Research outlines, templates, and resources (like software) that are available online to help entrepreneurs write a business plans. Try doing an internet search for business planning tools, business planning templates, or business planning software.
Explore the Small Business Administration’s (SBA’s) website. See what tools and resources are available from your local SBA office.
List three business planning tools you found online and a description of each resource, including how a person can use the resource.
What are the main differences between the business planning tools that you found online?
What elements are the same across all of the business planning tools?
Three business planning tools that can be found online are:
1. LivePlan: LivePlan is a business planning software that helps entrepreneurs create professional business plans with step-by-step guidance and financial forecasting tools. Users can input their business information, goals, and financial data into the platform to generate a customized business plan.
2. Bplans: Bplans offers a variety of free business planning templates and resources for entrepreneurs. The website includes sample business plans, industry-specific templates, and articles on business planning best practices. Users can download these templates and customize them to fit their own business needs.
3. SCORE: SCORE is a non-profit organization that provides free business mentoring and resources for entrepreneurs. The organization offers business planning workshops, webinars, and templates on their website. Entrepreneurs can utilize SCORE's resources to create a comprehensive business plan and get feedback from experienced mentors.
The main differences between these business planning tools lie in their format, features, and pricing. LivePlan is a paid software that offers interactive tools for financial forecasting, while Bplans and SCORE provide free templates and resources for creating a business plan. LivePlan is more comprehensive and user-friendly, while Bplans and SCORE are more basic but still effective for creating a business plan.
Some elements that are consistent across all of the business planning tools include guidance on creating a mission statement, market analysis, financial projections, and marketing strategies. All of the tools aim to help entrepreneurs organize their ideas, set goals, and create a roadmap for their business success.