Business Plan Software

[GoChiro]

Does anyone have good suggestions or have knowledge of the business plan software that is out there?
What's good/bad?
Who does a better job than others?
Recommendations?

[Paul]

Business plan programs are little more than templates. They do give you a generic formula that you can follow but no real guidance or strategic direction.
Score and the SBA both have free plan builders. BPlans.com has free templates but you can also buy their program or subscribe, I forget which. There are plenty of others around. These templates are good for basic traditional business models but not that great for more complex concepts.

If you haven’t written a business plan before it will be worth your while to study up a bit. These templates don’t really help much more than just in format.
Depending on the purpose of the plan there is some strategic thought needed. A plan for bank funding is much different than a plan to attract investors.
Plans should be written with a particular funding target in mind. You need to be particularly creative and strategic if the business is a bit risky or the business is not a traditional model.

What kind of business are you writing a plan for? I might have a plan written that may be good as a sample.

Free Small Business Planning Templates | SCORE (http://www.score.org/resources/business-planning-financial-statements-template-gallery)
Create a Business Plan | The U.S. Small Business Administration | SBA.gov (http://www.sba.gov/tools/business-plan/1?bplogin)
Free Business Plan Samples | Bplans (http://www.bplans.com/sample_business_plans.php)

[GoChiro]

Paul,

Thank you for the information. I am starting a chiropractic practice.

[Paul]

You need bank loan or investment? I don't have a plan for your kind of practice but i did a short plan for a small dental tech school once. Maybe it would be useful as a sample.

[GoChiro]

Yes, I will need one or both of those options. I do have a few plans from my field that have proven successful. I am going to start with those and if I get stuck, I will look for further help. Thank you for your input!

[Paul]

Perfect if you have samples from your field. Keep in mind it's not unusual to have two plans, one for banks and one for investors. Criteria for debt or equity is obviously different.

[GoChiro]

Excellent, thank you!