Preparing a business plan is a lot like cooking pasta. You need specific ingredients and tools (resources), such as pasta dough, spices, sauces, a pot, a ladle, a recipe, etc., to make a great meal.
In the same way, you need the right resources to craft a solid business plan that works best for you.
But what resources are available to help you write a business plan? And where do you get them? (Not the grocery store for sure, unlike the pasta resources!)
Don’t worry. Here’s the answer, right on the money!
Online business plan templates and software
When you’ve just started out, using online business plan templates and software can be the easiest way to craft a business plan.
A well-crafted template gives you a clear structure to follow so you don’t miss any important sections. You can even customize it to meet your specific needs and business preferences.
Business planning software, like Upmetrics, LivePlan, and Bizplanr, can streamline the entire process and guide you through every step.
These tools usually involve ready-made templates, pre-designed layouts, as well as automated financial calculations to make things easier and less overwhelming.
In short, you don’t have to start from zero. Just fill in a few blanks and get the first draft of your business plan.
Educational websites and courses
If you’re new to business planning and want to dive deeper into its concepts, educational websites and courses are excellent resources.
Platforms like Udemy and Coursera offer simple, beginner-friendly online courses to help you grasp the business planning fundamentals and beyond. They’ll give you a solid foundation and some expert insights along the way.
Plus, these educational resources walk you through real-life examples, break things down step-by-step, and even provide certificates to enhance your skills.
Books on business planning
Reading business planning books doesn’t just provide you with step-by-step instructions. But it’ll give you insights from industry experts who’ve been through it all and know what it takes to succeed.
Moreover, you can learn real-life lessons as well as valuable tips to think through potential challenges and plan smarter.
So, try to find good books on business planning if you want some strategic advice and a dose of inspiration that can make a real difference.
Professional business plan writers and consultants
Sometimes, entrepreneurs want an expert to write a highly polished, investor-ready business plan—or just need personalized guidance.
Working with professional business plan writers and consultants can be invaluable, especially if you can afford it. These business planning pros help you refine your ideas, get market insights, and develop effective strategies.
This will give you the confidence that your plan meets all the industry standards and includes all the essential details that investors need to know.
Business plan workshops and local resources
It’s said that the best way to learn is in person. And in the US, there are many institutions that organize workshops or networking events specific to business planning.
Organizations like SCORE and Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) hold free or low-cost workshops, meetups, and training sessions, as well as one-on-one mentoring to get guidance and support.
If you’re someone who likes hands-on learning, these local resources are definitely worth checking out.
Online forums and communities
While working on your business plan, you can have access to online forums and entrepreneur communities for real-life insights and useful tips.
Being part of communities like Reddit and Quora, you can share ideas, ask questions, and get honest feedback on your plan. It’s also a great way to brainstorm, solve problems, and find answers to common challenges.
This will even let you learn from the other entrepreneurs who’ve successfully navigated the complexities of business planning.
Since they’re available 24/7, you can get help whenever you need it.
Conclusion
With the right business planning tools and resources, you can make your plan writing task more manageable and even smoother.
Whether you’re looking for professional help, plan structure, online courses, or just some expert feedback, we’ve got you covered!
Our team of expert business plan writers and consultants, at PlanGrow Lab, will not only guide you in writing a business plan but also provide you with valuable insights to impress investors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free resources for writing a business plan?
Here’s a list of the best free resources to help you create a business plan:
- Free AI business plan generators like Bizplanr
- SBA business plan templates
- Bplans downloadable sample plans
- Online communities, such as Reddit, Quora
Are there software tools available that can help me write a business plan?
Absolutely! Tools like Upmetrics, Bizplanr, and LivePlan often come with customizable templates, real-life business plan examples, financial forecasting tools, and even collaborative features to simplify the whole planning process.
Do I need to hire a professional consultant to write my business plan?
It’s not mandatory to hire a professional writer or consultant to write your business plan—but having one can be very beneficial. They’ll give you practical insights and expert-level guidance to present your plan and make it more compelling to investors.
Can I learn to write a business plan through online courses?
Of course, you can use online courses to learn how to write a business plan from scratch. Platforms like Upmetrics offer effective business planning courses to learn through each business plan section, from thorough market analysis to realistic financial projections.
Are there any books that I can read to make my business planning easier?
Yes, definitely! You can read business planning books like “The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries, “The Secrets to Writing a Successful Business Plan” by Hal Shelton, “Hurdle: The Book on Business Planning" by Tim Berry, or similar other books to create a solid business plan.
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