Business Plan Pro 15th Anniversary Edition [Old Version]

by Palo Alto Software, Inc.

Product Features

• Over 500 editable sample business plans included for all sorts of businesses; find a sample plan and use it as a guide to write your own
• Easy step-by-step instructions and expert guidance every step of the way; get from start to finish in less than 15 steps
• Built-in market research for 9,000+ industry profiles; compare your projections to industry averages
• Printed and electronic document output options in SBA and lender-preferred formats; export to Microsoft Word or Excel, or to Adobe PDF format
• Includes streamlined plan setup,
• New options for simpler business plans, Spanish language support, certification for Windows Vista, and an improved user interface

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B000WMQYLA
• Item model number: BPP112CDSN
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 17, 2009
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,755 in Software (See Top 100 in Software)
  • #4 in Software > Business & Office > Business Plans

Product Description

Amazon.com

Expert Guidance

Writing your business plan just got easier

We admit it. Writing a great business plan isn't exactly a breeze. But just like anything else, using the right tools makes it way easier. Business Plan Pro gives you the advice and guidance you need to forget your fears and start writing your plan with the confidence of an expert. And to get expert results!

Helpful examples

Examples at every step

With over 500 sample plans included in the software, you've got examples to help you write every part of your plan. Say you're not sure what your Market Needs section should say. No problem--just click the example tab and view a handful of Market Needs descriptions. Cut and paste if you find one that works for you, or just get a sense of direction for writing your own. You don't have to wonder if you're doing it right, because you can easily measure your work against successful examples.

Let the software do the math

Just plug in your numbers and the calculations are done for you. Now you have instant access to business planning calculations, and an explanation of every financial term. Only Business Plan Pro offers powerful, integrated financial and spreadsheet support.

Easy-to-follow instructions

Wherever and whenever you need help, Business Plan Pro offers complete instructions for your every topic and table in your business plan.

Advice from expert business planner, Tim Berry

A planning expert at your side

Tim Berry is the recognized authority on business planning. An expert business planner and principal author of Business Plan Pro, his advice and expertise guides you through every step of creating your business plan. He's a best-selling author and prolific writer, whose blogs can be found at TimBerry.com, Entrepreneur.com, Amex Open Forum, and others. Using Business Plan Pro is like having Tim sitting next to you while you write your business plan.

Save Time

Finish your business plan and have time left to read War and Peace

Writing a business plan doesn't have to take forever. Business Plan Pro takes care of the details so you can focus on the meat of your plan, saving you time and letting you create the best possible plan for your business.

Over 500 sample plans

500+ sample plans

Say goodbye to writer's block and hello to getting your plan done quickly. Easily find, read, and edit sample plans that match your business type. Business Plan Pro software comes with more than 500 complete sample business plans for all sorts of company types.

The exclusive Sample Plan Browser lets you quickly find the plan that meets your needs. Then you can write up the plan in your own words (step-by-step guidance makes it a snap!). Or simply edit the text found in any of the 500+ real working sample plans. Every single plan can be opened and edited in Business Plan Pro to give you the jump-start you need.

Step-by-step instructions

Step-by-step instructions

You could spend weeks finding all the information you need to put together a complete, professional business plan. Or you could let the detailed instructions in Business Plan Pro guide you. Searchable help articles add an additional layer of information for you to pull from, saving you even more time by giving you all the tools you need to get your plan done fast.

Automatic charts and graphs

No need to spend time creating charts and graphs to go with all the tables in your plan. Business Plan Pro does it for you. As you input and update your numbers, your charts change automatically. You can choose the colors and types of charts you want to use, or go with the standard settings and not have to think about the charts again.

Great Presentations

Make your business plan the belle of the ball

Business plans shouldn't all look alike. Every business is unique, and every business plan should be too. Make yours stand out from the rest with custom charts and graphs and easy PowerPoint presentations. Whether you're presenting to your boss or to a lender, be sure you wow your audience with a great looking plan.

Create a professional business plan

Every page is automatically organized and collated to produce a bulletproof plan that gets results, all in the preferred format of banks, investors, and SBA lenders.

Business Plan Pro even includes five professional PowerPoint templates so you can pitch your plan like a pro and impress any audience.

Informative charts and graphs

Easy export for presentations

You'll want to put your best foot forward when you present your plan to bankers, investors, or potential partners. Simply export to Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF to share your plan. You can even export to PowerPoint to create a winning presentation.

Customize every page

Create a plan that is unique for your business. Rearrange the outline and add just what you need. Don't be squeezed into an inflexible, one-size-fits-all cookie-cutter planning product.

Automatic charts and graphs

Illustrate your key points with great looking charts and graphs. They're generated automatically based on the information you've already input in your financials. Customize your charts for a plan that meets your specific needs.

Funding Tools

Business plan funding tools

If you're showing your business plan to bankers, investors, or other lenders, you better make sure it's got all the information they're going to need to make a decision. Business Plan Pro is packed with tools to make sure your plan is complete and accurate, and even includes a database to help you find venture capital!

Matches the format preferred by banks, investors, and SBA lenders

Business Plan Pro uses a format that meets the most stringent requirements of banks, SBA lenders, angel investors, and venture capitalists.

Step-by-step financials

Expert guidance and a simple interface take you through every step of every financial table in Business Plan Pro. Detailed instructions and explanations to ensure that you build a solid plan. And the table wizard gives you feedback about your numbers to help you create a business plan that will get you the funding you need.

Powerful financial and spreadsheet support

Real-world financial data

Business Plan Pro leverages more than 9,000 industry profiles to give you insight into how your business compares against similar companies in your industry. The most recent data from your industry gets pulled right into your plan, so you can show investors that your numbers are on target, or explain why they differ.

Easy Financials

Business planning financials made easy

Don't fear the financial section of your business plan--you don't need an MBA to get it right. Business Plan Pro makes financial forecasts easy, with built-in formulas in all the spreadsheets and expert advice every step of the way.

Financials made easy

Business Plan Pro's table wizards guide you through creating your financial forecasts. You just plug in your numbers and the calculations are done for you. Plus, you have instance access to the methodology behind standard business planning calculations, and an explanation of every financial term. Only Business Plan Pro offers such powerful, integrated financial and spreadsheet support.

Create long-term financial forecasts

Business Plan Pro allows for long-term forecasting of your. Detailed financial forecasting is available through the first five years, while a long-term macro-view summary can be created for up to 10 years in the future.

Simplified drag-and-drop forecaster
View larger.

Simplified forecasting

Create forecasts visually with a "drag and drop" graphic forecaster. The forecaster is a simple and powerful tool to streamline the forecasting process. You can easily change your sales and expenses estimates. Simply clicking your mouse button to move the line on your forecast chart or apply a growth rate to the whole year. Build forecasts using visual common sense.

Research Resources

A library of business planning resources

You didn't know a business plan required so much research, did you? Don't worry, Business Plan Pro includes tons of current, accurate information about your industry, legal issues, and business planning in general. You won't need to run to the library or search random websites for the data you need to support your plan.

Real-world financial data

Business Plan Pro leverages more than 9,000 different industry profiles to give you insight into how your business compares against similar companies in your industry. The most recent data from inudstry gets pulled right into your plan, so you can show investors that your numbers are on target, or explain where they differ.

Answers to your legal questions

There are plenty of legal issues you have to think about when you're starting up a business. Business Plan Pro includes resources to help you navigate the legal waters, from "Trademark Basics for Naming Your Small Business" to the Nolo Small Business Law Center, you'll find answers to most of your legal questions.

Required reading for business planning

The Plan-As-You-Go Business Plan by Tim Berry

Every purchase of Business Plan Pro includes the e-book edition of The Plan-As-You-Go Business Plan. In this new book from Entrepreneur Press, celebrated planning expert Tim Berry describes his no-nonsense approach to business planning for small and growing businesses.

Hurdle: The Book on Business Planning by Tim Berry

Also included with Business Plan Pro is the e-book edition of Tim Berry's classic business planning guide. Hurdle is a practical, step-by-step guide to developing a business plan. Emphasizing real business plans that focus on concrete and measurable results, Berry's book covers all the basics including what to include in a plan, where to find information, and an excellent simple guide to business numbers that stands out for its explanation of cash flow.

Research your funding options

You could scour the Internet for a week and not find all the information we've amassed in our Venture Capital database. Over 1,200 profiles of venture capital firms worldwide are included. The database is searchable, so you can look for firms by business type, funding stage, location, or funding need.

Extras

But wait, there's more!

When you buy Business Plan Pro, you're not just getting the best-selling business plan software available. You're also getting tons of extra value from our partners who offer tools and services every business needs.

Get a free logo

Use Logomaker by HP's easy design tools to create your own logo and use it on your website for free.

One-year subscription to Inc. Magazine (or $10 refund)

Your online purchase of Business Plan Pro software includes a one-year subscription (12 issues, valued at $10) to Inc., one of the most popular magazines for entrepreneurs and small businesses. If you are a current subscriber, your subscription will be extended for another year. Offer available to U.S. residents only, limit one per household.

Unparalleled customer service

At Palo Alto Software, we pride ourselves on providing quality, U.S.-based customer service. And we're not going to charge you for it. Whether you've lost your serial number, are having computer issues, or have questions about how to use Business Plan Pro, our in-house customer care team is highly trained and ready to help you.

Small business legal guide

Learn the ins and outs of small business legal issues and how to choose a legal structure for your business.

Trademark basics ebook

This ebook from Nolo gives you an overview of trademark law, doing business name searches, and much more.

Free business plan review

Business Plan Pro users get a free plan review from professional business plan writing consultants.

Professional PowerPoint templates

Business Plan Pro includes five professional PowerPoint templates, plus additional discounts on templates and designs.

Product Description

Business Plan Pro is the fastest, easiest way to create a business plan. Get started quickly by finding a sample business plan that resembles your business, then editing it to match your specific situation. Or follow the steps in the EasyPlan Wizard to prepare a plan from scratch. All the forecasting and budgeting tools, financial spreadsheets, and market research data you need are built in. With Business Plan Pro, you can produce a complete, accurate, lender-ready business plan in a fraction of the time. Also includes streamlined business plan outlines, Spanish language support, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Product, great support., January 29, 2008

By 

Spam Hater - See all my reviews

This review is from: Business Plan Pro 15th Anniversary Edition [Old Version] (CD-ROM)

I have had several versions of Business Plan Pro over the years, and have loved it. The new user interface in Version 11 has made it much easier to keep my business plan upt to date. I especially like that it gives you an estimate on how long each of the steps should take. It makes the whole process less daunting.

I read one of the reviews about the Tech Support at Palo Alto Software, and that made me want to post this message. I have had to call tech support in the past and they have been really good at helping me troubleshoot the issues I have come up with. I had a problem similar to the other poster in an older version, where it looked like nothing was typing into the program, and all my menus were blank. Tech Support help me find that this issue was caused by a high contrast window setting on my PC, and not something in the software. Changing my desktop appearance resolved the issue.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great jump start for writing your business plan, April 4, 2010

By 

Diana De Avila "MS Gkygrl" (Malta, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Business Plan Pro 15th Anniversary Edition [Old Version] (CD-ROM)

Having written several different business plans (and having used several different versions of Palo Alto's BP software) I have to say that Business Plan Pro has always been a great way to create business plans on the fly. It offers many different types of templates for different types of businesses. These templates are wonderful starting points for creating business plans. The Standard Edition of Business Plan Pro provides great flexibility for creating simple business plans that don't involve things like Quickbooks or Excel integration. For more complex financial tasks, you may have to spring for the Premier version.

I have recommended this software to friends and would definitely never fail to use it for any future business plans that I may have to create.

I love it. My only caution to the customer is that these templates are great jumping off points and not meant to be taken as-is. Writing a business plan is still a project ... but with the help of the BP software, it's a heck of a lot easier!

Great program for the money!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Huge Time Saver, January 30, 2010

By 

Citizen John (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Business Plan Pro 15th Anniversary Edition [Old Version] (CD-ROM)

Not too long ago, I wrote a 20-page business plan just from scratch. Maybe that was a good exercise but I'll never do it again. It was too time consuming. This software makes the job easy and dramatically reduces the time versus writing from scratch.

The time saved and professionalism in using this software even once will justify the investment. After all, one does not write a business plan without intending to invest money in startup costs.

Another advantage is the completeness of a work product from Business Plan Pro 15th edition. It's doubtful one would independently design a business plan that covers as much ground without this software.

I had always thought writing business plans was tedious and therefore many people simply have it in their heads. It's mush wiser to generate a bone fide business plan, but use a software tool to save an incredible number of hours. The interview process makes the job relatively painless although you still have to make decisions.