mitigation

Identify potential risks early in the project and develop strategies to mitigate them. Risks might include safety hazards, supply chain issues or regulatory changes. Effective risk management involves continuous monitoring and being prepared to implement contingency plans as necessary.

7. Focus on Quality Control

Quality control is nonnegotiable in construction project management. Implement regular inspections and quality assurance procedures to ensure that all aspects of the project meet or exceed the required standards. Quality control affects not only the durability and safety of the construction but also the project’s overall success and client satisfaction.

8. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Stay informed about and comply with all relevant laws, regulations and building codes. Noncompliance can result in legal penalties, project delays and additional costs. Understanding and adhering to legal requirements is crucial for smooth project execution.

9. Continuous Learning and Improvement

The construction industry is constantly evolving, with new techniques, materials and technologies emerging. Embrace a culture of continuous learning and improvement within your team. Encourage feedback, learn from each project and apply these lessons to enhance future project outcomes.

Clear objectives, robust planning and the right tools and technologies are essential for successfully managing any construction project. It is also important to optimize resource allocation, establish strong communication protocols and focus on quality control to navigate the complexities of construction projects. Adhering to legal requirements and meeting sustainability norms is vital for long-term success.

What are the four types of management in construction?

The four types of management are project management, cost management, time management and quality management. Project management oversees the planning, execution and completion of the project, ensuring it meets specified goals. Cost management involves budget planning, cost control and financial tracking to keep the project within the allocated budget. Time management focuses on schedule planning and tracking to ensure the project is completed on time. Quality management ensures that the construction meets or exceeds the required standards and specifications through quality planning, assurance and control.

What are the steps in construction project management?

The steps in construction project management are initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing. Initiation involves defining the project at a broad level and obtaining necessary approvals. Planning encompasses detailing the project scope, schedule, budget and resources and identifying potential risks. In the execution phase, the project plan is put into action and the construction work begins. Monitoring and controlling involves tracking the project’s progress against the plan and making adjustments as necessary. Closing includes finalizing all activities, ensuring all contractual obligations are fulfilled and delivering and formally closing the project.

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• Asana Review
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10 Best Free Task Management Software in 2024

In this post

• 2. monday.com

3. Smartsheet

7. airtable, 8. basecamp, 10. teamwork.com, comparison of the best free task management software , frequently asked questions about free task management software.

So you’re managing multiple projects. Or balancing coursework as a student. Or trying to keep a household organized. Or just being a human in a complicated world. You’re likely overwhelmed by never-ending to-do lists, tight deadlines, and scattered half-ideas. 

Finding the right task management tools can be daunting, especially when budget constraints limit your options. The good news is that staying organized no longer has to come with a price tag. Free task management software solutions have made it possible to finally gain control over your workday.

We’ve curated the top 10 free task management solutions in 2024 for you and your team to stay organized, focused, and productive. The list dives into the top features, pros and cons, and authentic reviews from G2 users to support your decision-making process.

10 best free task management software in 2024

• monday.com 
• Teamwork.com

How did we select and evaluate the best free task management software?

At G2 , we rank software solutions using a proprietary algorithm that considers customer satisfaction and market presence based on authentic user reviews. Our market research analysts and writers spend weeks testing solutions against multiple criteria set for a software category. We give you unbiased software evaluations – that's the G2 difference! We didn’t accept payment or exchange links for product placements in this list. Please read our G2 Research Scoring Methodology for more details.

The top 10 free task management software of 2024

The list below contains real user reviews from the best free task management software category page. It’s important to note that in the context of this list, vendors offering a free trial are also considered free. 

To be included in this category, a solution must:

• Create individual tasks and assign them to employees based on their role
• Manage interdependencies between tasks based on predefined rules
• Create start and end dates that can be adjusted manually or automatically
• Allow employees to manage their tasks and report on their progress
• Edit task activity statuses such as open, closed, pending, or on hold
• Focus on single assignments and collaboration, not entire projects

*This data was pulled from G2 in 2024. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity. 

Want to learn more about Task Management Software? Explore Task Management products.

Trello visualizes tasks in an intuitive and visually engaging manner, making it perfect for both personal and professional use. It uses boards, lists, and cards to create a flexible, organized workspace. With a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, Trello encourages easy collaboration by assigning tasks, setting due dates, and attaching files within cards. 

Trello’s free version works perfectly for individuals and teams. It offers up to 10 boards per workspace with unlimited storage.

What users like best:

“Trello is an excellent tool for teamwork. It allows you to keep track of the tasks and activities each staff member carries out, raise support, generalize roles, and improve organization within the work area. Project collaboration is all done in real time, allowing us to be updated when making changes. It has a mobile application, an option that should not be missing in any system today.”

- Trello Review , Luis A.

What users dislike:

“After a board becomes filled with cards and lists, it becomes incredibly slow, to the point of being unusable. If you keep the board well-maintained and archive old lists, this isn't a problem, but with large projects, it's sometimes unavoidable. Some of the better features, like unlimited boards, are locked off behind the premium paywall. Though there are many useful keybinds, discovering them all can be tricky, as the documentation isn't great.”

- Trello Review , Peter W.

2. monday.com 

monday.com stands out for its vibrant interface and customizable workflows. Teams of all sizes tackle both routine tasks and complex projects with this free task management platform. The visual and intuitive design allows users to create boards with columns for managing tasks, statuses, due dates, and assignees.

The free plan includes essential features like unlimited boards and workflows for up to two users.

“Before utilizing monday.com, large-scale processes that required collaboration from multiple departments were fragmented, and work would slip through the cracks or require one department to do extra work to ensure project completion. Now, project progress is more transparent, and automation ensures that different stakeholders or departments are incorporated into a process with less manual work.”

- monday.com Review , Quillan K.

“The limited automation across multiple boards can be restrictive. Additionally, having a dedicated desktop app (in addition to the web version) would enhance the user experience. I’d also appreciate more detailed team activity reports, customizable colors, and personalized profiles. The ability to create groups for focused communication would be a valuable addition as well.”

- monday.com Review , Claudia Z.

Smartsheet , a dynamic task management and collaboration platform, combines the ease of a spreadsheet with powerful project management features. It gives both small businesses and large enterprises the power to track, manage, and automate work across various projects. 

Smartsheet’s free 30-day trial provides users with the opportunity to explore features like automation, unlimited worksheets, and templates.

“Smartsheet is my go-to tool for starting every project and tracking progress daily. Our company manages campaigns for over 40 dental practices, and it's effortless to duplicate a previous project, tweak the columns as needed, and get started right away! I especially love the "form" function and how it helps keep everything organized. It's like Google Sheets, but 100 times better. The integrations, automation, and collaboration features make my job much easier.”

- Smartsheet Review , Brandi G.

“Smartsheet can be a bit overwhelming at first because of many features. It’s not the cheapest option, which might be a downside for smaller teams or solo users. Also, the reporting features could be more user-friendly and provide better insights without needing a lot of manual setup.”

- Smartsheet Review , Rowan B.

ClickUp is designed to meet the needs of individuals and teams across various industries. It offers a comprehensive feature set and intuitive interface, allowing users to smooth out workflows, collaborate efficiently, and stay on top of their tasks and projects. ClickUp adapts to suit user needs. 

ClickUp’s free plan gives users access to unique features, including unlimited tasks, projects, and collaborators.

“The thing I love the most about ClickUp is the functionality of organizing my workspace into a system that works for me. I am neurodivergent, and things can get lost in the time and space of the workplace. ClickUp has changed how I work! I am more efficient and organized in all of my projects and spaces, and the option to create a Private space for my own Professional Development task tracking is the icing on the cake. It is easy to use and frequently relied on for many of the projects within my organization and implemented across the board for all of our departments.”

- ClickUp Review , Alexandra C.

“There are so many things you can do with it that it was confusing. When I wanted to change automation, I did not know where to do it. Maybe if I had taken the time to learn on ClickUp University, that would have been easy to use, but sometimes, you just don´t have the time.”

- ClickUp Review , Gabriel R.

Asana drives teams forward with its robust collaboration features. It centralizes task management and communication to keep teams organized, productive, and connected, whether coordinating marketing campaigns, planning events, or managing product launches . Asana’s intuitive design leads to easy adoption, and its scalability suits all team sizes. 

The free plan offers unlimited essential features with built-in security measures like two-factor authentication .

“Asana is one of the most user-friendly project management platforms I have ever used. It has many tailored features that allow you to bend and mold the program to your liking. Using this tool allows me to keep my team on task and aligned with goals without chasing them down. I can also see each team member's current scope of work. I use Asana every day, and without it, my ADHD would have me dropping all of my spinning plates.”

- Asana Review , Lex H.

“I'm now using Asana for work, and it gets jam-packed really quickly. That's probably more to do with how much I have going on, but I need a better way to manage my lists and projects so I don't miss things that aren't due today but will take several days to complete.”

- Asana Review , Raina H.

Wrike empowers millions of users worldwide with its scalable solutions and ability to keep teams organized, productive, and in sync. Whether you're managing marketing campaigns, product launches, or any other project, Wrike’s focus on real-time collaboration, task hierarchy, and flawless integrations makes it stand out in the task management space. 

Wrike’s free plan comes with a well-rounded set of features ideal for small teams and individuals seeking an effective task management app. 

“The most helpful part of Wrike is the immense control we get over our incoming tasks. It reduced the usage of our mail and notes significantly. I dare say that our email amount internally was reduced by 90% at least. We are now using resource management, timesheets, reporting, automation, and custom workflows, to mention some things. It has much to offer and a vast amount of customizability.”

- Wrike Review , Thomas Won N.

“Sometimes it is hard to find what I am looking for, as the organization of different dashboards and tasks can be somewhat counterintuitive.”

- Wrike Review , Duncan M.

Airtable combines the power of a database with the simplicity of a spreadsheet, making it an innovative and flexible choice for free task management software. Its highly customizable interface allows teams to organize tasks and projects according to their unique workflows.

The free plan offers unlimited databases with up to 2GB of attachment space for each.

“I love how intuitive Airtable is and the flexibility to do whatever I need versus fitting my needs into a predetermined "box" of options. Rolling this out to our team is pretty easy, too. Brief training to give some overview of where and how things work, plus a great resource library online from Airtable, helps with any questions. If I ever have a question, customer support has been there to help. Airtable has become a daily tool used across departments and for various outcomes. It's also great for integrating into your existing systems. Being cloud-based, you have your data with you at all times, everywhere.”

- Airtable Review , Joy P.

“The learning curve is steep, though the recent introduction of Airtable Academy might help new users acclimate a bit better. For more advanced features, such as intricate connections between tables in a base or complex automation, the complexity spikes, and it's often not straightforward how to get where you're trying to go, even as an established power user of the platform. Once you get there, you're good to go, but the monotony of building those things drags the feel down.”

- Airtable Review , Dean T.

Basecamp’s all-in-one approach to task management and team collaboration makes it an attractive option for freelancers, students, and small teams. It provides an easy way to manage projects and communicate. The built-in group chat, message boards, and real-time notifications bring everyone to the same page.

While Basecamp doesn’t offer a forever free plan, new users do get a 30-day free trial to test its comprehensive features.

“We have two teams, one in Spain and another in Mexico. We use Basecamp to keep track of projects, share updates, and have a great follow-up of tasks and activities. For us, it is straightforward to use, and with the mobile version, it is also easy to update new things or contact someone on the team quickly. We can also have different boards or chat rooms for each client or project we are involved in.”

- Basecamp Review , Miguel Angel H.

“The drawback of Basecamp is its limited adaptability and lack of flexibility to meet the specific needs of each team or project. In some cases, other tools had to be integrated to complement project management.”

- Basecamp Review , Tiffany E.

Todoist strikes the perfect balance between functionality and simplicity, making it a compelling choice for free task management solutions. Intelligent and intuitive, this software assistant simplifies whether they’re personal to-do lists or collaborative team projects.

The beginner-friendly free plan offers access to essential features like task reminders, file uploads up to 5 GB, and a dedicated team workspace.

“The prioritization function is great since it lets me rank jobs according to significance and ensures the team works on the most important things. Furthermore, the interface's ability to set deadlines and generate reminders enhances our capacity to fulfill deadlines efficiently. Also, the ability to use customizable keyboard shortcuts has significantly streamlined our workflow, allowing us to navigate between projects and tasks quickly.”

- Todoist Review , Susanne C.

“I would love to see some enhanced offline functionality because I can't see any of my tasks right now without a connection. Integrating more third-party apps and services would greatly improve subtask handling by including dynamic dependent dates and potentially a more robust calendar view. If I had to choose one thing to add to the roadmap for this app, though, it would be the option to add attachments directly to tasks.”

- Todoist Review , Nicole C.

Teamwork.com provides a powerful yet easy-to-use task management app. Whether coordinating with internal colleagues or managing client interactions, Teamwork's robust platform gives certain users all the tools they need for efficient execution and insightful reporting.

The free plan includes all essential task management features and key integrations. It supports up to 5 users, making it perfect for small teams.

“Teamwork.com is known for its robust project management features, ease of use, collaboration tools, and customizable options. The most helpful aspects include its ability to streamline communication, track tasks, manage projects efficiently, and provide a centralized platform for teams to collaborate effectively. The upsides of using it include improved productivity, better project organization, enhanced team coordination, and transparency in workflow management.”

- Teamwork.com Review , Husain T.

“There are so many features that I feel I don't fully optimize in my use of the platform. Also, it could be expensive for smaller businesses. Businesses should carefully evaluate their specific needs and consider these potential limitations before choosing it as their project management tools. Depending on the business's unique requirements, there may be other project management software options that better suit their needs.”

- Teamwork.com Review , Mélanie B.

If you feel overwhelmed by the wealth of information about free task management solutions, this comparison table will help you with all the essential aspects:

Have more questions? Find more answers below.

Q. What features are typically available in free task management software?

Most free task management software offers access to task creation and assignment, due dates, basic project views, essential collaboration tools (comments, file attachments), and limited integrations with other apps.

Q. Can I add team members to free task management software?

Yes, most free task management tools allow you to add team members, though the number of users may be limited. For example, some platforms allow up to 15 users on their free plans, while others only support two.

Q. How do free task management tools handle data security?

Free task management software often includes standard security measures, like data encryption, user authentication, and regular backups. However, you should review the specific security policies of each tool to make certain it meets your requirements.

Q. What are the limitations of using a free plan for task management?

Free plans often restrict the number of projects you can create, limit storage space, allow fewer integrations, and lack advanced features like detailed reporting, time tracking, or advanced automation.

Ditch the sticky notes

Effective task management is essential for project success. The right software will streamline workflows, improve collaboration, and reduce bottlenecks, especially in complex projects with multiple dependencies. As you explore these free options, consider your business needs, the size of your team, and the complexity of your projects to find the best fit.

We hope this list takes you one step closer to finding the right solution!

Ready to step it up? Implement the proper project management methodologies with your free tools to achieve outstanding results.

Edited by Aisha West

Washija Kazim

Washija Kazim is a Sr. Content Marketing Specialist at G2 focused on creating actionable SaaS content for IT management and infrastructure needs. With a professional degree in business administration, she specializes in subjects like business logic, impact analysis, data lifecycle management, and cryptocurrency. In her spare time, she can be found buried nose-deep in a book, lost in her favorite cinematic world, or planning her next trip to the mountains.

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Article updated on August 23, 2024 at 10:11 AM PDT

Best Free Antivirus Software for 2024

Keep your computer safe with these tried-and-tested free antivirus tools.

Our Experts

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

What’s the best free antivirus software overall?

The best free antivirus software is Avira Free Antivirus . This software offers real-time protection against malware like viruses, plus manual and automated scans. Avira Free Antivirus also provides protection from phishing -- a type of fraud involving sending emails or messages pretending to come from a reputable source to steal information -- and ransomware -- a type of malware that locks your computer and requires you to send a payment to unlock it. Avira Free Antivirus also includes a software updater to automatically keep your apps and drivers up to date.

Avira Free Antivirus comes with a password manager plus a browser extension that blocks malicious sites and ad trackers/third-party trackers.

Best of all, you can use Avira Free Antivirus on most operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android. However, some features -- including the Software Updater program -- are only available for Windows PCs.

About free antivirus software

Antivirus software scans your computer for viruses and other malware -- software built for a malicious purpose, often to harm your machine, steal key information or lock you out of your device -- and helps you remove it. 

Most antivirus software offers two types of protection: scheduled/manual scans, which actively search your device for malware, and real-time protection, which detects and blocks malware in attempted downloads.

Best antivirus software

• Real-time protection
• Phishing and ransomware protection
• Automated daily and weekly scans, with scheduling capabilities
• Software Updater
• Safe browsing tools
• Password manager
• Apps available for Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android
• Some tools are only available for Windows users
• Dashboard includes some aggressive upsells

Best Overall Protection

Avira free antivirus.

Avira Free Antivirus uses the same antivirus engine as the paid version of Avira, which consistently receives high rankings in all AV-Test categories . You’ll get real-time protection as well as the option to run manual scans and schedule scans on a daily or weekly basis. This last feature is particularly notable, as both Microsoft Defender and XProtect (the MacOS equivalent to Microsoft Defender) lack the ability to schedule scans.

Other layers of protection include phishing protection, ransomware protection and a software updater that automatically updates apps and drivers. You’ll also get a browser extension that blocks unsafe sites, ad tracking and other third-party trackers. A password manager is also included. None of these features are included with Microsoft Defender, XProtect or Bitdefender. AVG Free Antivirus includes some of these features, but lacks a password manager.

Avira Free Antivirus is available for MacOS, iOS and Android, but certain features -- like the Software Updater -- only work with Windows. There are also many features listed in the dashboard that are only partially accessible without upgrading to a paid version. For example, if you run a System Speedup scan, Avira will find performance issues, but if you click on the option to fix them, you’ll be told to upgrade.

• Built into Windows 10 and 11 and enabled by default
• Regularly updated
• Resource-intensive
• No option to schedule scans manually
• Ransomware protection is very limited

Best Free Antivirus for Windows

Microsoft defender.

Microsoft Defender ( formerly known as Windows Defender ) is built into Windows 10 and 11 and enabled by default. Microsoft Defender consistently receives high marks from AV-Test , and the program is updated regularly to ensure protection against new malware.

Defender provides real-time protection and runs automated scans. You can run manual scans if you’re ever concerned about your computer’s performance or a specific file or program you’ve downloaded. You can also set up Controlled Folder Access, which automatically stops apps from making unauthorized changes to your folders (you can manually exclude apps you trust). 

The one big drawback of Defender is that you can’t schedule the scans yourself; you’ll have to rely on the program’s automatic scans or run an on-demand check. However, Defender can track when your system is idle and tends to run scans during this time.

Windows 10 and 11 will automatically disable its own Windows Defender antivirus when you install third-party antivirus programs. If you uninstall the third-party protection, Windows will turn on its own antivirus again.

• Ability to schedule scans
• Lightweight and easy on PC resources
• Live customer support available for free users
• First scan takes a long time

Best for Real-Time Monitoring on Windows PCs

Bitdefender antivirus free edition.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition offers real-time protection against malware like viruses and spyware alongside ransomware protection. Bitdefender antivirus regularly earns a 6 out of 6 protection ranking from the AV-Test lab, plus high rankings for usability and performance. You can run manual scans and schedule daily, weekly or monthly scans to catch anything that makes it through Bitdefender’s real-time protection.

The free antivirus version covers one Windows or MacOS computer. You can also download Bitdefender apps for iOS and Android. For broader protection including parental controls and a VPN, you can choose Bitdefender Total Security or Bitdefender Antivirus Plus.

• Scan scheduling tool
• Browser extension to block third-party tracking and malicious websites
• Available for Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android
• Aggressively tries to sell you a paid subscription if you click on certain features or perform a “Smart Scan”

Best Free Cross-Platform Antivirus

Avg antivirus free.

AVG Antivirus Free and the paid AVG Internet Security app use the same antivirus cores -- the difference is that AVG Internet Security comes with a full suite of tools, like an enhanced firewall and webcam protection. Moreover, AVG consistently earns high scores in all three AV-Test categories, with the lowest recent ranking being a 5.5 out of 6 for performance.

With AVG Antivirus Free, you’ll get both real-time protection and the ability to manually run Deep Scans to find and remove malware that gets through the initial layer of protection. You can also schedule scans to run on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

AVG Antivirus Free guards against phishing and ransomware, plus provides a browser extension that blocks harmful sites and third-party tracking. You can get AVG Antivirus Free for Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android.

The one drawback of the free version of AVG is the prominent upsells. You’ll be directed to get a paid subscription if you click on certain features. Some of these upsells are rather sneaky, such as the one associated with the Smart Scan. You can run the Smart Scan and see issues it points out -- like vulnerabilities and settings configurations that might be harming your computer’s performance -- but when you click “Resolve All”, you’ll be hit with an upsell.

Factors to consider in free antivirus software

Trustworthiness.

Some particularly insidious malware is disguised as free antivirus software. You download something to protect your computer, and instead, you infect it, leading to stolen data or a locked device.

You can avoid this malware by sticking with trusted antivirus companies. Choose a company from a vetted list like this one, read the third-party tests we link to and make sure the URL you’re downloading from is authentic.

Antivirus software typically offers two layers of protection:

• Scans that search your computer and remove malware. Some programs let you schedule these yourself, while others run them automatically when your computer is idle. You should also be able to manually run a scan at any time.
• Real-time protection that identifies and blocks malware from being downloaded onto your computer. 

Antivirus tools may also block malicious websites and protect you from threats like phishing, but these features are typically only included with premium programs. Similarly, antivirus tools may only provide limited scan scheduling.

Free vs. paid antivirus software

Most free antivirus software programs are created by companies that also produce paid antivirus tools. They typically use the same antivirus engines as the paid versions, so you’ll get the same level of scanning and malware protection you’d get if you bought premium antivirus from the company. However, this protection is often only available for one device per person, whereas paid antivirus tools offer packages for five, 10 or even unlimited devices.

Moreover, paid antivirus software usually comes with additional benefits, such as advanced ransomware and phishing protection. Many companies also offer full security suites that include things like VPNs and password managers alongside the antivirus tools. Check out our list of the best antivirus programs to learn more about these security suites.

System resource use

An antivirus tool’s real-time protection shouldn’t interfere with regular use of your computer. Deep scans will often slow things down by consuming RAM or CPU resources, but they shouldn’t make your computer totally unusable.

Issues with Avast

For years, Avast Antivirus for Windows was the gold standard of antivirus, with consistently high rankings on AV-Test . We've included its antivirus in our list of recommended security app options before.

However, early in 2024, the Federal Trade Commission fined Avast $16.5 million to settle charges that from 2014 to 2020 the company had sold customer browsing information to more than 100 third parties. The FTC claims that Avast allegedly collected the data through browser extensions and antivirus software and sold the data through its Jumpshot subsidiary.

Then-Avast CEO Ondřej Vlček responded to the initial 2020 reports with a statement that he understood that his company's actions raised questions of trust in his company. To address these concerns, Avast terminated Jumpshot data collection in January 2020 and closed its operations. 

We hope there will be no further Jumpshot-style activities and that Avast returns to glory as one of the best antivirus software options. Until then, we recommend using one of the other free options on this list.

Issues with Kaspersky

Kaspersky has historically been another top antivirus provider, earning high marks and awards for virus and malware protection from independent labs. However, in June of 2024, the US government announced a federal ban prohibiting Kaspersky from selling antivirus or cybersecurity software or services in the US or to US citizens due to alleged ties between Kaspersky and the Russian government.

“Russia has shown time and again they have the capability and intent to exploit Russian companies, like Kaspersky Lab, to collect and weaponize sensitive US information, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to safeguard US national security and the American people," Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in the official announcement of the ban.

In a statement , Kaspersky said it "does not engage in activities which threaten US national security and, in fact, has made significant contributions with its reporting and protection from a variety of threat actors that targeted US interests and allies."

The Commerce Department recommends those who use Kaspersky software switch to replacement software from other security companies as soon as possible. To aid Kaspersky customers with the transition, Kaspersky will be allowed to provide antivirus updates to its software till Sept. 29, 2024, the department said.

How we test antivirus tools

We use a three-step process to vet antivirus tools. First, we look at product pages to ensure that a tool is 100% free, and we analyze each app’s features. Next, we look through reviews of the antivirus software -- both from tech experts and from regular consumers on sites like Trustpilot -- to gauge how effective and user-friendly the software is. We also look for scam alerts or other indications of shady business practices at this point.

Finally, we consult AV-Test , an independent company with testing labs for antivirus software. AV-Test runs tests every two or three months (the exact testing cycle varies based on the product and operating system) and provides rankings for protection, usability and performance. An antivirus tool must have at least a 5 out of 6 ranking in all three categories to qualify for one of our best lists.

Other free antivirus software

Malwarebytes: a top-tier tool for removing malware.

The free version of Malwarebytes is one of the best tools for finding and removing malware on your computer. You can use the Malwarebytes scanner if you’re having performance issues and you think your regular antivirus software has missed something. However, Malwarebytes doesn’t offer real-time protection in the free version, so you’ll still need another antivirus software to protect your devices in the future.

Best free antivirus FAQs

What is the best free antivirus you can get.

The best standalone free antivirus software is Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition. The best free digital security suite is AVG Antivirus Free.

Is there 100% free antivirus?

Yes, there are several 100% free antivirus programs available, including built-in antivirus software on Windows and MacOS devices, like Microsoft Defender and XProtect. Additionally, Bitdefender, AVG and Avira are all great options.

Is it OK to use free antivirus software?

Yes, it’s OK to use free antivirus software, especially if you’re strict about following internet safety rules . However, you might want to invest in paid antivirus software if you store personal data on your computer or use your computer for work.

Do I really need a paid antivirus program?

You’ll probably be safe with a free antivirus tool if you’re following basic internet safety rules . However, if you use your computer for work or store sensitive data on it, you may want to invest in paid antivirus software . Many paid antivirus tools also come with additional layers of protection, like password managers and VPNs .

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Notion pricing in 2024: Is it worth the cost?

Deirdre Mundorf

Sierra Campbell

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Published 7:42 a.m. UTC Aug. 29, 2024

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fizkes, Getty Images

As a small business owner, you know the right project management software can help simplify operations, improve communication between team members, enhance overall productivity and lead to increased sales and profits. You also know how important it is to assess the value of a program to ensure you’re getting a good deal for the features it offers. 

Notion is a popular project management and productivity software that you may be considering to improve your productivity. We take a deep look at Notion pricing to help you assess whether it is worth the cost based on the unique needs of your company.

Featured project management software offers

Via Monday.com’s site

Monthly fee

$10 per user, with a minimum of three users

Free version

Yes, for two users

24/7 customer support

Yes, with paid plans

Via HubSpot’s website

Free version available

Via ClickUp’s website

$10 per user

Yes, for unlimited members

Who is Notion best for?

Notion offers a solid solution for solopreneurs, small business owners and collaborative teams. James Allsopp, the CEO of iNet Ventures, highlighted the versatility of the software, explaining that its “flexibility helps it to be outstanding in tasks related to project management, note-taking, knowledge management and collaboration.” 

With its four plans, teams, small business owners and individuals can find the features that will best support their needs. Each plan tier offers varying levels of content creation, collaboration, web publishing, integration, administrative and security features.

Nicole Johnson, the CEO and founder of Digital Made Simple, LLC, sees Notion as an ideal tool for managing nearly all aspects of one’s life. “It’s for those who don’t want to be confined by any particular framework for managing and organizing their information but want to create an operating system that has the flexibility and interconnectivity of their imagination,” she said.

Notion pricing overview

Notion offers four plan options, including a free plan. While many standard features are shared across all tiers, you’ll need to assess the specific needs of your business to determine whether some of the more advanced features found in upper-tier plans are worth the investment for your company.

Notion’s free plan offers several core features to help small businesses or solopreneurs manage projects and improve their productivity. This plan allows you to create an unlimited number of pages with some access to blocks (such as checkboxes or bullet points). It also includes various views (such as boards, calendar and timeline), basic automations and the ability to create subtasks and formulas. 

“If you’re a solo user who’s not creating anything too complex that needs additional apps or to publish any pages, then you can use this plan till the cows come home,” said Johnson. However, if you have more complex needs, the 5 MB file upload, seven-day page history and limited number of guest invites (10) may not be sufficient for your business. The Free plan also doesn’t allow you to make custom websites or provide some of the more advanced administrative or security features that are included with upper-tier plans.

The Plus plan, which costs $12 per user per month (or $10 per user per month with annual billing) builds on the features included with Notion’s free plan. Subscribers receive unlimited file uploads and a longer, 30-day page history. This plan also allows users to invite up to 100 guests, provides advanced SEO indexing features and allows you to create custom websites and custom automations. Allsopp highlighted the Plus plan as a suitable option “for small teams that need more robust collaboration and file storage features.” 

Business plan

Allsopp described the Business plan as “well-priced for a business with growing users who need better security and administrative control.” This plan costs $18 per user per month. With annual billing, the cost comes down to $15 per user per month. 

“This plan retains all the features found in Plus, adding in advanced team collaboration features, such as sharing across the team, admin tools and SSO — single sign-on,” explained Allsopp. It also includes a 90-day page history, allows subscribers to invite up to 250 guests and enables you to create workspace PDF exports.

Enterprise plan

The Enterprise plan is best for large organizations with more complex and unique needs. Allsopp explained that it includes “all of the Business plan features, plus advanced security and controls, dedicated success manager, custom contract and invoicing.”

Pricing for this plan is not published on Notion’s website. If you think your business requires more advanced features than those included with the Business plan, you’ll need to reach out to Notion’s sales team to share more about your specific needs and obtain pricing information for the Enterprise plan.

Additional costs

For an additional $10 per user per month if you pay on a monthly basis (or $8 per user per month if you pay on a yearly basis), you can add Notion AI to the plan of your choice. The add-on offers unlimited use of AI technology, providing you and your team members with immediate answers to many questions, help with brainstorming writing tasks and autofilling various forms. 

While all Notion plans include a trial of Notion AI, its use is limited. The specific number of responses included varies based on the number of users you have. Once you and your team have reached the maximum number of responses, you’ll see a prompt indicating that you must subscribe to Notion AI in order to continue using its features.

Notion value vs. alternatives

Take a few minutes to compare Notion’s pricing and value with two of its top competitors, Trello and Zoho Projects, before deciding which project management software is best for your business.