Warren Said:

What business plan software/template to buy?

We Answered:

I've looked at a few different software packages for business/marketing planning, and the one I like the best is Business Plan Pro (currently in Ver. 11) from Palo Alto Software. http://www.paloalto.com/

It is easy to use, it has a lot of examples that you can draw from, and there's good technical support. They also make Marketing Plan Pro, which is also pretty good.

It isn't overly expensive at around a hundred bucks. If you want free, they have another site where you can download plans that were created with Business Plan Pro for free: http://www.bplans.com/ . That site also has lots of info on creating the plan and other business startup advice that you may find helpful.

There are other packages available, some which are really just templates without guidance, some that are more suited for much bigger projects than yours. Overall, I've found BP Pro to be a good compromise between the two.

The software I've mentioned is for Windows. If you're using a Mac, you're pretty much out of luck: I've yet to find a decent business planning software package for that platform. For my Macintosh clients, I recommend they install Parallels Desktop and run BP Pro on Windows on their Mac.

Hope this helps, and good luck with the new venture!

Certified Management Consultant, trainer, executive coach.

Gloria Said:

Who has the best business plan software? Or is it better to do it on my own?

We Answered:

I have tested several business plan softwares, but I like Palo Alto Business Plan Pro 2006 http://www.paloalto.com/ the best. It is easiest to follow and the financials are easier to do (not what I fully wanted, but the best among the bunch). Plus, it has over 500 different sample business plans that you can look at. It also allows you todesign your own loan documents, summary memo, product descriptions, marketing plans and more.

Of course you can do it with just MS Word - as long as all the ingredients are there. Using a software just allows you to make sure that you are not forgetting any gritty nitty that you may need.

I have written business plans in Word without problem at all. If you are familiar with the structure of a business plan and know what to put in there, you don't need a software. Sometimes, a software may even confuse you because it asks questions that are not relevant to your business and circumstances.

Sam Said:

im starting an office lunch delivery system in kenya, can i find free business plan software or sme1 2plan it?

We Answered:

Go to http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/ or http://www.bplan.com/ where you will find sample plans and instructions on how to write a business plan

Joyce Said:

Is there any software that allows me to Write a Business Plan on MAC?

We Answered:

I quite like Process. its really the best i've found in 3 years
http://www.jumsoft.com/process/

Elmer Said:

Help. I need a 10 page business plan, due a week from now!?

We Answered:

The SBA (Small Business Administration) web site - http://www.sba.gov - is a great resource for information on preparing for and starting a small business (even a mock one). They have an Automated Business Plan Template that seems to be exactly what you need:

http://web.sba.gov/busplantemplate/BizPl…

Instructions: This template is designed to help you build a business plan. Review and complete each section of the template. At the end of the program you will be able to generate and save a formatted business plan which can later be further modified or presented as a final product. Completing this plan is a first step to building a successful business.