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LivePlan Review 2024

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If you’re an entrepreneur, one of the most important parts of starting a business is  writing a business plan ; however, you may need a step-by-step process to help lead your small business to success. That’s where  LivePlan  comes in.

Created by Palo Alto Software, LivePlan is a cloud-based  business plan software that walks you through the entire planning process. With video tutorials and examples at each section, it helps you write a solid business plan in half the time.

Read our LivePlan review to discover the pricing and features that set the tool apart, compare customer reviews, and more. By the end, you’ll know if it is the best business planning software for you.

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Transform your idea into an investor-ready business plan—Try LivePlan today and save 40% on an annual subscription!

Pros & Cons of LivePlan

Pros of liveplan.

• You don’t need prior experience with professional business planning because the LivePlan software is designed for startups and entrepreneurs who don’t have the time or budget for collegiate-style planning.
• According to many positive online LivePlan reviews, customers are incredibly satisfied with the business plan software.
• LivePlan’s user-friendly website makes it easy to focus and build presentation-ready plans. Also because it’s cloud-based, you can trust LivePlan to keep your data safe and 100% accessible.
• LivePlan provides elegant and fully-customizable template themes you can brand so your business plan looks amazing in presentations with investors, potential partners, lending institutions, etc.
• LivePlan allows you to easily import financial data from other platforms like QuickBooks and Xero…a big time-saver that gives you the peace of mind everything is importing correctly.
• With an annual subscription to LivePlan, you get access to tons of legal forms, fantastic educational e-books, and even an employee handbook template. Their system is set up so the more LivePlan features you add, the less it costs, which is awesome.
• LivePlan sports a great suite of collaboration tools for you and your small business team members. For example, LivePlan locks any section a team member is working on to prevent two users from editing the same section at the same time.

Cons of LivePlan

• You have to be connected to the Internet to use LivePlan. Cloud-based computing does still have its downsides.
• While you can develop more than one business plan using LivePlan, there is no way to copy an existing plan.

Should You Use LivePlan?

If it feels like LivePlan is the right choice, start to plan, pitch, and track your business with it today! And if you end up not liking LivePlan as much as we do, just ask for a refund within 35 days.

LivePlan Pricing

It would be tough for LivePlan pricing to get any more straightforward, and you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees. Here are the following LivePlan pricing packages that entrepreneurs and small businesses can choose from:

• Standard Monthly Subscription: Pay as you go for $15/month for first 3 months, then $20/month after
• Premium Monthly Subscription: Pay as you go for $30/month for first 3 months, then $40/month after
• Purchase a Standard annual subscription for $12/month 
• Purchase a Premium annual subscription for $24/month 

You can save 40% if you choose an annual plan. Go with whichever package you feel most comfortable with. Either way, you have 35 days to try the business planning software and explore everything it’s capable of.

With every pricing package, you’ll gain access to a variety of LivePlan features, such as over 500 sample business plans, automatic financials, and more.

A Quick Look at LivePlan’s Features

There are a multitude of helpful LivePlan features that guide entrepreneurs through structuring and writing a business plan. In addition to very good technical support, sample plans, and automatic financials, LivePlan offers the following features:

• Online dashboard for tracking information and creating progress reports. Simply use your LivePlan login.
• Step-by-step instructions and video tutorials
• Advice and tips from business plan experts
• Templates for financial information
• Professional business plan themes
• Tools for team collaboration
• QuickBooks and Xero integration

Granted this is just a tip of the iceberg of LivePlan features, but our favorites for getting a clean and effective business plan built as quick as possible.

LivePlan Reviews

What LivePlan review would be complete without customer testimonials? Below is a sampling of the huge growing reservoir of feedback from happy users. We didn’t cherry-pick either, as you’ll see on Shopper Approved , a third-party customer review site where LivePlan scores a 4.8/5. As of 2023, LivePlan now has over 1,500 customer reviews on Shopper Approved.

According to many LivePlan reviews, there’s some serious value in the business plan software. Customers often mention how LivePlan helps entrepreneurs and small businesses better manage, prioritize, and present a successful business plan. In regard to the non-5 star reviews, the main issue people are having is the overall LivePlan pricing, which is understandable if you’re starting a business on a budget.

“This was a wonderful tool for creating my business plan. I was overwhelmed by all of the online templates that offered no real guidelines for completing my plan. Liveplan was simple to navigate and offered “real life” examples in each section of the plan builder. I completed my plan quickly and now have a professional document that I am thrilled with! ”

“LivePlan was a great tool to use for building a Business Plan. It helped me, as a first-time business plan writer – because it outlined all the sections of the plan and gave detailed instructions and examples for each part. The financials part was great because it automatically generated graphs and charts for the financial planning of my company. ”

“LivePlan was a life-saver for me. I work for a non-profit whose potential funders require a business plan. I had no idea what a business plan looked like or even where to start, when I found LivePlan, I knew I hit the jackpot. With the examples, samples, and easy plug-in information areas, we wrote a plan that not only looks professional but meets all of the needs of the organization and our funders. I couldn’t be more grateful for everything LivePlan did for me/us. I will use LivePlan again for any other business plans I write and will certainly recommend them. Thank you LivePlan! ”

“It’s by far one of the best business plan software products that I’ve come to find. It’s very self-explanatory and user friendly. I would recommend Liveplan to anyone looking for a comprehensive business plan maker which needs to impress and get the results you are looking to achieve. ”

LivePlan also features several verified customer reviews on its website. Here are a couple more examples:

“LivePlan has reinvented business planning. It’s the only tool that helps entrepreneurs track their progress with a unique dashboard specifically designed for small business.”

“I needed to write a business plan for my investors. I was going nuts trying to create charts and properly format them. Then a friend recommended LivePlan! The financials were so easy to use and I liked knowing the calculations were all correct.”

“I didn’t only get value for the money paid but also got the best customer service experience as well. And of course, I’m sticking to LivePlan forever.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is liveplan.

LivePlan is business management software created by Palo Alto Software to help entrepreneurs and small business owners develop business plans, financial projections, and performance tracking.

How does LivePlan work?

LivePlan works through a step by step process, guiding users through customizable templates to create professional business plans. Users input their business’s financial data, product plans, marketing strategies etc. and LivePlan uses the data to create a structured business plan document with projections, graphs, financial models and performance analytics.

What businesses does LivePlan work with?

LivePlan boasts over 500 sample plans, covering just about every business model imaginable. From mom-and-pops to larger corporations, from freelancers to nonprofit entities, LivePlan really does cover every possible base.

Does LivePlan have any hidden fees?

There are up-charges for premium features like the ability to simultaneously edit multiple business plans. But, LivePlan clearly communicates these from the get-go. Also, most people probably won’t need them because they’re working on one plan at a time.

How do I cancel my LivePlan subscription?

Within the first 35 days, if you decide you’d rather not use LivePlan after all contact them via their app, by email or by phone. They’ll cancel your account and refund your money, no questions asked.

How is LivePlan customer support?

LivePlan customer support is surprisingly responsive. Use the site’s live-chat option or give them a call on their toll-free line.

Is LivePlan secure?

LivePlan is about as secure as it gets. Your business plan — and all of the information within — is entirely confidential. All credit card transactions get bank-level encryption treatment. Also, your account and plan are both backed up to the cloud every few seconds, so there’s no chance you’ll ever lose any work.

How much does LivePlan cost?

Here are the LivePlan pricing plans:

• Standard monthly: $15/month for first 3 months, then $20/month after
• Premium monthly: $30/month for first 3 months, then $40/month after
• Standard annual subscription for $12/month 
• Premium annual subscription for $24/month 

We’ve chosen LivePlan as the best business plan software – it helped us get Startup Savant off the ground. Being able to take our core data and translate it into a beautiful presentation-ready business plan that’s refined and customizable was a lifesaver in so many ways.

If it feels like LivePlan is the right choice, start to plan, pitch and track your business growth with it today. And if you end up not liking LivePlan as much as we do, just ask for a refund within 35 days.

Showcase your startup with confidence — Try LivePlan and create an investor-ready business plan today.

Further Reading

• 7 Best Business Plan Software for Startups in 2024 August 29, 2024
• Lean Startup Business Plan Guide August 29, 2024
• July 10, 2024

Topics to Explore

• Startup Ideas
• Startup Basics
• Startup Leadership
• Startup Marketing
• Startup Funding

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LivePlan Software Review: Features, Cost, Pros & Cons

Back to Business Plans

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on September 15, 2023

When you’re starting a business , a business plan is essential whether you’re going to obtain financing or not. Creating a business plan helps you to research and analyze every aspect of your business and create a strategy for success. But for most entrepreneurs, a business plan is not easy to create from scratch without guidance. 

Many online services offer tools to help you create your business plan, but it can be hard to decide which one to choose. In this review, we’ll delve deep into the workings of LivePlan, unpacking its features, analyzing user feedback, and determining whether it’s the go-to tool for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners.

• Service Overview
• Our Verdict on LivePlan

LivePlan, created by Palo Alto Software, is a highly regarded cloud-based business plan software designed primarily for startups and entrepreneurs without prior business planning experience.

Its intuitive interface, coupled with video tutorials and comprehensive templates, allows users to craft a professional business plan efficiently.

While the cost of LivePlan’s packages can be prohibitive for some potential users, the overwhelmingly positive reviews, transparent pricing, and extensive feature set make LivePlan an optimal choice for business planning needs.

For those uncertain, the 35-day refund policy offers an added layer of confidence in trying out the software.

Plans and Pricing

Customer Service

Customer Satisfaction

Site Usability

Overall Score: 4.3/5

• Pros and Cons 
• Intuitive step-by-step instructions, simplifying the business planning process
• Comprehensive financial planning features including budgeting and forecasting
• Transparent pricing with 35-day refund policy
• The software contains built-in, customizable templates
• Collaboration capabilities allow partners to concurrently input and revise data
• The subscription model of LivePlan can be prohibitive for some potential users
• Transfering documents to common formats like Word or PDF can be challenging
• What is LivePlan?

LivePlan (product of Palo Alto Software ) is an online business planning app that offers tools, guidance, and resources to help you create a business plan. They provide full guidance through the planning process and help you to develop strategies to grow your business. It’s more than just a template – the LivePlan app guides you through the process of creating your plan and strategy.

• LivePlan Features and Pricing 

LivePlan offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to simplify and enhance the business planning process. It provides step-by-step guidance coupled with expert advice throughout each phase of creating a business plan.

The software supports automatic generation of financials, charts, and graphs, eliminating the need for complex spreadsheets or intricate formulas. With visually compelling performance dashboards, it brings data to life, offering a clear perspective of the business’s standing.

Furthermore, LivePlan enables the use of real accounting data, allowing users to compare their forecasts against actuals through seamless integrations with Quickbooks & Xero. Users also benefit from industry benchmarks, facilitating a comparison of actual performance against industry competitors of similar size.

To cap it off, the platform supports planning for both best-case and worst-case scenarios, ensuring that businesses can use data to create a strategic roadmap, preparing them for various eventualities.

LivePlan’s Standard package costs $20 per month and includes step-by-step planning, lender-ready financial statements, a full financial forecast, and a one-page pitch builder. You’ll also have access to more than 500 sample business plans. 

Their Premium package costs $40 per month ($20 in the first month) and includes everything above plus industry benchmark data and “what if” guides to help you prepare for the unexpected. 

It also includes performance dashboards, real-time profit and cash forecasting, an automatic forecast builder, the ability to export sheets to Excel, and syncing with Quickbooks or Xero. 

LivePlan offers a 25% discount on both plans if you pay annually instead of monthly (Standard Plan is $15/month and Premium Plan is $30/month if billed annualy), as well as a 35-day money-back guarantee, which in effect acts as a free trial. 

• Site Navigation

When you first go to the site, you have to click Start Your Plan to see their plans and pricing.

Then you can sign in with Google or email and you’ll go immediately to checkout.

From the home page you can instead choose to watch a video tour to see how it works.

You’ll see that the business planning page is well laid out so that you can click on any section to start writing.

The site will provide instructions to give you some guidance.

You can elect to have AI rewrite what you wrote.

The site also gives much guidance in the financials section of the plan.

The guidance even includes suggested revenue streams based on your business type.

LivePlan does the calculations for you.

The tutorial is a great way to see what you’re getting for your money, and entering your information to create the plan seems incredibly easy. I was also impressed with the financial guidance that it offers, since that’s an area that many entrepreneurs struggle with. 

Overall, the site is quite easy to use and is loaded with information.

• Customer Support

I started a chat and after going through a few prompts I was connected to an agent, Lindsay, in a few minutes. I asked about their cancellation policy and procedure.

I received this message almost immediately. 

Chat Support Rating:

Response time:

The answer was clear – that you can cancel through your LivePlan account and you don’t have to call or email, which is convenient.

I sent an email to ask a slightly different cancellation question and received an immediate auto reply.

Support Rating:

I received an actual response within an hour, which is impressive! The answer was clear and professional.

I called customer service to ask a similar question, but I got a recording that told me that they offered their support through LiveChat and directed me there. I don’t particularly mind this, since I prefer chat, but I’m sure that many customers would prefer to have the phone option. 

• LivePlan Reviews

Palo Alto Software is not an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau and has a D-rating. They have no customer reviews on the BBB website, but they do have a few complaints. The complaints revolved around issues with cancellation and getting a refund, as well as unauthorized re-activation of an account and getting un-authorized charges.

Here are some positive reviews from LivePlan users:

LivePlan is my primary financial forecasting and issue raising tool. I build out annual Pro-forma in Q4 with detailed revenue and expense category forecasts. The ability to build revenue and expense forecasts by category and the appropriate level of detail is highly useful. Monthly, and especially quarterly, we can see if and where we are off track relative to original goals and make necessary adjustments in the business. In my opinion, this is the best tool of its kind for business owners/operators. Well done. – Jason Ogden, President

LivePlan has been a key product in our company when dealing with planning of our company business. It makes it easy for us to keep our entire business enterprise organized for better productivity. More to planning, it offers us an outstanding platform for budgeting, keeping a track of our business progress a d performance as well as doing accurate forecasts on the future of our business. It has made it possible for us to simplify the planning and funding various business projects aimed at promoting the agility and the productivity of our business. – Mariana Jones, National Key Account Manager- Fleet Sales

I started my startup consultancy in 1997. Soon after, I bought my first Palo Alto Business Plan Pro disc and spent quality time chatting with Tim about how helpful the financial section was. Since then, I have recommended this program MANY times and am thrilled to be able to recommend it again to whoever reads this review. Live Plan is wonderful, convenient, and worth every penny! – Victoria D.

Live Plan was perfect for my needs – it helped me shape my strategic plan and think through my start-up capital requirements and revenue projections. I loved that it gave me some industry benchmarks and suggested budget items (like employee payroll liabilities) I hadn’t thought of. The templates were also very helpful to show me what a plan should look like. – Laurie S.

Here’s a selection of constructive feedback from LivePlan users:

Where the product really falls down is when you want to compare with Actuals. It only connects to Xero and Quick Books and you have no control over the data or time period that it syncs at all – current year plus last two years, which is rubbish if your business has pivoted and you only want the last six months data for example. Whats worse is you cant roll back the sync – you have to manually delete all sync’d data. Further if you dont use Xero or QBooks, there is no option to import from a spreadsheet – so again you need a data entry person to manually enter actual data unless you want to spend ages doing it yourself… Very disappointed as up to this point had liked the platform. – Lucy B.

Generally going out 5 years is more than fine with projections. However, we did have a situation where we brought a new division in 2 years later and we need to combine it with the original plan and would have liked it going 6 or even 7 years. – Reid J.

• LivePlan Alternatives 

BizPlan offers monthly ($29), annual ($249), and lifetime access ($349) payment options. Their business plan software offers full guidance as you write your plan and calculates financial statements.

Their crowdfunding platform, Fundable, can help promote your plan and raise funding from the public and investors. In addition, you can access self-guided courses and educational videos and talk with expert mentors. Visit Bizplan.com here .

Founded in 2010, Enloop stands out with an automatically generated text tool that users can edit as they wish. Enloop offers a seven-day free trial and two paid plans. 

The seven-day trial and the two paid plans (Detailed and Performance) all include a host of features. The Detailed plan costs $19.95 per month, while the Performance plan runs $39.95 monthly.  Visit Enloop.com here .

PlanGuru 

PlanGuru is not business plan software, but rather a sophisticated financial planning tool that can help prepare your company’s budget and financial plan. It’s available as either a cloud-based or desktop app. Both apps cost $99 per month or $899 annually. Visit PlanGuru.com here .

Conclusion – Is LivePlan Worth it?

LivePlan offers robust business planning tools for quite a reasonable price. You can get a professional looking business plan for funding, or just to create your strategy. Their phone support can be a bit better, but live chat and email support are great.

Overall, we would highly recommend LivePlan to new and existing entrepreneurs.

You can cancel your LivePlan subscription at any time through your LivePlan account on the site.

LivePlan’s pricing is quite transparent, with no hidden fees.

LivePlan claims to have bank-level security so you should have no security concerns.

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• Conclusion - Is LivePlan Worth it?

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LivePlan is an online business planning tool known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. It offers guided business plan creation, including financial projections and performance tracking. LivePlan is particularly useful for startups and existing businesses looking to develop detailed business plans and track their progress. Its step-by-step approach simplifies the process of creating financial projections, making it accessible even to those without a financial background. The platform also allows for collaboration, making it a valuable tool for teams working on a business plan together.

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LivePlan vs Business Plan Pro: The Ultimate Showdown

Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey, you’re faced with countless decisions, but perhaps none as crucial as choosing the right tools to lay your foundation. Enter LivePlan and Business Plan Pro, two giants in the world of business planning. But which one’s the perfect fit for your venture?

LivePlan dazzles with its modern approach, offering cloud-based convenience and real-time collaboration. On the other hand, Business Plan Pro stands its ground with comprehensive features and a traditional desktop setup. It’s a battle of innovation versus reliability, and you’re in the driver’s seat. Let’s dive into what sets these two apart and help you navigate towards the best choice for your business blueprint.

Key Takeaways

• LivePlan offers a modern, intuitive, cloud-based business planning solution with features like real-time collaboration, step-by-step guidance, financial tools, and a wide range of templates, making it suitable for dynamic entrepreneurs seeking flexibility and accessibility.
• Business Plan Pro provides a comprehensive, traditional business planning software experience with detailed financial forecasting tools, access to market research, and over 500 sample business plans, ideal for those who prefer depth, structure, and a desktop-based environment.
• LivePlan’s modern approach caters to the needs of startups and entrepreneurs who require the ability to access and update their business plans from anywhere, emphasizing convenience and adaptability for fast-moving business environments.
• Business Plan Pro’s strength lies in its detailed planning tools and extensive resources, suited for entrepreneurs who prioritize thorough analysis and comprehensive planning over flexibility, particularly those in complex industries requiring detailed projections.
• Choosing between LivePlan and Business Plan Pro depends on your specific business planning needs, priorities (such as cloud-based accessibility vs. detailed financial analysis), and whether your focus is on flexibility and scalability or in-depth, traditional planning.
• Both LivePlan and Business Plan Pro offer unique advantages, and the best choice depends on the entrepreneur’s specific needs, business stage, and planning style, emphasizing the importance of aligning the tool with your business planning objectives and workflow requirements.

LivePlan: A Modern Approach to Business Planning

Embarking on your entrepreneurial journey, you’ve likely realized the importance of a solid business plan. It’s not just a roadmap but a beacon guiding you through the stormy seas of startup life. Enter LivePlan, a beacon of modernity in the traditional world of business planning. Its cloud-based setup means you can access your plan from anywhere, anytime. Imagine tweaking your financial forecasts while sipping coffee at your favorite café or sharing your vision with a potential investor on the fly. That’s the convenience LivePlan offers.

Beyond accessibility, LivePlan shines with its real-time collaboration feature. Gone are the days of back-and-forth emails and the confusion of multiple document versions. You and your team can work on the same document simultaneously. This feature is a godsend for keeping everyone on the same page (literally) and fostering a cohesive strategy. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about efficiency and creating a living document that evolves with your business.

In terms of guidance, LivePlan doesn’t leave you in the dark. It offers step-by-step instructions and examples for each section of your plan. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or new to the game, these tools are invaluable. They demystify the planning process and help you create a document that’s not just functional but compelling.

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Moreover, LivePlan is equipped with a slew of financial tools. From profit and loss projections to cash flow analysis, these tools help you create a financial forecast that’s both realistic and robust. For startups especially, having a clear financial pathway is crucial, and LivePlan makes this daunting task approachable.

With its blend of flexibility, collaboration, and in-depth planning tools, LivePlan positions itself as not just a tool but a partner in your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you’re crafting your first business plan or revisiting your strategy for growth, LivePlan adapts to your needs, making it a stellar choice for modern entrepreneurs looking to make their mark.

Business Plan Pro: Comprehensive Features and Traditional Setup

When you dive into the realm of Business Plan Pro , you’re stepping into a world that’s supported numerous entrepreneurs over the years. This software is akin to a tried-and-true friend in the journey of business planning, offering a wealth of features in its traditional, software-based setup.

First off, the depth of Business Plan Pro’s financial forecasting tools is unparalleled. You’ll find yourself navigating through detailed cash flow, profit and loss, and sales forecasting features. These tools are designed to provide an in-depth look at your financial future, giving you the clarity needed to make informed decisions. It’s the sort of comprehensive financial planning that could very well become the backbone of your business strategy.

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Then there’s the matter of data. Business Plan Pro doesn’t hold back. It grants access to thousands of industry profiles and market research data that can be pivotal in shaping your business plan. Imagine having a library of information at your fingertips, ready to bolster your business proposal with solid facts and figures.

Yet, it’s important to note, the software operates on a downloadable basis . Unlike LivePlan’s cloud-based accessibility, Business Plan Pro requires installation on a Windows platform. This sets up a different dynamic for your planning process. You’ll have the robust tools you need, but without the same level of flexibility and mobility offered by cloud-based alternatives.

Adapting to the needs of modern entrepreneurs seeking versatility, Business Plan Pro still holds a place for those who appreciate a detailed, static planning environment. The depth of its features makes it a powerful ally for anyone looking to dive deep into the financial and analytical aspects of their business plan.

Features and Benefits of LivePlan

As an entrepreneur who’s been through the startup ringer and experimented with various side hustles, I’ve learned that the right tools can make a huge difference. LivePlan stands out in this regard, with features that cater to both budding and seasoned business owners. Here’s a breakdown of what makes LivePlan a worthy consideration for your planning needs.

First off, ease of use can’t be overstated. LivePlan’s interface is intuitive, guiding you through the process of creating your business plan with step-by-step instructions. This simplicity is a lifesaver for those of you juggling the myriad tasks of getting a business off the ground or managing a side hustle along with a full-time job.

Then there’s the pitch feature . It allows you to quickly craft a visually appealing overview of your business idea. This is incredibly useful for attracting investors or getting team members on the same page. It’s like having your elevator pitch and executive summary rolled into one convenient package.

Another standout feature is LivePlan’s financial forecasting . Unlike static tools, LivePlan offers dynamic forecasting that adjusts as you input new data. This provides a remarkably clear picture of your financial trajectory, helping you make informed decisions about budget allocation, funding needs, and revenue strategies.

LivePlan also boasts a vast library of business plan templates and examples . Whatever your industry, chances are there’s a template that fits your niche. This is a game-changer for saving time and ensuring that your plan meets industry standards.

Lastly, the Scoreboard feature integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks, giving you real-time insights into how your business is performing against your plan. This can be pivotal for pivoting strategy or reinforcing successful tactics.

Each of these features comes together to offer a robust, flexible platform that’s designed not just for planning, but for achieving. Whether you’re a startup maven or a part-time entrepreneur, LivePlan adapts to your unique journey.

Features and Benefits of Business Plan Pro

As an entrepreneur deeply immersed in the world of online business and startups, you’re likely on a constant hunt for tools that can streamline your planning process and propel your ideas into reality. Business Plan Pro might just be the resource you’ve been searching for. With its comprehensive suite of features designed to simplify business planning, this software has a lot to offer for anyone ready to take their side hustle or startup to the next level.

First off, Business Plan Pro is equipped with 500+ sample business plans . This means you’re never starting from scratch. Whether you’re opening a coffee shop or launching a tech startup, there’s a template that you can customize to fit your vision. This feature not only saves time but also provides a solid foundation for your business plan, ensuring you haven’t missed any critical components.

Another standout feature is its in-depth financial forecasting tools . You can dive deep into cash flow analysis, profit and loss statements, and sales forecasting with ease. For you, this means the ability to create detailed, realistic financial projections, critical for both your strategy and for impressing potential investors.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the core capabilities of Business Plan Pro:

Lastly, Business Plan Pro stands out with its market research access , offering thousands of industry profiles and essential data. This feature enables you to tailor your business plan with specifics of your industry, a crucial step for crafting a strategy that’s both realistic and competitive.

Utilizing Business Plan Pro’s features effectively can empower you to create a well-researched, detailed business plan. For someone passionate about turning ideas into successful ventures, this tool offers a robust platform to support your entrepreneurial journey.

Choosing the Right Business Planning Tool

Deciding between LivePlan and Business Plan Pro is like choosing between two top-tier tools, each with its own strengths. Your selection hinges on what aspects of business planning you prioritize and how those tools align with your goals.

LivePlan shines with its modern, intuitive interface and emphasis on step-by-step planning. Its features are geared towards dynamic businesses looking for flexibility and scalability. If you’re diving into various side hustles or want a tool that grows with your evolving online venture, LivePlan might be your go-to. It offers cloud-based functionality, giving you the ability to tweak your plan on the go. This aspect is crucial if you’re always bustling with new ideas or need to present your plan to stakeholders across different locations.

On the other hand, Business Plan Pro stands out with its comprehensive features and extensive library of over 500 sample plans. If you’re someone who loves diving deep into the details, appreciates having numerous templates at your disposal, and wants software with robust financial forecasting tools, Business Plan Pro could be more your speed. It’s particularly suited for those who prefer a more structured approach to business planning or are working on a complex project requiring detailed analysis.

When considering these tools, reflect on your business stage, type, and needs:

• Are you looking for simplicity and accessibility or detailed, in-depth planning tools?
• Do you need cloud access to your plan from anywhere, or do you prefer a desktop application?
• How important are industry-specific templates and market research to you?

Remember, your choice of a business planning tool can significantly influence how efficiently you can bring your business vision to life. Whether you lean towards the sleek flexibility of LivePlan or the detailed, comprehensive toolkit of Business Plan Pro, ensure it aligns with your workflow, planning style, and the specific demands of your venture.

Choosing between LivePlan and Business Plan Pro boils down to your specific needs and how you envision managing your business plan. If you’re leaning towards a more intuitive, cloud-based solution that grows with your business, LivePlan might be your best bet. Its modern interface and step-by-step guidance are perfect for those who appreciate a bit of hand-holding along the way. On the flip side, if you’re after a tool that offers a wealth of features and detailed financial forecasting, Business Plan Pro could be the way to go. Its comprehensive approach and extensive resources are ideal for those who prefer to dive deep into the planning process. Remember, the right tool is the one that aligns with your business strategy and simplifies your planning process. Happy planning!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between business plan pro and liveplan.

Business Plan Pro is known for its comprehensive features, large library of sample plans, and robust financial tools, catering to those who prefer a traditional, detailed approach. In contrast, LivePlan boasts a modern interface, step-by-step planning assistance, and cloud-based functionality, making it well-suited for dynamic, on-the-go businesses.

Which tool is better for someone who prefers an in-depth business planning approach?

Business Plan Pro is the better option for individuals seeking an in-depth, structured approach to business planning due to its extensive features and comprehensive financial forecasting tools.

Is LivePlan suitable for users who prefer cloud-based tools?

Yes, LivePlan is highly suitable for users who prefer cloud-based tools. Its cloud accessibility allows for dynamic business planning and collaboration from anywhere, making it ideal for modern, flexible business operations.

Can I find industry-specific templates in either of these tools?

Yes, both Business Plan Pro and LivePlan offer industry-specific templates. However, the number and variety of these templates may vary, so it’s essential to check which tool better suits your specific industry needs.

Which tool is recommended for beginners without much experience in business planning?

LivePlan is generally recommended for beginners due to its intuitive, step-by-step guidance and modern interface, which simplifies the business planning process.

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• 5 Best Business Plan Software and Tools in 2023 for Your Small Business

Data as of 3 /13/23 . Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

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

A business plan can do a lot for your business. It can help you secure investors or other funding. It can give your company direction. It can keep your finances healthy. But, if we’re being honest, it can also be a pain to write.

Luckily, you don’t have to start from scratch or go it alone. Business plan software and services can help you craft a professional business plan, like our top choice LivePlan , which provides templates, guidance, and more.

You’ve got quite a few choices for business plan help, so we’re here to help you narrow things down. Let’s talk about the best business plan tools out there.

• LivePlan : Best overall
• BizPlanBuilder : Most user-friendly
• Wise Business Plans : Best professional service
• Business Sorter : Best for internal plans
• GoSmallBiz.com : Most extra features
• Honorable mentions

Business plan software 101

The takeaway, business plan software faq, compare the best business plan software.

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LivePlan: Best overall business plan software

Data as of 3 /13/23 . Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *With annual billing

LivePlan has been our favorite business plan software for a while now, despite the stiff competition.

There’s a lot to like about LivePlan. It has pretty much all the features you could want from your business plan software. LivePlan gives you step-by-step instructions for writing your plan, helps you create financial reports, lets you compare your business’s actual financials to your plan’s goals, and much more. And if you ever need inspiration, it includes hundreds of sample business plans that can guide your writing.

LivePlan software pricing

But the best part? You get all that (and more) at a very competitive price. (You can choose from annual, six-month, or monthly billing.) While LivePlan isn’t quite the cheapest business plan builder out there, it’s not too far off either. And if comes with a 60-day money back guarantee. So there’s no risk in trying LivePlan out for yourself.

With a great balance of features and cost, LivePlan offers the best business plan solution for most businesses.

BizPlanBuilder: Most user-friendly

Need something easy to use? BizPlanBuilder fits the bill.

BizPlanBuilder doesn’t have a flashy, modern user interface―but it does have a very clear, intuitive one. You’ll be able to see your plan’s overall structure at a glance, so you can quickly navigate from your title page to your market trend section to that paragraph on your core values. And as you write, you’ll use a text editor that looks a whole lot like the word processing programs you’re already familiar with.

BizPlanBuilder software pricing

Data effective 3/13/23. At publishing time, amounts, rates, and requirements are current but are subject to change. Offers may not be available in all areas.

BizPlanBuilder also offers lots of helpful guidance for actually writing your plan. It gives you pre-written text, in which you just have to fill in relevant details. It offers explanations for what information you need to include in each section of your plan and way. It even gives you helpful tips from experts, so you’ll have all the information you need to plan like a pro.

So if you want planning software with almost no learning curve, you’ll like BizPlanBuilder.

Wise Business Plans: Best professional service

• Custom quote

Unlike all the other companies on this list, Wise Business Plans doesn’t offer software. Instead, it offers professional business plan writing services―meaning someone does all the hard work for you.

Now, you might think that sounds expensive―and you’re probably right (you have to request a custom quote for your plan). But there’s a lot to be said for expertise, and Wise Business Plans has plenty of that. Your business plan will get written by an experienced writer (with an MBA, no less). They’ll get information from you, do their own research, and then write your plan. You get one free revision, and you can always pay for more.  

Wise Business Plans service pricing

Your end result will be a polished, entirely original business plan. (You can even get printed copies.) And best of all, you won’t have to spend your precious time working on the plan yourself. Wise Business Plans takes care of all the hard parts, and makes your business look good while doing it. Sounds like a service worth paying for, right?

Put simply, if you want the most professional business plan possible, we recommend using Wise Business Plans’s writing service.

Business Sorter: Best for internal plans

Many businesses need plans to show to people outside the company (to get financing, for example). But what if you just need a plan for internal use? In that case, we suggest Business Sorter.

Business Sorter uses a unique card-based method to help you craft the perfect business plan. (You can watch a demo video to see how it works.) You’ll plan some of the usual things, like finances and marketing. But Business Sorter also lets you make plans for specific teams and team members. It also emphasizes more internal matters, like operations, that might get overlooked in a business plan for outsiders.

Business Sorter software pricing

After you’ve made your business plan, Business Sorter also helps you stay accountable to it. You can create tasks, give them deadlines, and assign them to team members―giving you basic project management tools to make sure your business plans become business actions. (Oh, and did we mention that Business Sorter has the lowest starting prices of any software on this list?)

It all adds up to a business plan software that works great for internal planning.

GoSmallBiz: Most extra features

Want to get way more than just business planning software? Then you probably want GoSmallBiz.

See, GoSmallBiz offers business plan software as part of its service―but it’s just one part of a much bigger whole. You also get everything from discounts on legal services to a website builder to a CRM (customer relationship manager) to business document templates. And more. In other words, you get just about everything you need to get your startup off the ground.

GoSmallBiz software pricing

Don’t worry though―you still get all the business planning help you need. GoSmallBiz gives you business plan templates, step-by-step instructions, and the ability to create financial projections. And if you get stuck, GoSmallBiz will put you in touch with experts who can offer advice.

If you want business planning and much, much more, give GoSmallBiz a try.

• PlanGuru : Best financial forecasting
• EnLoop : Cheapest tool for startups

We recommend the software above for most business planning needs. Some businesses, though, might be interested in these more specialized planning software.

Honorable mention software pricing

PlanGuru: Best financial forecasting features

PlanGuru is pretty pricey compared to our other picks, but you might find its forecasting features worth paying for. It has more forecasting methods than other software (over 20) plus it lets you forecast up to 10 years.

EnLoop: Cheapest tool for startups

EnLoop doesn’t have our favorite features or interface, but it does have really, really low pricing plus a seven-day free trial. It's the most affordable software for startup business planning and still provides all the essential features like financial analysis, team collaboration, charting, and more.

Data as of 3 /13/23 . Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. * With annual billing

Several of our previous favorite planning software, including BusinessPlanPro and StratPad, seem to have gone out of business.

A business plan is a written, living document that tells the story of your business and what you plan to do with it. It serves as the source of truth for you—the business owner—as well as potential partners, employees, and investors, but it also serves as a roadmap of what you want your business to be.

Why you need a business plan

While some small-business owners don’t see the point of creating a formal business plan, it can have some concrete benefits for your business. For example, one 2016 study found that business owners with written plans are more successful than those that don’t. 1

Still too vague? Then let’s get specific.

If you ever seek business funding (from, say, banks, angel investors , or venture capitalists ), you’ll have to prove that your business deserves the money you want. A formal business plan―complete with financial data and projections―gives you a professional document you can use to make your case. (In fact, most potential investors will expect you to have a business plan ready.)

Even if you’re not seeking funding right now, a business plan can help your business. A formal plan can guide your business’s direction and decision making. It can keep your business accountable (by, for example, seeing if your business meets the financial projections you included). And a formal plan offers a great way to make sure your team stays on the same page.

What to include in your business plan

Not all business plans are created equal. To make a really useful business plan, you’ll want to include a number of elements:

• Basic information about your business
• Your products/services
• Market and industry analysis
• What makes your business competitive
• Strategies and upcoming plans
• Your team (and your team’s background)
• Current financial status
• Financial and market projections
• Executive summary

Of course, you can include more or fewer elements―whatever makes sense for your business. Just make sure your business plan is comprehensive (but not overwhelming).

How business plan software can help

With so many elements to include, business plan creation can take a while. Business plan software tries to speed things up.

Most business plan software will include prompts for each section. In some cases, you can just fill in your business’s specific information, and the software will write the text for you. In other cases, the software will give you specific guidance and examples, helping you write the text yourself.

Plus, business plan software can help you stay organized. You’ll usually get intuitive menus that let you quickly flip through sections. So rather than endlessly scrolling through a long document in a word processor, you can quickly find your way around your plan. Some software even lets you drag and drop sections to reorganize your plan.

Sounds way easier than just staring at a blank page and trying to start from scratch, right?

Choosing business plan software

To find the right business plan builder for your business, you’ll want to compare features. For example, would you rather write your own text, getting prompts and advice from your software? Or would you rather go with a fill-in-the-blank method?

Likewise, think about the elements you need. If your plan will have a heavy focus on finances, you’ll want to choose business plan software with robust financial projection features. If you care more about market and competitor analysis, look for software that can help with that research.

You may also want to find business plan software that integrates with your business accounting software . Some plan builders will import data from Xero, QuickBooks, etc. to quickly generate your financial data and projections.

And of course, you’ll want to compare prices. After all, you always want to end up with software that fits your business budget.

The right business plan software can make your life easier. With LivePlan ’s wide breadth of features and online learning tools, you can’t go wrong. Plus, BizPlanBuilder 's one-time pricing makes it easy to invest while Business Sorter has a low starting cost. And if you're business is looking to grow, GoSmallBiz and Wise Business Plans will scale with you.

But of course, different companies have different needs. So shop around until you find the software that’s best for you and your business.

Now that you've got a business plan, take a look at our checklist for starting a small business.  It can help you make sure you have everything else you need to get your startup off to a good start!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Methodology

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

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

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

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Disclaimer: The information featured in this article is based on our best estimates of pricing, package details, contract stipulations, and service available at the time of writing. All information is subject to change. Pricing will vary based on various factors, including, but not limited to, the customer’s location, package chosen, added features and equipment, the purchaser’s credit score, etc. For the most accurate information, please ask your customer service representative. Clarify all fees and contract details before signing a contract or finalizing your purchase.

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

What is Bizplan Used For?

Bizplan is one of the leading business plan software helping startups, entrepreneurs, and small business owners create business plans with direct access to planning experts.

This tool provides a guided business plan creator to streamline the writing process. This step-by-step builder breaks the tedious process into bite-sized pieces that you can actually complete.

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

That’s not it. Once you’re done creating a business plan, you can directly share it with investors or use Fundable—their online fundraising platform, to raise capital for your business.

This platform has already helped raise over $500 million for startups.

Besides business & financial planning and fundraising tools, Bizplan provides guided courses on funding and direct access to a community of 20,000+ founders and experts.

Overall, Bizplan could be an excellent investment for startups and small businesses to create a comprehensive business plan. Still, it may lack in certain areas—like industry-specific guidance or assistance.

What is Liveplan Used For?

Liveplan is also a business planning and management software created to help entrepreneurs and small business owners succeed through strategic business planning. With tools like Liveplan, creating a business plan takes only a few hours, which used to take several weeks to complete.

This tool simplifies professional business plan creation with its instruction manuals, tutorials, and expert guidance, whereas its automated financials built-in with formulas ensure precise financial forecasting. 

With its robust financial and budgeting capabilities, users can easily track financial projections, create and manage budgets, and track the company’s financial health. In contrast, AI assistance helps write or improve content using artificial intelligence.

Overall, Liveplan provides a comprehensive suite of features including one-page plans, budgeting, financial reporting, collaboration tools, AI assistance, automatic financials, and others to create a seamless business planning experience.

However, you may need to look for other Liveplan alternatives considering its steep learning, limited financial analysis capabilities, and limited integrations.

Best Suitable for

Start with $20.75

Entrepreneurs, Startups, Small Businesses

Start with $15

SMBs, Consultants, Educators.

Start with $7

Startups, SMBs, Consultants, Educators.

At a Glance

If you compare some of these tools’ basic but essential functionalities, you can certainly make a better decision. Looking at the comparison chart, it becomes apparent that both tools stand very closely to each other.

For instance, considering value for money and features, Bizplan and Liveplan are close. Although, when it comes to ease-of-use customer support, Liveplan seems slightly ahead of Bizplan.

Have a look at the user ratings of Bizplan vs. Liveplan along with Upmetrics to get a better understanding of all the tools.

Quick Comparison

Now let’s dive deeper to understand these tools better to see which comes on top, Bizplan or Liveplan. If we compare some of the essential aspects of these tools, it will become apparent that Bizplan and Liveplan have different strengths and weaknesses.

Bizplan looks a little pricey, with its packages starting from $20.75, compared to Liveplan, which costs $15. However, it has unlimited team members and workspaces, which justifies its high pricing.

When considering basic features associated with a business planning tool like business plan builder, financial forecasting, and business plan templates, both Bizplan and Liveplan have all of them.

Still, Bizplan lacks features like a one-page pitch builder, AI Assistance, and Strategic planning. Not having a free trial or a demo plan is another drawback for both tools. Bizplan seems ahead with email, chat, and call support compared to Liveplan, as it lacks call support.

It’s hard not to mention that Upmetrics provides all the features, including AI assistance, making an incredible Bizplan alternative at an unbelievable price!

You can compare all the notable features of Liveplan vs. Bizplan along with Upmetrics to see which one is better.

• A Bizplan subscription includes access to self-guided courses, 650 expert masterclass videos , and 1,000+ how-to guides on business & financial planning.
• Unlike other business planning software, Bizplan offers a lifetime plan at $349 , which can be an excellent choice for business consultants.
• A fundraising platform to pitch your plan directly to investors—the platform has helped startups raise over $500 million in committed capital.
• While Bizplan offers templates and prompts for timely guidance, some users may find the platform lacking in customization options.
• According to some users, text-only sections offer you the freedom to write in any format, but the output isn't aesthetically structured , so there's no real advantage over Word.
• The process of creating a financial model is time-consuming and getting to grips with the platform can be a bit challenging.
• Writing a business plan is easy with its step-by-step guidance , AI Assistance , and industry-specific business plan examples.
• It provides industry benchmarks and suggests budget items to help you understand your market and make informed decisions.
• Its automated financials , built-in with formulas, help you automatically project your cash flow.
• It only connects to Xero and QuickBooks , and you have no control over the data or time period it syncs.
• Some users may find Liveplan challenging to try and figure out even after watching video tutorials and guides.
• Liveplan’s formatting options are a bit limiting in certain aspects of formatting. i.e., not providing font selection options.
• This web app simplifies the heavy lifting of thinking/planning of writing a business plan, pitch deck, etc.
• Even if you have never done a business plan, the step-by-step guides and template make it super easy to create a fantastic business plan in a couple of hours.
• Upmetrics’ AI Assistance is the best solution for business plan writing . It helps you auto-write, auto-improve, shorten-expand, and change the tone of your text.
• Upmetrics has a library of 400+ templates best for SMBs, but they should add a few more templates for small niche business types.
• Some users reported that financials are a bit complicated to follow, but this isn’t the case with only Upmetrics. Financial planning, in general, could be complicated for a beginner with any business planning software.
• Upmetrics is an excellent business planning tool. However, it’s not available in French or other regional languages, which can be a drawback for those who do not use English as a business language.

Pricing is one of the most vital aspects when comparing Bizplan vs. Liveplan or other tools. As both tools offer significantly different pricing plans, it’s a bit challenging to have a fair comparison.

Bizplan has three monthly, annual, and lifetime subscription plans, which cost $29, $249, and $349 , respectively. All these pricing plans include unlimited business plans, collaborators, and all features on Bizplan.

On the other hand, Liveplan has two subscription plans, standard and premium, which cost $15 and $30 per month on annual billing. Liveplan’s standard and premium plans provide access to 5 contributors to work on one business plan which is limiting compared to Bizplan.

However, Bizplan’s pricing plans aren’t customized to cater to specific audiences and may lack many advanced functionalities compared to Liveplan . 

Here’s a head-to-head comparison of all pricing plans, Liveplan vs. Bizplan along with Upmetrics to get a clearer view.

*Pricing is based on annual billing.

In-depth Business Plan Builder Comparison

Let’s take a look at the feature that can set any business planning software on solid ground—business plan builder.

Both tools offer a step-by-step guided business plan builder with necessary features, including drag-and-drop templates, business outlines, progress tracker, performance dashboard, and more. Though Bizplan lacks many advanced features like task management and a one-page pitch builder compared to Liveplan.

Though Liveplan seems ahead of Bizplan by offering these features, it lacks advanced functionalities like business plan version control, strategic planning, and a pinboard to organize ideas.

Upmetrics, however, does have all the general and advanced features necessary for business planning, making it a very reliable and affordable Bizplan alternative .

Here’s an in-depth comparison of Bizplan vs Liveplan’s business plan builder feature along with Upmetrics for a clear understanding.

In-depth Financial Planning Comparison

Financial planning is the most critical aspect of business planning. So it’s time to compare financial planning features of both tools.

Be it Liveplan or Bizplan, both tools offer excellent financial features and tools for accurate financial projections. Both tools include necessary features like financial reporting, dashboard, automatic financials, country currency formatting, and more.

However, Bizplan lacks some advanced forecasting functionalities like “what if” scenarios, real-time profit & cash forecasting, and integration with accounting software like Xero & QuickBooks.

Check out this table for Bizplan vs Liveplan comparison of financial forecasting features.

In-depth Step-by-step Guide and Templates Comparison

We compared the business plan builder and financial features of both planning software. Now it’s time to compare their step-by-step guides and business plan templates.

Both tools, Bizplan and Liveplan, offer business plan templates and step-by-step instructions to help you create a business plan. However, Bizplan lacks how-to articles & guides and webinars & events. Though Liveplan has these features, just like Bizplan, it lacks a thorough business planning course.

In contrast, Upmetrics provides all the necessary features , step-by-step guidance and includes a detailed course on business planning to help you out.

Here’s the table for the Bizplan vs Liveplan comparison of step-by-step guides and templates.

In-depth Collaboration Capability Comparison

You need a tool with excellent collaboration capabilities when working with a team. That’s why collaboration is yet another aspect of business planning tools we can’t afford to ignore.

Bizplan and Liveplan both have different pricing plans, so their collaboration capabilities have to be different. While both tools allow online sharing and access to unlimited guest viewers, Liveplan is limited to 5 team members . 

In contrast, with Bizplan, there’s no limit for team members and contributors as their plans allow unlimited team members to work on unlimited business plans. However, it is fairly expensive for this extra feature.

Following is a comparative chart of the collaboration capabilities, Bizplan vs. Liveplan, along with Upmetrics.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is bizplan better than liveplan.

Bizplan and Liveplan are great business planning tools with necessary features, including step-by-step guidance, financial forecasting, and team collaboration. Compared with Liveplan, Bizplan is more expensive and lacks many critical features.

But both tools are pretty overpriced for startups and small business owners, considering their feature offerings.

What are Liveplan and Bizplan?

Liveplan and Bizplan are both diverse business planning tools helping entrepreneurs create investment-ready business and financial plans with advanced business planning features and step-by-step guidance.

What is better than Liveplan?

Liveplan is an incredible business plan software. However, Upmetrics provides all the advanced business planning features that Liveplan provides at a much more affordable price, making it a better Liveplan alternative .

Does Liveplan have a free version?

Liveplan doesn’t offer a free plan, trial, or demo. However, they do offer a 35-day money-back guarantee on all their plans. So you can get a refund if you don’t find it the right fit.

Do people still use Bizplan?

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550+ Business Plan Examples to Launch Your Business

Need help writing your business plan? Explore over 550 industry-specific business plan examples for inspiration.

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Accounting, Insurance & Compliance Business Plans

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Example business plan format

Before you start exploring our library of business plan examples, it's worth taking the time to understand the traditional business plan format . You'll find that the business plan samples in this library and most investor-approved business plans will include the following sections:

Executive summary

The executive summary is an overview of your business and your plans. It comes first in your business plan and is ideally only one to two pages. You should also plan to write this section last after you've written your full business plan.

Your executive summary should include a summary of the problem you are solving, a description of your product or service, an overview of your target market, a brief description of your team, a summary of your financials, and your funding requirements (if you are raising money).

Products & services

The products & services chapter of your business plan is where the real meat of your plan lives. It includes information about the problem that you're solving, your solution, and any traction that proves that it truly meets the need you identified.

This is your chance to explain why you're in business and that people care about what you offer. It needs to go beyond a simple product or service description and get to the heart of why your business works and benefits your customers.

Market analysis

Conducting a market analysis ensures that you fully understand the market that you're entering and who you'll be selling to. This section is where you will showcase all of the information about your potential customers. You'll cover your target market as well as information about the growth of your market and your industry. Focus on outlining why the market you're entering is viable and creating a realistic persona for your ideal customer base.

Competition

Part of defining your opportunity is determining what your competitive advantage may be. To do this effectively you need to get to know your competitors just as well as your target customers. Every business will have competition, if you don't then you're either in a very young industry or there's a good reason no one is pursuing this specific venture.

To succeed, you want to be sure you know who your competitors are, how they operate, necessary financial benchmarks, and how your business will be positioned. Start by identifying who your competitors are or will be during your market research. Then leverage competitive analysis tools like the competitive matrix and positioning map to solidify where your business stands in relation to the competition.

Marketing & sales

The marketing and sales plan section of your business plan details how you plan to reach your target market segments. You'll address how you plan on selling to those target markets, what your pricing plan is, and what types of activities and partnerships you need to make your business a success.

The operations section in our business plan examples covers the day-to-day workflows for your business to deliver your product or service. What's included here fully depends on the type of business. Typically you can expect to add details on your business location, sourcing and fulfillment, use of technology, and any partnerships or agreements that are in place.

Milestones & metrics

The milestones section is where you lay out strategic milestones to reach your business goals.

A good milestone clearly lays out the parameters of the task at hand and sets expectations for its execution. You'll want to include a description of the task, a proposed due date, who is responsible, and eventually a budget that's attached. You don't need extensive project planning in this section, just key milestones that you want to hit and when you plan to hit them.

You should also discuss key metrics, which are the numbers you will track to determine your success. Some common data points worth tracking include conversion rates, customer acquisition costs, profit, etc.

Company & team

Use this section of your business plan to describe your current team and who you need to hire. If you intend to pursue funding, you'll need to highlight the relevant experience of your team members. Basically, this is where you prove that this is the right team to successfully start and grow the business. You will also need to provide a quick overview of your legal structure and history if you're already up and running.

Financial projections

Your financial plan should include a sales and revenue forecast, profit and loss statement, cash flow statement, and a balance sheet. You may not have established financials of any kind at this stage. Not to worry, rather than getting all of the details ironed out, focus on making projections and strategic forecasts for your business. You can always update your financial statements as you begin operations and start bringing in actual accounting data.

Now, if you intend to pitch to investors or submit a loan application, you'll also need a "use of funds" report in this business plan section. This outlines how you intend to leverage any funding for your business and how much you're looking to acquire. Like the rest of your financials, this can always be updated later on.

The appendix isn't a required element of your business plan. However, it is a useful place to add any charts, tables, definitions, legal notes, or other critical information that supports your business plan. These are often lengthier or out-of-place information that simply didn't work naturally into the structure of your plan. You'll notice that in these business plan examples, the appendix mainly includes extended financial statements.

Types of business plans explained

While all business plans cover similar categories, the style and function fully depend on how you intend to use your plan. To get the most out of your business plan, it's best to find a format that suits your needs. Here are a few common business plan types worth considering.

Traditional business plan

The tried-and-true traditional business plan is a formal document meant to be used for external purposes. Typically this is the type of plan you'll need when applying for funding or pitching to investors. It can also be used when training or hiring employees, working with vendors, or in any other situation where the full details of your business must be understood by another individual.

Business model canvas

The business model canvas is a one-page template designed to demystify the business planning process. It removes the need for a traditional, copy-heavy business plan, in favor of a single-page outline that can help you and outside parties better explore your business idea.

The structure ditches a linear format in favor of a cell-based template. It encourages you to build connections between every element of your business. It's faster to write out and update, and much easier for you, your team, and anyone else to visualize your business operations.

One-page business plan

The true middle ground between the business model canvas and a traditional business plan is the one-page business plan . This format is a simplified version of the traditional plan that focuses on the core aspects of your business.

By starting with a one-page plan , you give yourself a minimal document to build from. You'll typically stick with bullet points and single sentences making it much easier to elaborate or expand sections into a longer-form business plan.

Growth planning

Growth planning is more than a specific type of business plan. It's a methodology. It takes the simplicity and styling of the one-page business plan and turns it into a process for you to continuously plan, forecast, review, and refine based on your performance.

It holds all of the benefits of the single-page plan, including the potential to complete it in as little as 27 minutes . However, it's even easier to convert into a more detailed business plan thanks to how heavily it's tied to your financials. The overall goal of growth planning isn't to just produce documents that you use once and shelve. Instead, the growth planning process helps you build a healthier company that thrives in times of growth and remains stable through times of crisis.

It's faster, keeps your plan concise, and ensures that your business plan is always up-to-date.

Download a free sample business plan template

Ready to start writing your own business plan but aren't sure where to start? Download our free business plan template that's been updated for 2024.

This simple, modern, investor-approved business plan sample is designed to make planning easy. It's a proven format that has helped over 1 million businesses write business plans for bank loans, funding pitches, business expansion, and even business sales. It includes additional instructions for how to write each section and is formatted to be SBA-lender approved. All you need to do is fill in the blanks.

How to use an example business plan to help you write your own

How do you know what elements need to be included in your business plan, especially if you've never written one before? Looking at business plan examples can help you visualize what a full, traditional plan looks like, so you know what you're aiming for before you get started. Here's how to get the most out of a business plan sample.

Choose a business plan example from a similar type of company

You don't need to find an example of a business plan that's an exact fit for your business. Your business location, target market, and even your particular product or service may not match up exactly with the business plans in our gallery. But, you don't need an exact match for it to be helpful. Instead, look for a business plan sample that's related to the type of business you're starting.

For example, if you want to start a vegetarian restaurant, a plan for a steakhouse can be a great match. While the specifics of your actual startup will differ, the elements you'd want to include in your restaurant's business plan are likely to be very similar.

Use a business plan example as a guide

Every startup and small business is unique, so you'll want to avoid copying an example of a business plan word for word. It just won't be as helpful, since each business is unique. You want your business plan to be a useful tool for starting a business —and getting funding if you need it.

One of the key benefits of writing a business plan is simply going through the process. When you sit down to write, you'll naturally think through important pieces, like your startup costs, your target market , and any market analysis or research you'll need to do to be successful.

You'll also look at where you stand among your competition (and everyone has competition), and lay out your goals and the milestones you'll need to meet. Looking at an example of a business plan's financials section can be helpful because you can see what should be included, but take them with a grain of salt. Don't assume that financial projections for a sample company will fit your own small business.

If you're looking for more resources to help you get started, our business planning guide is a good place to start. You can also download our free business plan template .

Think of business planning as a process, instead of a document

Think about business planning as something you do often , rather than a document you create once and never look at again. If you take the time to write a plan that really fits your own company, it will be a better, more useful tool to grow your business. It should also make it easier to share your vision and strategy so everyone on your team is on the same page.

Adjust your business plan regularly to use it as a business management tool

Keep in mind that businesses that use their business plan as a management tool to help run their business grow 30 percent faster than those businesses that don't. For that to be true for your company, you'll think of a part of your business planning process as tracking your actual results against your financial forecast on a regular basis.

If things are going well, your business plan will help you think about how you can re-invest in your business. If you find that you're not meeting goals, you might need to adjust your budgets or your sales forecast. Either way, tracking your progress compared to your plan can help you adjust quickly when you identify challenges and opportunities—it's one of the most powerful things you can do to grow your business.

Prepare to pitch your business

If you're planning to pitch your business to investors or seek out any funding, you'll need a pitch deck to accompany your business plan. A pitch deck is designed to inform people about your business. You want your pitch deck to be short and easy to follow, so it's best to keep your presentation under 20 slides.

Your pitch deck and pitch presentation are likely some of the first things that an investor will see to learn more about your company. So, you need to be informative and pique their interest. Luckily we have a round-up of real-world pitch deck examples used by successful startups that you can review and reference as you build your pitch.

For more resources, check out our full Business Pitch Guide .

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More From Forbes

Why A Thoughtful Business Plan Is Essential For Success

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Starting a business is an exciting journey, full of opportunities and challenges. For women entrepreneurs, particularly those transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the path can feel daunting. But with the right roadmap (a well-thought-out business plan), you can navigate the uncertainties and set your business up for success.

A business plan is more than just a document; it's your blueprint for building and growing your business. It outlines your goals, strategies, and the steps you need to take to achieve them. A strong business plan not only guides your decisions but also communicates your vision to potential investors, partners, and employees.

Here’s why a business plan is crucial and how you can create one that will steer your business toward success.

The Importance of a Well-Thought-Out Business Plan

1. clarifies your vision and objectives.

As you build out your business plan it forces you to think deeply about your business idea and if it’s a viable idea. What exactly are you trying to achieve? What are your short-term and long-term goals? By putting these thoughts on paper, you create a clear vision that will guide every decision you make.

2. Helps You Understand Your Market

Researching and writing a business plan requires you to analyze your market. Who are your competitors? Who is your target audience? What are the market trends? This understanding helps you position your business strategically and identify opportunities for growth.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, 3. defines your strategy.

A business plan includes your marketing strategy, sales approach, and operational plan and outlines how you will achieve objectives. This strategic framework ensures that your efforts are aligned and focused on achieving your goals.

4. Secures Funding

If you need financial support to start or grow your business, a well-prepared business plan is essential. Investors and lenders want to see a clear plan for how you will generate revenue and repay any loans. A business plan that demonstrates a thorough understanding of your industry and a solid strategy is more likely to attract funding.

5. Guides Your Decision-Making

A business plan serves as a reference point, helping you make informed decisions that align with your long-term goals. By consistently referring to your business plan, you ensure that every decision contributes to the overarching vision and objectives of your business, ultimately driving growth and success.

6. Tracks Your Progress

A business plan includes milestones and key performance indicators (KPIs) that allow you to track your progress. Regularly reviewing your business plan helps you stay on course, adjust your strategies as needed, and celebrate your successes.

The bottom line is that creating a business plan is a crucial step in turning your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. It’s your roadmap, guiding you through the complexities of starting and growing a business. For women entrepreneurs, especially those transitioning from a corporate career, a well-thought-out business plan can provide the clarity, confidence, and direction needed to succeed. Take the time to craft a business plan that reflects your vision and sets the foundation for a thriving, profitable business.

Melissa Houston, CPA is the author of Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Creating a Profitable Business and the founder of She Means Profit . As a Business Strategist for small business owners, Melissa helps women making mid-career shifts, to launch their dream businesses, and also guides established business owners to grow their businesses to more profitably.

The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace any professional or expert accounting and/or tax advice whatsoever.

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