Top Seven Business Plan Software Programs

In order to implement a successful business plan, make sure you create a clear, concise business plan. Numerous software programs are available to create business plans; however, not all programs are created equal. Before you spend your hard earned money on a business plan software program, check out this list of the top seven business plan software applications.

Business Plan Pro

PaloAlto's Business Plan Pro is considered one of the best and easiest to use business plan software programs. With the start-up wizard, even beginners can quickly create effective business plans. Over 500 sample business plans are available to help you get started. Business Plan Pro comes in to editions: Standard and Premier. The Standard edition starts at just $99. Other tools included with Business Plan Pro are research materials such as e-books, forecasting tools such as graphs and charts, step by step help and support and import options from other software applications such as Quickbooks.

Plan Write

Plan Write from Business Resource Software provides a professional interface with step by step wizards examples. Business plans are divided into easy to navigate sections. Users can use the pre-loaded sections or create their own. The biggest problem with Plan Write is the lack of research and reference material. Though the program states it's geared towards beginners, more experienced users may make the most use of the Plan Write. Plan Write starts at $129.

BizPlan Builder Professional

JIAN Tools for Sales' BizPlan Builder Professional is a great business plan creator for intermediate to advanced users. With 20 years of experience, JIAN Tools has had plenty of time to perfect their product. With easy to use menus, finding business plan elements is quick and easy. BizPlan Builder Professional provides in-depth research and forecasting tools. Import, printing and publishing options are available to and from many popular applications such a Quickbooks and Microsoft Office. BizPlan Builder Professional starts at $129.

BizPlan DB

BizPlan DB is no where near as advanced as many other business plan software programs, but for users looking to create a simple business plan, this may be the perfect product. BizPlan DB users an interface similar to Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel. There are not as many tools as other programs, but comprehensive charts and graphs are available to forecast future earnings and trends. The biggest benefit of BizPlan DB is the price, which starts at just $18.

Business PlanMaker Professional

Individual Software's Business PlanMaker Professional steps users through the business plan creation process with samples, tips and advice to help create the best business plan possible. A great feature of this program is the Smart Tips which help to double check that all your information is in place. Business PlanMaker Professional provides detailed, easy to use research and forecasting tools. Though some of the more advanced features of other business plan software are missing, Business PlanMaker Professional is a steal at only $49.

Ultimate Business Planner

Ultimate Business Planner from Atlas Business Solutions provides a tabbed interface to quickly understand the basics for creating a business plan. Step by step guides are available with examples to help users get started. Ultimate Business Planner provides users with hundreds of start-up resources to help research all aspects of their business plans. The forecasting tools are easy to understand so users can quickly predict the possibility of future earning potential. Ultimate Business Planner starts at $99.

BizPlan

BizPlan from Go BIG Network provides something a little different from other business plan software programs - an online interface. Instead of installing software, subscribed users can create their business plans online. Step by step guides are available to help beginners. Plans are available in both a Basic and Professional version, depending on your needs. Business plans can be created with the help of social networking tools to help further research your business. BizPlan uses Google Documents as their online environment. BizPlan starts at $29.

Before you create a business plan on your own, consider using one of the above business plan software programs to ensure your business plan is well researched and professional. The better your business plan, the better chance you have of finding funding for your business idea.