If you are a small business owner, entrepreneur, or startup founder, the business plan builder you choose could make all the difference for the future of your company. Sounds serious, doesn’t it? Truthfully, it is. The specific framework that will perform for your business plan must clearly align with your strategies, goals, and funding needs. In the following, we’ll compare two business plan software options, BizPlan vs. LivePlan, along with innovative alternatives to both.
BizPlan vs LivePlan: A Comprehensive Overview
Business planning software is here to stay. It is widely used and recognized as a highly effective business planning tool for startup founders, small business owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Business planning software, such as BizPlan and LivePlan, provide structures that will help build the major elements of your business.
BizPlan contains an overarching plan that caters to small business owners and startup businesses with a build-and-grow mindset. The software includes fully-guided templates with step-by-step instructions, along with an online fundraising platform and expert advice. The plan also includes goal-setting templates and capital-raising instructions, in addition to advice on pitch and presentation methods. In addition, BizPlan offers playbooks that assist in validating ideas and securing customers.
LivePlan software emphasizes simplified user processes and AI support within those processes. The software comes with a business plan creator, guided financial projections, and tutorials. LivePlan includes a mindset growth plan that expands the focus on adaptive processes, goal-focused strategies, and revenue-driven decisions. LivePlan offers an AI-driven assistant for editorial support and concept ideation.
Suitability
There are multiple options for business plan software, but which choice will be the most suitable for your business? Just like buying a car, you can opt for the least expensive basic model, or you can consider the more expensive fully-loaded model. With software, the least expensive option provides basic, workable features, while fully-loaded software can include such features as expert advice, financial planning, and personalized service. Software should fulfill your primary goals, as well as the specifics for your industry trends, growth forecasting, and funding needs.
- BizPlan: Entrepreneurs, Startup Businesses, Consultants, Educators.
- LivePlan: Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs), Consultants, Educators.
Comparison at a Glance
- Pricing: BizPlan offers two subscription-based payment options, one on a month-to-month basis or one for a reduced monthly cost paid in one annual fee. Users may instead pay a one-time purchase fee for ongoing access to the software. LivePlan offers a month-to-month subscription without an option for purchase. An upgraded program with additional features is also available. A 35-day money-back guarantee is offered for new subscribers.
- Ease of Use: BizPlan software templates are supported by clear instructions and a simplified process to make it easy for small businesses to use. The associated features found in the playbooks and on-demand advice are supportive, but less helpful overall. BizPlan may offer upsells within their platform, which can be distracting to the user experience. LivePlan is comprehensive and fully supported software that brings a high degree of comfort for users who are new to business plans and templates. Although supportive, the high-powered list of tools and features may be overwhelming for those who are unfamiliar with complex business concepts.
- Customization Options: BizPlan templates can be revised to manipulate chapters and apply customized features. LivePlan allows users to add or delete chapters, topics and sections. Formatting changes, such as font size, headers and footers, can be made by the user.
- Integrations: BizPlan offers a supported integration with Xero and QuickBooks Online Advanced. LivePlan offers a supported integration with Xero and QuickBooks.
- Customer Support: BizPlan offers customer support online, via a support ticket process, email Q & A, and live chat from 9 am – 6 pm (EST). LivePlan offers support via email (with a one-day turnaround) or live chat support 8 am – 5 pm (PST). A Help Center contains articles that answer common questions.
- User Reviews and Ratings: Independent reviews and ratings for BizPlan indicate a 4.5/5.0 overall rating for use and a 4.2/5.0 rating for ease of use. The customer service rating is 3.8/5.0. Independent reviews and ratings for LivePlan indicate the software has a 4.5/5.0 overall rating for use and 4.4/5.0 rating for ease of use and customer service.
In-Depth Comparison
Detailed information in several performance categories offers further insight into BizPlan and LivePlan. You should consider which features are most important for your business.
Pricing
Both BizPlan and LivePlan offer monthly subscription rates. BizPlan accepts one annual payment for the subscription at a slightly reduced rate but also offers a one-time purchase fee for unlimited use.
Features
BizPlan leans heavily on the build-and-grow theme for startups and new businesses. Features include multiple plan sections that can be combined into a modern business plan. This concept is suitable for a startup founder or new business owner and the emphasis on strategic growth is a positive one.
LivePlan is packed with features that will delight business owners, as multiple templates and interactive progress trackers provide a wealth of supportive financial tools. A growth mindset is evident throughout the software, including detailed attention to financial forecasting. The emphasis on the AI assistant may be overplayed, as the scope of support in that area is mainly in text editing with some ideation.
Ease of Use
BizPlan software templates are guided by clarity and a simplified process. This provides a less stressful experience for new users. Templates are supported by the help center and guides. BizPlan is heavily focused on raising capital and the online funding platform is focused on guidance for pitching and presentation. The on-demand advice service is appealing, but less helpful in reality when the process to get advice is to submit a support ticket and await feedback.
LivePlan is comprehensive and fully-supported software that brings a high degree of flexibility for users who prefer multiple options for templates and self-service framework features. The step-by-step instructions offer a lifeline; however, the lengthy list of included features requires users to learn how to properly use the tools provided. LivePlan is a good option for users who want to delve into business planning and financial forecasting.
Customization and Flexibility
BizPlan allows several adaptations to be made to the business plan templates, including graphics and self-guided changes. LivePlan allows users to manipulate chapters and sections, along with changing formats and page designs. LivePlan also offers financial tables that can be altered. Both BizPlan and LivePlan offer flexibility. LivePlan may take longer to adopt due to the multiple features included.
Integrations
BizPlan offers a supported integration with Xero and QuickBooks Online Advanced. LivePlan offers a supported integration with Xero and QuickBooks.
Customer Support
Both BizPlan and LivePlan offer customer support online and via live chat. Users should be aware that live chat or phone calls are only available during work hours in specific time zones. Users will want to research customer support before choosing BizPlan or LivePlan.
User Reviews and Ratings
Independent reviews and ratings for BizPlan and LivePlan are very similar, with LivePlan holding slightly higher ratings at 4.5/5.0 over BizPlan at 4.4/5.0. LivePlan reviews are overall positive with some negative reviews regarding inferior integration results between LivePlan and Xero. BizPlan reviews were overall positive with some negative reviews regarding input difficulties.
Conclusion
BizPlan and LivePlan each provide unique value in differing ways. BizPlan offers a package of supportive tools for startups and new business owners while LivePlan brings a plethora of features to the table, all in support of new and growing businesses.
Searching for alternatives to LivePlan and BizPlan? Consider Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template, which offers:
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- Zero Learning Curve: There’s no software to learn or install. You simply download, personalize & print our Microsoft Word® and Excel® compatible Ultimate Business Plan Template. And it works flawlessly on both PCs and Macs. This is yet another way you save precious time!
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