Use Software Programs to Write Your Business Plan

There are several software programs available that can help guide you through the process of organizing and writing your business plan. However, before purchasing any software, you should answer the following questions:

• Is the program easy to learn and easy to use? The advantage of software is to expedite the process by serving as a business-planning tool. If the learning curve is too time-consuming, the software may not be right for your purposes.
• Will I have the same business plan as thousands of other people? You may not want to use the cookie-cutter approach. Make sure the software provides templates that can be customized to fit the specifics of your business. Remember to let your voice shine in the business plan, regardless of the tool you use to create it.
• Can I input data from my accounting software? You want to be able to utilize the data you already have on your system. Make sure this is easy to accomplish.
• What type of customer support is available? You need to be able to get your questions answered quickly and easily.
• Have I compared the product features and price with other software and software dealers?
• Does the software meet my system’s requirements?

Among the top business plan software available, you will find:

• Business Plan Pro 2006 from Palo Alto Software. Business Plan Pro includes a 200+ page manual that also serves as a guide to business plans in general, and two leading business-plan publications. You select a type of business (retail, service, manufacturing, etc.) and the program leads you through the process, presenting each section of the plan as you proceed. Some 500 sample plans are provided. Two versions: Pro Premier and Premier.
• Plan Magic 9 from Plan Magic Corp. Plan Magic 9 leads users through the business plan, from the Table of Contents to the Appendices, and provides automated financials. Templates for more than 40 businesses are available. Features include a products generator that allows you to include numerous products and free updates for six months. Several general and specialized versions are available, including foreign language packages.
• PlanWrite from Business Research Software. A built-in wizard guides you through the process and allows you to shape the plan for your type of business. Along with samples, features include complete automated financials and easy interface capabilities with QuickBooks Pro. Three versions: PlanWrite For Business, PlanWrite Expert Edition, and PlanWrite for Loans.

Other programs include ABS Ultimate Business Planner from Atlas Business Solutions Inc. and BizPlan Builder from JIAN.