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In the world of business, having a well-drafted plan is critical. Business plan software helps users streamline their business strategy and create professional-grade plans that showcase their vision for their company. Business plan software is a powerful tool that can help entrepreneurs develop their ideas, pitch to investors, and track their progress. The right software can help simplify the business planning process, save time, and increase productivity.
However, with so many options available in the market, choosing the best business plan software for Mac can be a daunting task. In this post, we will introduce and compare the top 7 business plan software for Mac to help you make the right choice.
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What is Business Plan Software?
Business plan software is an application that helps entrepreneurs create or improve their business plans. These plans typically detail a company’s overall strategy, goals, target market, competition, financial analysis, and more. Business plan software can help create professional-grade plans that showcase a company’s vision, mission, and goals. This software can help entrepreneurs get started with their business planning and provide guidance throughout the process.
Best 7 Business Plan Software for Mac Recommendation 2023
1. LivePlan
LivePlan is an award-winning business planning software that offers a step-by-step wizard to guide you through the entire process. It features easy-to-use templates, interactive forecasting tools, and a wide variety of customizable charts and graphs. You can also integrate your financial data with accounting software such as QuickBooks. LivePlan offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, making it a risk-free option for entrepreneurs.
Pros:
– Easy to use templates
– Interactive forecasting tools
– Compatible with QuickBooks
– Live technical support available
Cons:
– No free trial
– Relatively expensive compared to other options
– Limited customization options
2. Enloop
Enloop is another popular business plan software that uses machine learning to assess the viability of your business plan. It offers easy-to-use templates, financial forecasting tools, and automated text writing tools. It also provides industry-specific data, such as market trends and competitor analysis. Enloop offers a free version with limited features, and paid plans with higher-end features.
Pros:
– Uses machine learning to improve business plans
– Offers industry-specific data
– Free version available
– Automated text writing tools
Cons:
– Limited customization options
– Limited financial forecasting tools in the free version
– No technical support available in the free version
3. Bizplan
Bizplan offers a variety of business planning tools, including financial forecasting, team collaboration, and custom branding options. It also offers funding advice, with a network of investors and VC firms available to interact with. Bizplan offers a free trial period with access to all features, and paid plans are available with additional features and support.
Pros:
– Custom branding options
– Funding advice and investor network
– Free trial available
– Live chat and phone support available
Cons:
– Relatively expensive compared to other options
– No free version available
– Limited customization options on lower-tier plans
4. StratPad
StratPad is a cloud-based business plan software that uses a step-by-step process to guide you through the planning process. It offers financial forecasting tools, team collaboration, and customized reports. StratPad also provides access to a community forum, where you can interact with other entrepreneurs and receive feedback on your plan. StratPad offers a free trial period, and paid plans are available with additional features.
Pros:
– Community forum for feedback and collaboration
– Customized reports
– Free trial period available
– Ability to export data to PDF or Excel
Cons:
– Limited customization options
– No 24/7 support available
– No mobile app available
5. Business Plan Pro
Business Plan Pro offers a step-by-step wizard to guide users through the planning process. It provides industry-specific data, financial forecasting tools, and customizable reports. Business Plan Pro offers phone and email support, as well as a community forum for feedback and collaboration. A free trial is not available, but users can purchase the software with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
– Step-by-step planning process
– Industry-specific data
– Customizable reports
– 60-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
– No free trial available
– Limited customization options
– No mobile app available
6. PlanGuru
PlanGuru is a comprehensive financial forecasting tool that offers the ability to create detailed business plans. It also features a customizable dashboard that allows users to view data in real time and monitor their business performance. PlanGuru integrates with accounting software such as QuickBooks and provides a free trial for users to test out the software’s features.
Pros:
– Comprehensive financial forecasting tools
– Customizable dashboard
– Integrates with QuickBooks
– Free trial available
Cons:
– Limited business planning features
– Limited customization options
– Does not offer support for non-financial metrics
7. GoSmallBiz
GoSmallBiz is a cloud-based tool that offers business planning features, along with numerous other tools targeted towards small business owners. It features a step-by-step planning process, financial forecasting tools, and customizable reports. GoSmallBiz also provides access to a customer support team for help with any issues or questions. GoSmallBiz offers a 30-day free trial, and paid plans are available with additional features.
Pros:
– Step-by-step planning process
– Numerous other tools for small business owners
– Customizable reports
– 30-day free trial
Cons:
– Limited customization options
– Relatively expensive compared to other options
– No mobile app available
Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software
The table below provides a comprehensive comparison of each business plan software based on several evaluation criteria, including free trial, price, ease of use, and value for money.
| Software | Free Trial | Price | Ease of Use | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LivePlan | No | $19.95/month | Easy | Good |
| Enloop | Yes | $9.95/month | Easy | Good |
| Bizplan | Yes | $29/month | Moderate | Good |
| StratPad | Yes | $15/month | Easy | Fair |
| Business Plan Pro | No | $99.95/license | Moderate | Fair |
| PlanGuru | Yes | $99/month | Moderate | Fair |
| GoSmallBiz | Yes | $39.95/month | Easy | Good |
Our Thoughts on Business Plan Software for Mac
Choosing the right business plan software depends on several factors, such as price, ease of use, and customization options. If you value simplicity and ease of use, LivePlan and Enloop may be good choices for you. If you’re looking for more advanced features and customization options, StratPad and PlanGuru may be better options. Finally, if you want access to a variety of other tools targeted towards small business owners, GoSmallBiz may be the right fit.
Overall, we recommend LivePlan for its user-friendly approach, interactive forecasting tools, and integration with QuickBooks. Additionally, LivePlan offers a money-back guarantee, making it a low-risk option for entrepreneurs.
FAQs About Business Plan Software
Q1: What should I include in my business plan?
A: A business plan typically includes an executive summary, company description, market analysis, competitive analysis, management and organization overview, product or service description, marketing and sales strategies, financial analysis, and funding request information.
Q2: How long does it take to create a business plan?
A: The length of time it takes to create a business plan varies depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the business, the amount of research required, and the availability of information. However, it typically takes several weeks to several months to complete a comprehensive business plan.
Q3: Can I use business plan software for a non-profit organization?
A: Yes, many business plan software options can be used for non-profit organizations, with some offering specific tools and templates tailored towards non-profits.
Q4: How much should a business plan cost?
A: The cost of a business plan can vary widely, with some plans costing as little as $10 and others costing several hundred dollars or more. The cost typically depends on the features and customization options offered by the software.
Q5: Can business plan software help me secure funding?
A: Yes, business plan software can help you create a comprehensive plan that showcases your business idea and financial projections to potential investors or lenders. However, securing funding is not guaranteed and ultimately depends on the viability and potential of your business idea.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right business plan software for Mac can be a difficult decision, but it is an essential part of creating and maintaining a successful business. We hope that this comprehensive guide has helped you narrow down your options and provided the information you need to make an informed decision. Remember to consider factors such as price, ease of use, and customization options when choosing the best business plan software for your needs.