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5 Best Business Plan Software in 2022

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

When you’re starting a business, developing a strong business plan will be one of the first steps you take. Your business plan will cover everything from a detailed explanation of your products or services and pricing model to at least three years of financial projections—plus much more. Therefore, whether you’re not sure how to get started or you’re just looking to make the process easier, you may want to turn to business plan software for help.

In this guide, we'll break down five of the best business plan software options—discussing their pros, cons, features, pricing, and more—so you have all the information you need to decide which solution is right for your small business.

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The 5 best business plan software options

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

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

How much do you need?

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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...

• Business Plan Pro Review

Is it Right For You?

• Resource Reviews
• The Best Resources for Planning a Business

Last Updated: November 16, 2023 By TRUiC Team

Struggling to nail down a business plan?

There are tons of options available to help you jumpstart your planning, but it can be a pain to figure out exactly which option is best for you. Business Plan Pro has been one of the most popular for over two decades, and it just might be exactly what you’re looking for.

In this Business Plan Pro Review, we’ll outline pros and cons, pricing and features, customer reviews, and more to help you decide. Let’s dive in and figure out whether or not it’s the best bet for your business!

We also recommend checking out our review of the best business plan software tools .

Some Pros & Cons of Business Plan Pro

Pros of business plan pro.

• Experience : Business Plan Pro’s been on the market since 1991 and used by over a million businesses. Needless to say, they’ve come a long ways.
• One-time Payment : Unlike cloud-based software, Business Plan Pro doesn’t require any recurring payments. It’s a one-time upfront fee.
• Money-back Guarantee : Each of their plans come with a 60-day money back guarantee if you’re not totally satisfied.
• Educational : The software includes tons of educational content by founder and business guru Tim Berry, including a step-by-step video course on how to take advantage of every aspect of Business Plan Pro.

Cons of Business Plan Pro

• Accessibility : Since it’s not cloud-based, accessibility and collaboration opportunities are limited.
• Compatibility : Business Plan Pro is only compatible with Windows, so if you’re a Mac user, there are definitely better options out there for you.
• Design : The software doesn’t look as modern as platforms like LivePlan or StratPad. Pretty basic, old-school design aesthetic.

Business Plan Pro Alternative

LivePlan is a cloud-based business plan software that walks you through the entire planning process. We've used it, and highly recommend it.  Read Review

Pricing & Features

Business Plan Pro comes in two packages: Standard ($99.95) and Premier ($159.95). Palo Alto also advertises LivePlan alongside BPP, as its younger, more modern flanker.

Standard Package = $99.95 (One-time purchase)

Looking first at the Standard Package, Business Plan Pro offers customizable business plans along with useful tools like financial forecasting, industry profiling, 500+ sample plans, lender-approved formatting, currency support, and support resources.

Unlike companies that offer online subscription-based services, if you want to upgrade, you’ll have to pay the full sticker price, which can seem like a lot for some folks. Do keep in mind though, regardless of your package selection, you’ll have access to their services for life.

When to use: I recommend this package most if you want a pretty extensive suite of features, but don’t want the heavy duty subscription plan that often comes with them. All and all, it’s a pretty sweet deal for small businesses, that oftentimes don’t really need all the bell and whistles.

Premier Package = $159.95 (One-time purchase)

With Premier, you’ll get access to their Management Dashboard, hypothetical cash-flow scenarios, and some other advanced features. If all of these extra capabilities sound helpful, it might be worth spending the extra $60.

However, most small business owners really don’t need all of these or even have time to utilize them. Think critically about how much time you’re going to dedicate to the data and what features would actually come in handy before deciding on a plan!

Quick Note : As you can see, the makers of Business Plan Pro are essentially phasing out the software and putting the majority of their attention on LivePlan. To see why, check out the 50% off discount  they offer our readers.

When to use: This package makes a much better fit for larger organizations and established businesses. Because it also helps with the daily management of your business going forward, it makes for a solid service for those of you who don’t want to find 4 or 5 different tools for business management.

Recommended Package

For most of our readers, I’d recommend starting off with the Standard Package. They offer a whole slew of features and a one time purchase option so that you can use this software for as long as you like, without getting roped into a long-term subscription plan.

Customer Reviews

Looking into their customer reviews, there’s not a whole lot to go off of. While they have had a million users over almost three decades, we were only able to find a small handful of reviews.

Customer Reviews as of 9-17-2017:

• GetApp: 5/5, 1 vote
• Amazon: 3.8/5, 31 reviews

Now, I tend to see this as a positive thing. If the software was buggy, clunky or unusable, there would have been negative reviews cropping up all over the place. But that’s not the case.

In fact, the reviews that we did find were mostly positive. Most customers felt that the product did exactly as advertised, worked well and was surprisingly easy to navigate.

There are, however, a few things to keep in mind. If you choose to go with Business Plan Pro, plan accordingly. Customers have reported some confusion during set up, so it’s best to allow yourself some time to get used to the platform.

How Business Plan Pro Compares

Business Plan Pro has a lot of strengths, but it also has its weaknesses.

That’s why Palo Alto developed LivePlan , to begin with – they addressed the issues with BPP by creating an overall more streamlined software. Speaking of which, my team and I have put these two flankers from Palo Alto Software head to head so that you can see how both stack up.

Pricing: For these two, it really comes down to personal preference. Business Plan Pro allows you to purchase the whole software package for a one-time flat fee, so you don’t have to worry about it again.

LivePlan, on the other hand, offers a monthly subscription fee of a little over $11 a month. With LivePlan the upfront cost is significantly cheaper, but those do add up, so if you just want a one and done option BPP might suit your needs better.

Features: While both options are pretty jam-packed with features, LivePlan offers just a little bit more. They have tools available like performance checks, collaboration, data backups and more.

Because these two platforms come from the same company, Palo Alto Software has been actively trying to sort out some of the issues that Business Plan Pro has had in the past including Mac compatibility and online access, so if you’re looking for updated software, LivePlan is your best bet.

Customer Support: Business Plan Pro offers their customers phone and email support, but LivePlan wins out in the end. They offer phone, email and a responsive LiveChat option.

Additionally, Business Plan Pro offers a 30-day free trial of their specialist line to help you during the transition. Do keep in mind though, if you opt for this trial, you will be charged $29.95/mo after the first 30 days.

Number of Businesses Served: Here is where Business Plan Pro shines. Because they’ve been in the industry for so long, they’ve served over 1,000,000 customers. LivePlan has served roughly half that, coming in at about 500,000.

Explore Your Options

Pricing $19.95/month

500,000+ Businesses Planned So Far

Perfect for: Anyone wanting a full featured business plan software that walks you through the entire process

Business Plan Pro

Pricing $99.95 or $159.95

1 million+ Businesses Planned So Far

Perfect for: Anyone wanting a downloadable software with tested professional plans & tools

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it user-friendly.

For most folks, yes. It’s a dynamic software that can be put to use at multiple levels of complexity. Plus, helpful videos and other educational content by Tim Berry will be accessible every step of the way.

What about ongoing-support?

Their customer service is available via phone or live chat on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Pacific Time).

What’s their return process?

They offer a 60-day money back guarantee, so if you don’t love the software you can get a full refund.

Is there a trial version?

No, but if you don’t like their services you can return the software for your money back within 60 days of purchase.

Should You Use Business Plan Pro?

Based on everything we’ve talked about here, I’d give Business Plan Pro a 4.1 out of 5. They offer a ton of features to help with the business planning process and they’ve got decades of experience. That being said, if this doesn’t sound like your perfect fit, check out our  7 Best Business Planning Software Tools . Cheers!

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Included Features

• Step-By-Step Instructions
• Lender-Ready Statements
• Full Financial Forecast
• One-Page Pitch Builder
• 550+ Sample Plans
• Personal Onboarding Call

For businesses that also need financial tools to help them operate and grow.

• Industry Benchmark Data
• "What if" Scenarios
• Performance Dashboards
• Real-Time Profit & Cash Forecasting
• Export to Excel
• Syncs with QuickBooks Online & Xero

Includes everything in Standard, plus :

All subscriptions come with a 35-day money-back guarantee.

LivePlan Premium

Make confident decisions with liveplan premium.

Watch this 2-minute video to see how LivePlan Premium helps you figure out the best way to launch and grow your business.

Compare Features

All the features you need to:, impress lenders and investors.

Create a business plan that includes all the details and financial information that lenders expect to see.

Organize & test ideas

Keep all your business ideas organized in one spot. Build financial forecasts to see if they are profitable.

Learn business basics

Follow a step-by-step planning process that also helps you understand the basics of starting and running a company.

Stay focused on your goals

Set growth targets and track your progress to hold yourself accountable. This makes you twice as likely to achieve your goals.

Make data-driven decisions

Spot trends in your financial dashboard that help you figure out ways to boost profits or reduce costs.

Present with confidence

Report on the financials for your business using charts and graphs that anyone can understand.

Working with clients, students, or startups?

Liveplan for consultants.

Provide more value to your clients with business planning tools that fit seamlessly into your advising process.

LivePlan for educators

Help your students develop a deeper understanding of their future businesses. LivePlan integrates with any teaching style.

LivePlan for incubators & accelerators

See how LivePlan integrates with startup programs to support new venture planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of the premium package.

It gives you a system of advanced business planning and financial tools that helps your business thrive. Sleep easier knowing how much cash flow you'll have next week and next month, create milestones to execute your business strategy, and uncover powerful insights buried in your accounting data. Whether you're starting a new business or growing your existing one , LivePlan Premium helps you make the best possible business decisions.

Is there a free trial?

LivePlan offers a 35-Day Money-Back Guarantee which acts the same way as a free trial (yes, we do require a credit card to get started). Run LivePlan through its paces for up to 35 days and, if you're not satisfied, simply contact us for a 100% refund.

Will my data be safe and private?

Your business plan will remain secure and completely confidential. Our products run on a dedicated network with bank-level security that is locked down with firewalls and carefully monitored 24/7. For more information, please read our security and privacy policy pages.

Will LivePlan work for my industry?

LivePlan works for every industry: retail, restaurants, services, healthcare, and all other sectors. It also comes with over 550 sample plans you can use as a guide while writing your own plan. Plus, LivePlan has industry benchmarks for over 1,000 industries included. Knowing your industry standards helps ensure that your forecast is both challenging and achievable.

Can I have someone professionally review my plan?

Yes, we provide professional business plan reviews for an additional fee that includes — an introductory meeting, a full review of your plan within LivePlan, and a follow-up call covering notes on each section. You can learn more about the plan review process and schedule an introductory call with an expert advisor here .

Can I upgrade to a Premium package later?

Yes, you can upgrade from a Standard LivePlan package to a Premium package at any time.

Can I change or cancel my plan after signing up?

Yes, LivePlan has no long-term contracts of any kind. You can change from a monthly to an annual plan or downgrade from a Premium to a Standard package at any time - without a penalty.

What happens to my plan if I cancel my account?

Your plan is 100% yours at any time. You can take your plan with you when you go. If you decide to end your LivePlan subscription, just export your plan to Word or PDF before you sign out for the last time. You can also put your account on hold for a low monthly fee and we will keep all your data safe and secure for when you are ready to resume business.

Can I work on more than one business plan?

Yes, you can create an unlimited number of business plans on one account. However, only one plan can be open and edited at a time. If you need to edit multiple plans simultaneously, you can upgrade your account.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit cards as well as PayPal. You're protected with our 35-Day Money-Back Guarantee regardless of payment choice.

What if I have more questions?

Please see our full frequently asked questions page or contact us and we'd be happy to help you personally . Also, we offer a robust customer help center for all questions about using LivePlan, which we update constantly.

8 Business Plan Templates You Can Get for Free

8 min. read

Updated April 10, 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 .

Brought to you by

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Using ai and step-by-step instructions.

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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.

Explore: Smartsheet’s business plan template library  

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.

See why 1.2 million entrepreneurs have written their business plans with LivePlan

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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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a business plan and why is it important.

• 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.

How to Write a Business Plan?

• 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.

Who Can Benefit from Plannit AI?

• 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.

Why is Plannit AI the best choice for an AI business planning software?

• 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.

How can ChatGPT help me to create business plans?

• 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.

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The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

Cade Metz writes about artificial intelligence, driverless cars, robotics, virtual reality and other emerging areas of technology. More about Cade Metz

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