Quick Overview
- 1#1: LivePlan - Comprehensive business planning software that creates professional plans with financial forecasting, performance tracking, and investor-ready pitch decks.
- 2#2: Enloop - AI-powered tool that automatically writes, formats, and scores business plans based on your inputs.
- 3#3: Upmetrics - User-friendly online platform with customizable templates, financial modeling, and real-time collaboration for business plans.
- 4#4: Bizplan - Drag-and-drop business plan builder designed for startups with financial projections and exportable documents.
- 5#5: PlanGuru - Advanced financial planning and budgeting software perfect for detailed forecasting in business plans.
- 6#6: ProjectionHub - Cloud-based financial projection tool tailored for SBA loans and comprehensive business planning.
- 7#7: IdeaBuddy - Step-by-step business plan creator that guides users from idea validation to full financial plans.
- 8#8: The Business Plan Shop - Online software offering integrated financial planning, market analysis, and professional templates for business plans.
- 9#9: StratPad - Mobile and web-based app for creating strategy-focused business plans with financial dashboards.
- 10#10: Cuttles - AI-driven business plan generator that produces customizable plans for startups and small businesses.
Tools were selected based on comprehensive assessment of key features (financial modeling, collaboration, template flexibility), user experience, reliability of forecasting, and overall value, ensuring they cater to diverse business needs, from startups to scaling enterprises.
Comparison Table
Business plan software simplifies creating, refining, and executing strategies, and this comparison table features top tools like LivePlan, Enloop, Upmetrics, Bizplan, PlanGuru, and more. It breaks down key features, pricing, and usability to help readers identify which software aligns best with their business goals, whether they need collaboration tools, financial modeling support, or industry-specific templates.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LivePlan Comprehensive business planning software that creates professional plans with financial forecasting, performance tracking, and investor-ready pitch decks. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Enloop AI-powered tool that automatically writes, formats, and scores business plans based on your inputs. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Upmetrics User-friendly online platform with customizable templates, financial modeling, and real-time collaboration for business plans. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Bizplan Drag-and-drop business plan builder designed for startups with financial projections and exportable documents. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | PlanGuru Advanced financial planning and budgeting software perfect for detailed forecasting in business plans. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | ProjectionHub Cloud-based financial projection tool tailored for SBA loans and comprehensive business planning. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 7 | IdeaBuddy Step-by-step business plan creator that guides users from idea validation to full financial plans. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 8 | The Business Plan Shop Online software offering integrated financial planning, market analysis, and professional templates for business plans. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 9 | StratPad Mobile and web-based app for creating strategy-focused business plans with financial dashboards. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Cuttles AI-driven business plan generator that produces customizable plans for startups and small businesses. | general_ai | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
Comprehensive business planning software that creates professional plans with financial forecasting, performance tracking, and investor-ready pitch decks.
AI-powered tool that automatically writes, formats, and scores business plans based on your inputs.
User-friendly online platform with customizable templates, financial modeling, and real-time collaboration for business plans.
Drag-and-drop business plan builder designed for startups with financial projections and exportable documents.
Advanced financial planning and budgeting software perfect for detailed forecasting in business plans.
Cloud-based financial projection tool tailored for SBA loans and comprehensive business planning.
Step-by-step business plan creator that guides users from idea validation to full financial plans.
Online software offering integrated financial planning, market analysis, and professional templates for business plans.
Mobile and web-based app for creating strategy-focused business plans with financial dashboards.
AI-driven business plan generator that produces customizable plans for startups and small businesses.
LivePlan
specializedComprehensive business planning software that creates professional plans with financial forecasting, performance tracking, and investor-ready pitch decks.
Live performance dashboard that automatically compares actual financials to your plan and generates forward forecasts
LivePlan is a leading business planning software that guides users through creating professional business plans, financial forecasts, pitch decks, and one-page infographics. It features step-by-step wizards, automatic financial statement generation based on user inputs, and integration with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero for seamless data import. Beyond planning, it offers real-time performance dashboards to track actuals against forecasts, enabling ongoing business management and adjustments.
Pros
- Intuitive step-by-step guidance simplifies complex planning for beginners
- Powerful financial forecasting with industry benchmarks and automatic charts
- Real-time performance tracking integrates live data for actionable insights
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter very small or solo operations
- Limited advanced customization for highly complex financial models
- No dedicated mobile app, relying on web access
Best For
Startups, small businesses, and consultants needing an all-in-one tool for professional business plans and ongoing performance management.
Pricing
Standard plan at $20/user/month (billed annually) or $40/monthly; Premium at $40/user/month annually; 30-day free trial.
Enloop
specializedAI-powered tool that automatically writes, formats, and scores business plans based on your inputs.
Patented real-time plan scoring algorithm that grades completeness and viability instantly
Enloop is an AI-powered business plan software that automates the creation of professional business plans by generating narrative text, financial forecasts, and performance scores based on user inputs. It features step-by-step guidance, industry-specific templates, and real-time plan grading from A to F to ensure viability and completeness. Users can export plans in PDF or Word formats, making it ideal for entrepreneurs seeking quick, polished documents without starting from scratch.
Pros
- AI-driven auto-writing and financial forecasting save significant time
- Unique real-time plan scoring provides actionable feedback
- Robust templates and projections for various industries
Cons
- Limited collaboration tools for teams
- Free plan has watermarks and restrictions
- Interface feels slightly dated compared to newer competitors
Best For
Startups and small business owners needing fast, scored business plans for funding or internal use.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Detailed ($19.95/mo billed annually at $239.40); Performance ($39.95/mo billed annually at $479.40).
Upmetrics
specializedUser-friendly online platform with customizable templates, financial modeling, and real-time collaboration for business plans.
AI-powered writing assistant that auto-generates tailored business plan content
Upmetrics is an intuitive business plan software designed to help entrepreneurs and small businesses create professional, investor-ready plans using drag-and-drop templates and AI-powered tools. It features comprehensive financial forecasting, market research integration, and collaboration capabilities for teams. Users can generate projections, write sections with AI assistance, and export polished documents in PDF or Word formats.
Pros
- Extensive library of 400+ industry-specific templates
- AI writing assistant for quick content generation
- Advanced financial modeling with automated projections
Cons
- Higher-tier plans required for full AI and collaboration features
- Financial section can have a learning curve for beginners
- Limited integrations compared to enterprise tools
Best For
Startups and small business owners seeking fast, professional business plans for funding pitches.
Pricing
Free trial; Business plan at $19/month (billed annually), Premium at $39/month with AI unlimited and advanced exports.
Bizplan
specializedDrag-and-drop business plan builder designed for startups with financial projections and exportable documents.
Drag-and-drop modular builder that lets users easily customize and rearrange business plan sections
Bizplan is a streamlined business plan software that guides users through creating professional business plans with step-by-step wizards, customizable templates, and integrated financial forecasting. It emphasizes ease of use for entrepreneurs, allowing real-time collaboration, drag-and-drop modules, and export options like PDF or Word. The tool focuses on startups and small businesses needing quick, polished plans without complex setups.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface simplifies plan building
- Robust financial projection tools with charts and dashboards
- Real-time collaboration for teams and advisors
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Fewer template options than some competitors
- Customer support primarily email-based with slower response times
Best For
Startups and solopreneurs who want a simple, guided tool to create their first professional business plan quickly.
Pricing
Pro plan at $29/month or $240/year (billed annually); 14-day free trial available, no free tier.
PlanGuru
enterpriseAdvanced financial planning and budgeting software perfect for detailed forecasting in business plans.
Comprehensive library of 21+ forecasting methods for precise, flexible financial projections
PlanGuru is a specialized financial planning and analysis software that enables users to create detailed budgets, forecasts, and pro forma financial statements essential for business planning. It offers advanced tools for cash flow analysis, scenario modeling, variance reporting, and KPI dashboards. While it integrates well with QuickBooks, Xero, and Excel, it primarily focuses on quantitative financial elements rather than full narrative business plan development.
Pros
- Over 20 forecasting methods including driver-based planning and roll-forwards
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and Excel for data import/export
- Powerful analytics for breakeven analysis, scenario planning, and dashboards
Cons
- Steep learning curve, especially for non-accountants
- Limited support for non-financial business plan sections like market analysis or executive summaries
- Higher pricing may not suit very small startups or solopreneurs
Best For
Accountants, financial analysts, and mid-sized businesses needing advanced financial modeling for business plans.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Basic, 1 user), $149/month (Professional, 3 users), $299/month (Enterprise, 5+ users); annual plans offer 20% discounts.
ProjectionHub
specializedCloud-based financial projection tool tailored for SBA loans and comprehensive business planning.
SBA loan-specific templates that generate compliant projections directly meeting U.S. Small Business Administration lender standards
ProjectionHub is a financial projection tool tailored for creating professional forecasts essential to business plans, particularly for startups and SBA loan applications. It automates the generation of profit and loss statements, balance sheets, cash flow projections, and integrated financial models using industry-specific templates. The software emphasizes accuracy and compliance with lender requirements, exporting polished PDF reports ready for investors or banks.
Pros
- Industry-specific templates and SBA-compliant financial models
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for real data import
- Affordable pricing with high-quality, bank-ready PDF exports
Cons
- Limited to financial projections, no full narrative business plan tools
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern SaaS
- Advanced customization requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Startups and small business owners needing quick, lender-approved financial forecasts without a comprehensive business plan writer.
Pricing
Starter plan at $120/year ($19/month equivalent); Pro at $240/year ($39/month); Enterprise custom pricing.
IdeaBuddy
specializedStep-by-step business plan creator that guides users from idea validation to full financial plans.
AI Idea Buddy chatbot that offers personalized, conversational guidance to build and refine business plans
IdeaBuddy is an AI-powered business plan software designed to help entrepreneurs quickly create professional business plans, validate ideas, and generate financial projections. It uses interactive canvases, step-by-step guidance, and an AI assistant to simplify the process for startups and solo founders. The tool outputs investor-ready documents, pitch decks, and executive summaries without requiring users to start from scratch.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with guided workflows
- AI-powered Idea Buddy for real-time assistance and suggestions
- Fast generation of financial forecasts and pitch decks
Cons
- Limited advanced financial modeling and scenario analysis
- Collaboration features are basic in lower-tier plans
- Customization options for templates are somewhat restricted
Best For
Solo entrepreneurs and early-stage startups seeking a beginner-friendly tool to rapidly draft their first business plan.
Pricing
7-day free trial; Solo plan at $19/month (billed annually), Team at $39/month, Enterprise at $99/month.
The Business Plan Shop
specializedOnline software offering integrated financial planning, market analysis, and professional templates for business plans.
Advanced financial planning module that generates interactive dashboards and scenario-based forecasts automatically
The Business Plan Shop is an online business planning software that guides users through creating professional business plans, financial forecasts, and pitch decks using step-by-step wizards and customizable templates. It automates financial projections including profit & loss statements, cash flow forecasts, and balance sheets based on user inputs. The platform supports collaboration, document export to PDF/Word/PowerPoint, and access to industry-specific examples for startups and small businesses.
Pros
- Robust financial forecasting tools with automatic calculations
- Extensive library of templates and real-world examples
- Team collaboration and multi-language support
Cons
- Limited design customization options
- Free version has significant restrictions
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Startups and small business owners seeking guided, template-driven tools for financial planning and professional business documents.
Pricing
Free limited plan; Premium €19/user/month (billed annually), Pro €39/user/month, Enterprise custom pricing.
StratPad
specializedMobile and web-based app for creating strategy-focused business plans with financial dashboards.
The One-Page StratPad that distills your entire business strategy into a single, actionable visual summary
StratPad is a mobile-first business planning software that guides users through creating professional business plans using a step-by-step wizard based on proven frameworks like the One-Page Strategic Plan. It covers strategy, operations, financial projections, and execution, with tools for SWOT analysis, goal setting, and KPI tracking. Primarily designed for iPad with web access, it emphasizes simplicity for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Pros
- Intuitive step-by-step guidance simplifies complex planning
- Excellent mobile optimization, especially on iPad
- Generates professional PDF exports and one-page summaries
Cons
- Financial modeling lacks depth for advanced users
- Limited collaboration features compared to desktop rivals
- Web version feels secondary to the app experience
Best For
Solo entrepreneurs and small business owners who prefer a guided, tablet-based planning process without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free 30-day trial; Standard plan at $20/month or $169/year; Team plans from $40/month.
Cuttles
general_aiAI-driven business plan generator that produces customizable plans for startups and small businesses.
AI-powered 'Pitch Advisor' that generates tailored content and structure suggestions based on your business idea.
Cuttles (cuttles.io) is a collaborative platform tailored for startups and entrepreneurs to create investor-ready pitch decks and business plans. It provides customizable templates, integrated financial modeling tools, and AI-powered content generation to streamline the planning process. Users benefit from real-time collaboration, export options to PDF/PowerPoint, and a focus on visually appealing designs that impress stakeholders.
Pros
- Stunning, professionally designed templates that save time on visuals
- Integrated financial modeling wizard for accurate projections
- Real-time collaboration and AI content suggestions for efficiency
Cons
- Free plan is very limited, pushing users to paid tiers quickly
- Less emphasis on full-length traditional business plans compared to pitch decks
- Advanced financial customizations can feel restrictive for complex models
Best For
Startups and solo founders seeking quick, visually compelling pitch decks for investors.
Pricing
Free limited plan; Pro at $19/user/month; Business at $49/user/month (billed annually).
Conclusion
After examining the best business plan tools, it’s evident there’s a solution for every goal, from thorough planning to streamlined automation. Leading the pack, LivePlan shines with its comprehensive features, including financial forecasting and investor-ready pitch decks, making it the top choice. Not far behind, Enloop impresses with AI-driven efficiency, quickly crafting structured plans, while Upmetrics stands out for its user-friendly design and real-time collaboration, catering to teams. Each tool offers unique strengths, ensuring there’s a fit for startups, small businesses, and beyond.
Ready to transform your business ideas into a winning plan? Start with LivePlan—the top-ranked tool that balances power and simplicity to guide you toward success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison