Quick Overview
- 1#1: LivePlan - Comprehensive cloud-based business plan software with financial forecasting, performance tracking, and pitch deck integration.
- 2#2: Enloop - AI-powered business plan writer that automatically generates plans, scores them, and provides financial projections.
- 3#3: Upmetrics - AI-driven business planning platform with templates, financial modeling, and collaboration tools for startups.
- 4#4: Bizplan - Startup-focused business plan software with drag-and-drop builder, financial dashboards, and investor-ready outputs.
- 5#5: PlanBuildr - Step-by-step business plan builder with customizable templates and integrated financial projections.
- 6#6: IdeaBuddy - All-in-one tool for validating ideas, building business plans, and creating financial forecasts interactively.
- 7#7: StratPad - Mobile-friendly business planning app based on proven frameworks like Strategyzer for strategy and execution.
- 8#8: Cuttles - Visual business planning tool with canvas-based design for startups to outline plans and strategies.
- 9#9: ProjectionHub - Financial projection software tailored for business plans with templates for SBA loans and investors.
- 10#10: PlanGuru - Advanced financial planning and budgeting software for creating detailed forecasts essential to business plans.
We ranked tools based on functionality—including financial forecasting, template quality, and collaboration features—alongside ease of use, reliability, and value, ensuring the list highlights solutions that balance power with accessibility for diverse business needs.
Comparison Table
Explore the landscape of business plan writer software with a comparison table featuring tools like LivePlan, Enloop, Upmetrics, Bizplan, PlanBuildr, and more. This resource outlines key features, pricing models, and usability to help readers find the tool that suits their unique business requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LivePlan Comprehensive cloud-based business plan software with financial forecasting, performance tracking, and pitch deck integration. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Enloop AI-powered business plan writer that automatically generates plans, scores them, and provides financial projections. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Upmetrics AI-driven business planning platform with templates, financial modeling, and collaboration tools for startups. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Bizplan Startup-focused business plan software with drag-and-drop builder, financial dashboards, and investor-ready outputs. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | PlanBuildr Step-by-step business plan builder with customizable templates and integrated financial projections. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | IdeaBuddy All-in-one tool for validating ideas, building business plans, and creating financial forecasts interactively. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | StratPad Mobile-friendly business planning app based on proven frameworks like Strategyzer for strategy and execution. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Cuttles Visual business planning tool with canvas-based design for startups to outline plans and strategies. | creative_suite | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | ProjectionHub Financial projection software tailored for business plans with templates for SBA loans and investors. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | PlanGuru Advanced financial planning and budgeting software for creating detailed forecasts essential to business plans. | enterprise | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.0/10 | 5.8/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based business plan software with financial forecasting, performance tracking, and pitch deck integration.
AI-powered business plan writer that automatically generates plans, scores them, and provides financial projections.
AI-driven business planning platform with templates, financial modeling, and collaboration tools for startups.
Startup-focused business plan software with drag-and-drop builder, financial dashboards, and investor-ready outputs.
Step-by-step business plan builder with customizable templates and integrated financial projections.
All-in-one tool for validating ideas, building business plans, and creating financial forecasts interactively.
Mobile-friendly business planning app based on proven frameworks like Strategyzer for strategy and execution.
Visual business planning tool with canvas-based design for startups to outline plans and strategies.
Financial projection software tailored for business plans with templates for SBA loans and investors.
Advanced financial planning and budgeting software for creating detailed forecasts essential to business plans.
LivePlan
specializedComprehensive cloud-based business plan software with financial forecasting, performance tracking, and pitch deck integration.
Real-time performance dashboards that automatically compare actuals to your plan forecasts, enabling proactive business adjustments
LivePlan is a leading business planning software that helps entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses create professional business plans, financial forecasts, and pitch decks with step-by-step guidance and customizable templates. It features over 500 sample plans across industries, automated financial modeling, and real-time performance dashboards to track progress against projections. Beyond planning, it supports ongoing business management with integrations to QuickBooks, Xero, and other tools, making it a comprehensive solution for turning ideas into actionable strategies.
Pros
- Extensive library of 550+ real-world sample business plans
- Powerful automated financial forecasting and scenario modeling
- Real-time dashboards for performance tracking and KPI monitoring
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter very early-stage solo bootstrappers
- Steeper learning curve for complex financial customizations
- Limited customization in design templates compared to general design tools
Best For
Entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners needing an all-in-one platform for professional business planning, forecasting, and performance management.
Pricing
Standard plan at $20/user/month (billed annually), Premium at $40/user/month; 14-day free trial with no credit card required.
Enloop
specializedAI-powered business plan writer that automatically generates plans, scores them, and provides financial projections.
Patented real-time scoring system that grades business plan quality and financial performance on a 100-point scale
Enloop is an AI-powered online business plan software designed to guide users through creating professional business plans with step-by-step wizards and automated content generation. It excels in real-time financial forecasting, including profit/loss statements, cash flow, and balance sheets, tailored to user inputs. The platform also provides unique performance scoring for both text quality and financial viability, helping refine plans iteratively.
Pros
- Real-time plan scoring engine evaluates content and financials objectively
- Automated, accurate financial projections with industry-specific ratios
- Collaboration tools for team editing and PDF/Word exports
Cons
- Subscription model locks key features behind paid tiers
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern SaaS tools
- Limited template variety and customization options
Best For
Startups and small business owners needing structured guidance and financial forecasting for investor-ready plans.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Detailed ($19.95/mo or $11/mo annually); Performance ($39.95/mo or $24/mo annually).
Upmetrics
specializedAI-driven business planning platform with templates, financial modeling, and collaboration tools for startups.
AI Co-Pilot that generates customized text and financial data based on user inputs
Upmetrics is a comprehensive online business plan software designed to help entrepreneurs and small businesses create professional, investor-ready business plans using over 400 customizable templates. It features an intuitive drag-and-drop builder, AI-powered writing assistance for generating content, and integrated financial forecasting tools for accurate projections. Additionally, it supports pitch deck creation, real-time collaboration, and seamless exports to PDF or Word formats.
Pros
- Extensive library of 400+ industry-specific templates
- AI co-pilot accelerates content creation and financial modeling
- Strong collaboration and export options for teams and investors
Cons
- Higher-tier plans required for advanced financial features
- Slight learning curve for non-intuitive financial customization
- Limited free trial restricts full testing
Best For
Startups and small business owners seeking guided, template-driven business planning with AI support.
Pricing
Starter at $9/mo (basic templates), Premium at $19/mo (AI + financials), Business at $29/mo (full collaboration); annual plans offer up to 40% discounts.
Bizplan
specializedStartup-focused business plan software with drag-and-drop builder, financial dashboards, and investor-ready outputs.
Automated financial builder that generates dynamic projections and charts from simple inputs
Bizplan (bizplan.co) is a cloud-based business plan software designed to help entrepreneurs and startups create professional business plans, financial forecasts, and pitch decks. It features drag-and-drop builders, customizable templates, and automated financial modeling tools that simplify complex projections. Users can collaborate in real-time and export polished documents in PDF or Word formats for investors or banks.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick plan building
- Strong automated financial forecasting and scenario modeling
- Professional templates and seamless export options
Cons
- No permanent free tier, only trial
- Limited advanced customization for complex enterprises
- Higher pricing may not suit bootstrapped solos long-term
Best For
Solo entrepreneurs and small startup teams seeking fast, investor-ready business plans with minimal learning curve.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month (or $348/year billed annually) for Pro plan; team plans from $99/month; 14-day free trial.
PlanBuildr
specializedStep-by-step business plan builder with customizable templates and integrated financial projections.
Integrated financial dashboard with automated projections and what-if scenario analysis
PlanBuildr is an online business plan writing software that provides step-by-step guidance and customizable templates to help users create professional business plans for startups, small businesses, and nonprofits. It includes integrated financial forecasting tools for revenue projections, cash flow, and balance sheets, with export options to Word or PDF formats. The platform is designed for entrepreneurs needing quick, SBA-compliant plans without advanced financial expertise.
Pros
- Intuitive step-by-step wizard simplifies the planning process
- Strong financial projection tools with scenario modeling
- Industry-specific templates for targeted business types
Cons
- Limited advanced customization options compared to competitors
- No AI-assisted content generation
- Higher tiers required for premium support features
Best For
Small business owners and startups needing guided, template-based business plans for funding or internal use.
Pricing
Starts at $39/month for Pro plan (billed annually $29/month), $59/month for Premium; 14-day free trial available.
IdeaBuddy
specializedAll-in-one tool for validating ideas, building business plans, and creating financial forecasts interactively.
Interactive Idea Canvas that visually maps out business models with drag-and-drop elements and instant financial previews
IdeaBuddy is an online platform designed to help entrepreneurs build business plans, lean canvases, and pitch decks through guided templates and interactive tools. It simplifies the planning process with step-by-step wizards for idea validation, market analysis, financial projections, and executive summaries. Users can generate professional documents ready for investors or personal use, with options for collaboration and exports in PDF or Word formats.
Pros
- Intuitive step-by-step guidance reduces overwhelm for beginners
- Robust financial modeling with automated calculations and charts
- Versatile templates for plans, canvases, and pitch decks in one place
Cons
- Full features locked behind paid subscriptions with no permanent free tier
- Limited customization for advanced users needing complex scenarios
- Financial projections rely heavily on user inputs without deep AI automation
Best For
Early-stage solo entrepreneurs or small teams seeking structured, beginner-friendly business planning tools.
Pricing
Free Lite plan (limited); Pro at $29/month or $192/year; Premium at $49/month or $384/year, with 14-day money-back guarantee.
StratPad
specializedMobile-friendly business planning app based on proven frameworks like Strategyzer for strategy and execution.
Seamless integration of the Strategyzer Business Model Canvas for visual strategy mapping
StratPad is a web-based business planning software that guides users through creating lean business plans using frameworks like the Business Model Canvas and Lean Canvas. It offers step-by-step worksheets for strategy, operations, marketing, and financial projections, with tools for team collaboration and plan export to PDF or Word. Designed for simplicity, it helps entrepreneurs and small businesses articulate their vision without requiring advanced expertise.
Pros
- Intuitive wizard-style interface ideal for beginners
- Built-in financial calculators and templates
- Supports real-time collaboration and mobile access
Cons
- Limited advanced financial modeling and forecasting
- Few third-party integrations
- Basic customization options for plan design
Best For
Small business owners and startups needing a simple, guided tool for lean business planning.
Pricing
Free limited version; Premium starts at $19/month or $119/year (billed annually).
Cuttles
creative_suiteVisual business planning tool with canvas-based design for startups to outline plans and strategies.
AI-powered Magic Slides that automatically generate customized content and visuals from user prompts
Cuttles (cuttles.io) is an online platform designed for startups to create professional pitch decks and business plans using a drag-and-drop editor and customizable templates. It includes AI-assisted content generation, financial forecasting tools with scenario planning, and real-time collaboration features. Users can export their work to PDF, PowerPoint, or shareable links, making it suitable for investor presentations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick deck building
- Professional investor-ready templates and AI content suggestions
- Integrated financial modeling with dynamic charts
Cons
- More focused on pitch decks than full-length business plans
- Advanced collaboration and exports locked behind paid tiers
- Limited depth in market research or writing tools compared to dedicated plan writers
Best For
Startup founders and early-stage teams seeking visually appealing pitch decks with basic financial projections to pitch investors.
Pricing
Free plan with basic features; paid plans from $25/month (Starter) to $99/month (Enterprise) with annual discounts.
ProjectionHub
specializedFinancial projection software tailored for business plans with templates for SBA loans and investors.
Extensive library of SBA-approved and industry-specific templates that pre-populate realistic assumptions for quick, credible forecasts
ProjectionHub is a cloud-based financial forecasting tool tailored for startups and small businesses to create professional financial projections essential for business plans. It offers a library of industry-specific templates that generate income statements, balance sheets, cash flow forecasts, and valuation reports based on user-defined assumptions. Users can easily customize drivers, run scenarios, and export polished PDFs or Excel files suitable for investors, lenders, or full business plan integration.
Pros
- Vast library of 200+ proven templates for various industries and business stages
- Generates bank-grade financial statements with scenario analysis and what-if modeling
- Seamless exports to PDF, Excel, and Word for easy business plan incorporation
Cons
- Primarily focused on financials, lacking full narrative business plan writing tools
- Subscription model can add up for occasional users
- Steeper learning curve for advanced custom forecasting
Best For
Startups and small business owners seeking accurate, investor-ready financial projections to complement their business plans.
Pricing
Starts at $19/month (Basic, limited templates), $39/month (Pro, full access), $99/month (Enterprise, unlimited scenarios); annual discounts available.
PlanGuru
enterpriseAdvanced financial planning and budgeting software for creating detailed forecasts essential to business plans.
21 proprietary forecasting methods that automate and link assumptions directly to financial statements
PlanGuru is a financial planning and budgeting software focused on creating detailed financial projections, including profit & loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow forecasts. It provides tools for scenario analysis, what-if modeling, and rolling forecasts, making it valuable for the financial sections of business plans. While it integrates with QuickBooks and Excel, it lacks features for narrative writing, market research, or full business plan assembly. Primarily designed for finance professionals, it supports data-driven planning but isn't a comprehensive business plan writer.
Pros
- Robust financial modeling with 21 integrated forecasting methods
- Scenario planning and sensitivity analysis for projections
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks, Xero, and Excel
Cons
- No support for non-financial business plan elements like executive summaries or market analysis
- Steep learning curve for non-finance users
- High pricing limits accessibility for startups and solopreneurs
Best For
Finance teams and consultants needing advanced financial projections to complement business plans.
Pricing
Cloud plans start at $145/month (Starter, billed annually) up to $395/month (Enterprise); desktop version offers one-time licenses from $1,299.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top tools reveals each has distinct strengths, but LivePlan leads as the top choice—offering comprehensive cloud-based features, financial forecasting, and pitch deck integration that suit diverse needs. Enloop and Upmetrics also stand out, with AI-powered capabilities and specialized tools for startups and strategy, making them excellent alternatives based on specific goals. Ultimately, while all 10 tools are strong, LivePlan’s versatility and depth make it the most standout option.
Don’t miss out on crafting a powerful business plan—try LivePlan today to unlock its full range of features and set your business on a path to success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison