Top 10 Effective Business Planning Software You Shouldn't Miss
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If your goal is to scale and establish a brand, a business plan is the compass that turns bold ideas into reality. In this article, NextSky explores the best business plan software for startups, small businesses, and Shopify entrepreneurs.
What is business planning software?
Business planning software is a comprehensive digital solution that helps entrepreneurs create clear strategic roadmaps for starting, managing, and scaling a business. These tools offer pre-built templates, in-depth financial forecasting, and step-by-step guidance to make planning faster and more effective. Many platforms include budgeting, market research, and goal visualization features, ensuring data-driven and actionable business strategies.
Read more: Successful Business Plan with the Secret from A to Z
Why use business plan software?
Business planning software offers significant benefits, especially for busy entrepreneurs or those new to planning. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
- Transparent, manageable finances: Automated forecasting and visual charts simplify budgeting, reporting, and decision-making, minimizing financial risks.
- Investor-ready plans: Automated forecasting and data visualization streamline budgeting, revenue projections, and financial reporting for compelling investor pitches.
- Seamless collaboration: Real-time editing and sharing allow teams, co-founders, accountants, or advisors to collaborate smoothly, reducing overlap and errors.
- Industry-specific templates: Tailored templates, like those for Shopify businesses, align with e-commerce needs for practical, relevant plans.
- Solutions for all business sizes: From free tools to premium plans, there’s an option for startups, small businesses, or growing companies.
Read more: How to Create a Successful Business Plan Template in 9 Steps
Top 10 business plan software options
Based on features, user reviews, pricing, and suitability for various businesses, here are the best business planning software options for 2025.
1. Upmetrics
Upmetrics is a versatile platform that uses AI to simplify business planning with affordable, practical tools. Its AI writing assistant and professional pitch deck creator help startups and small businesses turn ideas into clear, investor-ready plans.
Key features:
- AI-powered writing and planning assistant.
- Over 400 customizable templates, including e-commerce-specific ones.
- Financial forecasting for up to 3 years.
- Team collaboration for up to 5 users.
- Investor pitch deck generator.
- Integrations: QuickBooks, Xero.
Pros:
- Starting price of $9/ 9/month.
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
- Multi-language support for global markets.
Cons:
- AI-generated content may need manual editing.
- Advanced forecasting is limited to Premium or Professional plans ($19–$49/month).
Pricing: Starter $9/ 9/month, Premium $19/month, Professional $49/month; annual plans save 25%.
Ratings: Capterra 4.8/5, G2 5/5.
Why choose it: Affordable pricing, robust AI features, and diverse templates make Upmetrics ideal for entrepreneurs seeking efficiency and cost savings.
2. LivePlan
LivePlan stands out with over 550 industry-specific templates and powerful financial forecasting tools. It’s a top choice for businesses needing structured, data-driven plans with detailed projections for long-term strategy.
Key features:
- Over 550 customizable templates.
- AI writing assistant and step-by-step guidance.
- Visual financial forecasting with charts and graphs.
- Concise investor pitch deck creation.
- Integrations: QuickBooks, Xero, Excel.
Pros:
- Diverse, editable templates.
- In-depth financial reporting tools.
- 35-day money-back guarantee.
Cons:
- New users may need time to learn the platform.
- Advanced features are only available in the $40/month plan.
Pricing: Standard $20/month, Premium $40/month; annual plans save costs.
Ratings: Capterra 4.5/5, G2 4.1/5.
Why choose it: Perfect for Shopify stores needing detailed cost projections, including platform operating fees.
3. Bizplan
Bizplan, part of the Startups.com ecosystem, is designed for startups seeking investor funding. Its drag-and-drop interface, financial tools, and integration with Fundable make it ideal for crowdfunding or venture capital pitches.
Key features:
- User-friendly drag-and-drop plan builder.
- Revenue forecasting and cost management tools.
- Training and mentorship resources from Startups.com.
- Fundable integration for crowdfunding.
- Integrations: Xero.
Pros:
- Investor-focused templates and tools.
- Rich startup resources.
- A lifetime plan for $349 is cost-effective in the long term.
Cons:
- Limited industry-specific templates.
- Not optimized for mobile devices.
Pricing: $29/month or $349 lifetime; annual plan $20.75/month.
Ratings: Capterra 4.3/5, G2 3.7/5.
Why choose it: Ideal for e-commerce entrepreneurs preparing compelling plans to secure funding.
4. PlanGuru
PlanGuru excels for businesses prioritizing financial accuracy and depth. With over 20 forecasting methods, it supports budgeting and scenario analysis for up to 10 years, meeting complex financial needs.
Key features:
- 20+ forecasting methods for up to 10 years.
- Custom financial formulas and scenario analysis.
- Detailed budgeting and reporting tools.
- Cloud and desktop versions.
- Integrations: QuickBooks, Xero, Excel.
Pros:
- Highly detailed forecasting.
- Comprehensive support resources.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons:
- Challenging for non-financial experts.
- High cost, starting at $83/month.
Pricing: Single Entity $83/month, Multi-Department $250/month; 14-day trial.
Ratings: Capterra 4.2/5, G2 4.5/5.
Why choose it: Perfect for Shopify stores with extensive inventories or multinational operations needing precise, long-term forecasts.
5. GoSmallBiz
GoSmallBiz offers more than just planning tools; it integrates website design, marketing, and financial analysis. It’s an all-in-one solution for new entrepreneurs.
Key features:
- Industry-specific templates, including e-commerce.
- Multi-year financial forecasting with complete reports.
- Website and digital marketing tools.
- Step-by-step guidance.
- Integrations: MailChimp.
Pros:
- Affordable, starting at $15/month with no long-term contracts.
- Comprehensive digital tools in higher plans.
Cons:
- Limited software integrations.
- Customer support is mainly via the ticket system.
Pricing: Basic $15/month, Essentials $49/month, Assurance $69/month.
Ratings: Not widely rated on Capterra or G2.
Why choose it: Great for new Shopify owners needing planning and an online presence.
6. IdeaBuddy
IdeaBuddy focuses on helping entrepreneurs shape and validate ideas before detailed planning. It’s a creative tool for turning early concepts into viable blueprints.
Key features:
- One-page idea pitch builder.
- Market research and financial calculation tools.
- Idea scoring system.
- Real-time collaboration.
- Integrations: Limited.
Pros:
- 15-day free trial.
- Strong market research data.
- Cloud-based, accessible anytime.
Cons:
- Limited advanced planning tools.
- Weak competitor analysis features.
Pricing: Dreamer $6/ 6/month, Founder $12/month, Team Pro $16/month.
Ratings: Capterra 4.0/5, G2 4.8/5.
Why choose it: Perfect for e-commerce entrepreneurs brainstorming ideas before building a complete plan.
7. Enloop
Enloop excels in automation, from writing content to financial calculations, enabling users to create complete plans quickly.
Key features:
- Automated text and financial report generation.
- Real-time performance scoring system.
- Customizable charts and graphics.
- Integrations: None.
Pros:
- Fast automation saves time.
- Real-time feedback to optimize plans.
Cons:
- Only one template available.
- Limited guidance for beginners.
Pricing: Detailed $19.95/month, performance $39.95/month.
Ratings: Capterra 4.0/5.
Why choose it: Ideal for those needing a quick, basic business plan without extensive manual input.
8. Wrike
Wrike is a versatile project management platform that seamlessly blends business planning with team coordination. With pre-built templates, flexible collaboration, and an intuitive interface, it helps Shopify teams execute strategies, track progress, and optimize workflows from ideation to completion.
Key features:
- Business planning templates with project management integration.
- Drag-and-drop interface, Gantt charts, calendars, and boards.
- Collaboration with teams and external partners.
- Integrations: Zoom, LinkedIn, Adobe, Salesforce.
Pros:
- Free plan for individuals.
- Diverse project view options.
- Extensive business tool integrations.
Cons:
- Not solely focused on business planning.
- The interface can be complex for beginners.
Pricing: Free $0, Team $10/user/month, business $25/user/month.
Ratings: Capterra 4.3/5, G2 4.2/5.
Why choose it: Great for Shopify teams managing projects, marketing campaigns, or product launches with clear timelines and smooth collaboration.
9. Smartsheet
Smartsheet is a modern work management and business planning platform, excelling in real-time goal and performance tracking. Its intuitive dashboards, financial reporting, and unlimited collaboration make it ideal for mid-to-large Shopify teams needing tight progress tracking and up-to-date data.
Key features:
- Business planning and goal-tracking templates.
- Intuitive dashboards and financial reports.
- Unlimited collaboration with viewers.
- Integrations: Slack, Microsoft Outlook, and HubSpot.
Pros:
- Unlimited viewer collaboration.
- Visual, easy-to-track reports.
- 30-day free trial.
Cons:
- No built-in messaging feature.
- Not specialized in business planning.
Pricing: Pro $9/user/month, business $19/user/month.
Ratings: Capterra 4.5/5, G2 4.4/5.
Why choose it: Ideal for Shopify teams tracking performance and goals continuously, especially for large-scale campaigns.
10. Storydoc
Storydoc transforms traditional business plans into engaging, interactive presentations. Brand customization, visually optimized slides, and detailed performance analytics help Shopify owners deliver vibrant, persuasive pitches to investors or partners.
Key features:
- Interactive slide templates to captivate audiences.
- Direct brand integration from websites.
- Detailed performance analytics.
- Integrations: Not specified.
Pros:
- Engaging presentations boost persuasion.
- Quick brand integration.
- Easy interaction tracking.
Cons:
- Limited multi-user collaboration features.
- Higher cost than basic tools.
Pricing: Starter $40/user/month, Pro $60/user/month, Team customized.
Ratings: G2 4.8/5, Trustpilot 4.5/5.
Why choose it: Perfect for creating professional, standout presentations to pitch for funding or share business strategies.
Read more: How to Start a Business in 14 Simple Steps to Success
Benefits of business planning software
Business planning software is vital, especially for those launching online stores.
- Streamlined planning process: Instead of juggling scattered guides and to-do lists, the software provides a clear, step-by-step roadmap, saving time and effort.
- Clearer, focused direction: Structured frameworks and scenario analysis predict outcomes, boosting confidence for operations.
- More accurate financial planning: Forecast costs like materials, shipping, and e-commerce fees while estimating revenue, ideal for lean budgets.
- Effective stakeholder collaboration: Centralize data on one platform, enabling teams and partners to access, edit, and track progress in real time for transparent communication.
How to choose the right business planning software
While most business planning software aims to help you build and manage plans effectively, each tool has unique strengths, weaknesses, and pricing. Here’s a process to pick the best fit:
Set a budget first
Determine how much you’re willing to invest. For new businesses, basic software may suffice and save costs. A higher investment makes sense for advanced features like financial forecasting, data analysis, or detailed reporting. A clear budget ensures you balance cost and utility.
List key features
Understanding your needs narrows options and avoids wasting time on unnecessary features. Consider:
- Financial reporting and forecasting: Generate spreadsheets, performance analysis, revenue projections, and visualizations.
- AI support: Automate content writing, strategy building, or plan creation.
- User-friendly interface: Intuitive platforms let you focus on planning and not struggle with the tool.
- Team collaboration: Enable multiple users to edit or share with co-founders, accountants, or investors.
- Diverse templates: Offer industry-specific templates for various business contexts.
- Integrations: Connect seamlessly with tools like QuickBooks, marketing, or accounting software.
- Quality support: Provide responsive customer service and detailed guides to resolve issues and maximize usage.
Research and test
Read genuine user reviews, consult other entrepreneurs, or join industry forums and social media groups. Once you’ve shortlisted options, use free trials to test interfaces, speed, and compatibility with your workflow.
Choose and start planning.
Once you find the right software, dive into building your business plan. Most providers offer flexible refund or cancellation policies, so you can confidently explore other tools later if needed.
The right business plan software transforms your ideas into reality, from launching a Shopify store to building a million-dollar startup. With NextSky’s insights, you can create a professional plan, attract investors, and optimize finances to take your business far.
