computer software business plan

Business Plan for Software Company

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Software Company Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their software companies.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating a software company business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write a software company business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

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What is a Software Company Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your software company as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Software Company

If you’re looking to start a software company or grow your existing software company, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your software company to improve your chances of success. Your software company business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Software Companies

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a software company are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for software companies.

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How to write a business plan for a software company.

If you want to start a software company or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your software company business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of software company you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a software company that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of software companies?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

• Give a brief overview of the software company industry.
• Discuss the type of software company you are operating.
• Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
• Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
• Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of software company you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of software companies:

• Open source: An open source software company is one that produces a code base that is free for any entity that desires to use it. The value of this structure is found in the auxiliary services and customizations that are provided to clients. Examples of highly-profitable open source software companies include Linux and Red Hat.
• Client-specific: As cloud computing continues to grow in popularity, more companies look to specific software programs to drive their businesses further into high-growth positions. Examples of client-specific software companies include Oracle and SAP.
• Programming services: Software companies that provide programming are essential to the tech industry. Examples include Microsoft and ADP, well-known giant software companies.
• System services: Software companies have become highly successful, as they’ve perfected the art of creating systems for personal computers and the growing field of tablets and other personal devices. Examples of software companies that focus on systems include Intuit and Adobe.

In addition to explaining the type of software company business you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of software programs created, the number of specialized SaaS services created, or reaching X number of clients served, etc.
• Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the software company industry. While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the software company industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your software company business plan:

• How big is the software company industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your software company business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your software company business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: start-up tech companies, companies in need of CRM software, research and development companies, and cloud-computing corporations.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of software company business you operate. Clearly, start-up tech companies would respond to different marketing promotions than major cloud-computing corporations, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and industry profiles. With regard to demographics, include a discussion of the locations, type of services or programming needed and revenue potential of the client companies you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target clients within the companies you will target. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other software company businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes generic software outlets, private individual providers, and computer servicing companies.You need to mention direct competition, as well.

For each direct competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What type of software company are they?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regard to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide options for the customized software?
• Will you offer products or services that your competition doesn’t?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer bundled pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a software company business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of software company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide open source programming, SaaS products, or software to support Microsoft systems?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your software company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your software company located in a professional technology park, a standalone building or is it purely online? , Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your software company marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Quarterly press releases to industry-wide interest groups
• Engage in social media mining and marketing
• Offer informative blogs; become a speaker in seminars
• Create a strong presence at tech trade shows and conferences
• Give expert opinions on tech social media platforms
• Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your software company, including meeting with clients, planning new software development, training personnel, and running administrative services.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to sign your Xth contract, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your software company business to a new city.

Management Team

To demonstrate your software company’s potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing a software company. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing a software company or successfully running a small technology development firm.

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Financial plan.

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you introduce a new software program on a yearly basis, or will you customize software for return clients? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your software company, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit, but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a software company:

• Cost of computer and software equipment
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, furnishings and office supplies

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include the patents you own on software programs or a list of clients on monthly retainers.

Writing a business plan for your software company is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the software company industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful software company.

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Computer Software Business Plan Sample

Published Mar.03, 2021

Updated Apr.22, 2024

By: Noor Muhammad

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Table of Content

Computer software business plan for starting your own company

Do you want to start a computer software business? Well, the business has immense demand these days. Firstly, because of the introduction of software that enhance business efficiency and productivity. And second, due to the coronavirus that has made people work from home.

Starting this business doesn’t require you to occupy a large space. However, the startup costs are still high. Mainly because of the costs of software and the salaries of software experts.

To make sure that your business is started and run efficiently, you must create a business plan computer software. To help you in making an accurate business continuity plan computer software company for your business, we’re providing here a business plan for software product . This sample business plan software for mac and pc is written for a computer software startup, Tech Solutions.

Computer Software Business Plan Summary

2.1 the business.

Tech Solutions will be a registered and insured computer software business. The business will provide all sorts of management, business, engineering, analytics, and computer repair software. The company will also offer software that allows integration with hardware devices. Moreover, some hardware accessories will also be sold by the company.

In this business plan sample of an online computer repair and sales of hardware and software, we’ll be providing all details of Tech Solutions for your guidance.

2.2 Management of Computer Software Company

To ensure the smooth and successful running of your business, it is essential to first create a business plan template for computer software. In your computer software reseller business plan, you should mention all details of how you will establish your business, hire the staff, purchase the inventory, and software for reselling. Moreover, it should explain a proper management structure that will allow you to cater to unexpected orders, staff problems, and financial issues.

2.3 Customers of Computer Software Company

Tech Solutions identified the following groups of people as its target customers:

• Companies & Businesses
• Engineering Schools
• Others (Retail Stores & General Public)

2.4 Business Target

We aim to earn and maintain a CSAT score above 90% within a year of our launch. Financially, we aim at earning a profit margin of $32.3k per month by the end of the three years of our launch.

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

Tech Solutions will be owned by Dustin Grant. Dustin is a software engineer who has also acquired a master’s degree in business administration after his graduation. He has worked in a software firm for two years but eventually decided to start his own business plan for software product .

3.2 Why the computer software business is being started

Dustin started the computer software business to be an entrepreneur and earn huge profits. Throughout his academic and service years, he remained associated with software businesses. Therefore, at the time of starting his own business plan for software product , he believed the computer software business to be the best choice for him.

3.3 How the pc software business will be started

Step1: Develop computer hardware and software business plan

The first step to start this business would be to create a computer software and technology business plan. Dustin had adequate knowledge to develop the business continuity plan for computer software company, therefore he did the task himself. If you think that you don’t possess the required skillset to develop a business plan software for apple computers or any other relevant service, you must hire a professional for doing so.

Step2: Define your brand

After planning everything about your business plan for software product , you should step into the execution phase. This is the time to acquire licenses, registrations, inventory, and required software and hardware. Meanwhile, you should define your business values and services so that people can know about you.

Step3: Start the recruitment

The next step is to recruit the most component and skillful employees for your business plan for software product . A good approach is to also give them a few months of training so that they can learn to collaborate with each other.

Step4: Promote & market

After establishing your workplace and workforce, the next step is to promote your competitive advantages.

Step5: Establish a web presence

A strong web presence is inevitable for a software company. Since software services can be provided online, your customers are more likely to search about you on Google. Therefore, to offer your services on a wider scale, it is a must to establish a strong online presence.

Products of Computer Software Company

In your computer software retail business plan, you should also include the services you want to offer. To decide your services, you should study some guide to writing a computer software business plan examples. This will give you a broader idea of what other people are offering in the domain.

The products offered by Tech Solutions are provided below:

• Billing Software
• Asset Management software
• Clear Analytics
• Metric Insights
• SAP BusinessObjects
• StudioCloud
• Autodesk Revit
• JavaScript and more.
• Network Interface Cards
• Expansion cards
• Power supply unit
• Motherboard
• Optical disc drive
• Microprocessor
• Hard disk drive and more.

Marketing Analysis of Computer Software Business

Your business plan for computer software is incomplete unless you have done a detailed marketing analysis in it. Since purchasing software and hiring the persons who can run those software is a costly operation. Therefore, it is a must for you to purchase only the software that are demanded by your target customers. Knowing your target market will help you in understanding which type of software you should acquire. Moreover, by analyzing customers’ buying patterns you can figure out whether or not you should purchase a certain software.

In this computer programs business plan we’re providing the market analysis done for Tech Solutions. Dustin carried out a detailed marketing analysis before developing business plan software for mac computers and other devices. His special focus was to offer software products that weren’t offered by his market competitors.

5.1 Market Trends

The market stats for computer software-related companies are extremely good. According to IBISWorld, market size of $564bn is held just by online computer software sellers in the United States. The trends for business analytics software businesses are also highly encouraging. According to the same source, more than 4.5k such businesses are running in the United States successfully. The business has grown by 22.8% in the past five years, from 2016 to 2021. And is expected to grow more by 13.3% in 2021 alone.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

The groups of target customers identified by Tech Solutions are provided in this computer software business plan sample.

5.2.1 Companies/ Businesses & Organizations

The first group of our target customers will comprise organizations and enterprises that need management and cloud-based intelligent software to manage their business plan for software product . They are expected to be our potential customers as they will need the latest software support to enhance their productivity.

5.2.2 Engineering Schools & Firms

The second group of our target customers will be the universities and firms that make use of engineering software. They may include design engineering firms, software firms, and manufacturing firms.

5.2.3 Others

The third category includes all other people and businesses who may need software and hardware. For example, retail stores are expected to get billing software from us. High school students are believed to purchase hardware accessories from us etc.

5.3 Business Target

Our business targets are

• To achieve a Net Promoter Score above 50 by the end of the two years of our launch.
• To earn and maintain a CSAT score above 90% within a year of our launch.
• To earn a net profit margin of $32.3k per month by the end of the third year
• To achieve and maintain an average ranking above 4.75 throughout our service years.

5.4 Product Pricing

Our prices are a little higher as compared to our market competitors. It is because of the continuous software support and training we’ll be providing free of cost.

Marketing Strategy of Computer Software Business

In your business plan computer software company you should also include the ways, you will adopt to outperform your competitors. Ideally, you should analyze your competitive benefits, sales business strategy , and forecasted sales in this part of computer software training business plan.

6.1 Competitive Analysis

• Our biggest competitive benefit is that we’re providing free training to our customers. People who will purchase software from us will be given 10-12 days of training so that they can use all the features of the software.
• We are highly customer-oriented. Our collaborative staff will remain in touch with you to provide you expert advice whenever you face any technical issues with the provided software.
• Our software offerings are more than all of our competitors. Therefore, we expect to get more customers than them.

6.2 Sales Strategy

• We’ll establish a strong web and social media presence to reach out to a wider audience.
• To advertise our services, we’ll make use of Google Local ads service, and local newspaper.
• We’ll send our sales executive to several companies and organizations to let them know about us.
• We’ll provide a 20% discount on all of our software for the first month of our launch.
• We’ll provide a 30% discount on all of our hardware products for the first two months of our launch.

6.3 Sales Monthly

6.4 Sales Yearly

6.5 Sales Forecast

Personnel plan

The skills and performance of your employees are the things that will impact your business impression in the long run. To make your startup a success, it is essential to hire your employees with great care. And develop a human resource management plan to help them improve over time.

In this computer hardware software business plan, we’re providing the personnel plan of Tech Solutions.

7.1 Company Staff

Dustin will hire the following employees for his business:

• 1 Co-Manager to manage the company’s operations
• 4 Software Engineers to develop software and train people
• 2 IT Experts to maintain IT systems
• 2 Computer Technicians to help maintain the machinery
• 2 Sales Executives to discover new ventures for the company
• 1 Accountant to maintain financial records
• 1 Store Manager to manage hardware sales

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

Financial Plan

Though opening a computer software business doesn’t require you to rent a large space or procure huge inventory, still, the costs of starting and running this business are high. It is because many business software are very expensive especially those which are cloud-based and agile. And secondly, the salaries of highly expert software engineers are also high. Therefore, the finances of this business plan for software product need to be managed.

The best way for managing your finances, investments, profits, and losses is to develop a financial plan. In this computer software business plan sample we’re providing the financial plan that Dustin developed for Tech Solutions.

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 Break-even Analysis

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

8.3.1 Profit Monthly

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

8.6 Business Ratios

Download Computer Software Business Plan Sample in pdf

Professional OGS capital writers specialized also in themes such as smartphone business plan , computer store business plan, iPhone repair business plan , solid semiconductor business plan , best biotech business plans and many others.

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

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Software Company Business Plan

High margins, low startup costs, global reach, and a recurring revenue model make starting a software company a lucrative and rewarding profession.

Need help writing a business plan for your software company? You’re at the right place. Our software company business plan template will help you get started.

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How to Write A Software Company Business Plan?

Writing a software company business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

• Introduce your Business: Start your executive summary by briefly introducing your business to your readers.This section may include the name of your software company, its location, when it was founded, the type of software company (E.g., enterprise software companies, mobile app development companies, data analytics companies), etc.
• Market Opportunity: Summarize your market research, including market size, growth potential, and marketing trends. Highlight the opportunities in the market and how your business will fit in to fill the gap.
• Products and Services: Highlight the software company services you offer your clients. The USPs and differentiators you offer are always a plus.For instance, you may include custom software development, software consulting, software testing, etc as some of your services.
• Marketing & Sales Strategies: Outline your sales and marketing strategies—what marketing platforms you use, how you plan on acquiring customers, etc.
• Financial Highlights: Briefly summarize your financial projections for the initial years of business operations. Include any capital or investment requirements, associated startup costs, projected revenues, and profit forecasts.
• Call to Action: Summarize your executive summary section with a clear CTA, for example, inviting angel investors to discuss the potential business investment.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your company. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

• Enterprise software companies
• SaaS companies
• Mobile app development companies
• Web development companies
• Cybersecurity companies
• HealthTech companies
• Describe the legal structure of your software company, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.
• Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.
• Owners: List the names of your software company’s founders or owners. Describe what shares they own and their responsibilities for efficiently managing the business.
• Mission Statement: Summarize your business’ objective, core principles, and values in your mission statement. This statement needs to be memorable, clear, and brief.
• Business History: If you’re an established software company, briefly describe your business history, like—when it was founded, how it evolved over time, etc.Additionally, If you have received any awards or recognition for excellent work, describe them.
• Future Goals: It’s crucial to convey your aspirations and vision. Mention your short-term and long-term goals; they can be specific targets for revenue, market share, or expanding your services.

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

• Target market: Start this section by describing your target market. Define your ideal customer and explain what types of services they prefer. Creating a buyer persona will help you easily define your target market to your readers.For instance, businesses & entrepreneurs, the government sector, the public sector, or healthcare would be an ideal target audience for a software company.
• Market size and growth potential: Describe your market size and growth potential and whether you will target a niche or a much broader market.For instance; the global software market was 55.52 billion in 2022, so describe how much of the market you will cover and what will be the growth potential of your business.
• Competitive Analysis: Identify and analyze your direct and indirect competitors. Identify their strengths and weaknesses, and describe what differentiates your software company from them. Point out how you have a competitive edge in the market.
• Market Trends: Analyze emerging trends in the industry, such as technology disruptions, changes in customer behavior or preferences, etc. Explain how your business will cope with all the trends.For instance, cloud computing or artificial intelligence has a booming market; explain how you plan on dealing with this potential growth opportunity.
• Regulatory Environment: List regulations and licensing requirements that may affect your software company, such as intellectual property protection, software licensing, software licensing, data protection, antitrust & competition laws, etc.

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your internet software company business plan:

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

• Custom Software Development
• Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Software
• Software as a Service (SaaS)
• Software Development Tools
• Software Consulting
• Software Maintenance and Support
• Software Testing and Quality Assurance
• Training and Documentation
• Industry focus: Mention the industries that your software company serves if it specializes in serving those sectors. Describe how the needs and challenges are addressed by the products and services you offer.
• Quality measures: This section should explain how you maintain quality standards and consistently provide the highest quality service. This may include bug-free software, User Experience, performance optimization, compliance & standards, etc.
• Additional Services: Mention if your software company offers any additional services. You may include services like custom software development, software consulting & advisory services, software training & documentation, etc.

In short, this section of your software company plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

• Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Define your business’s USPs depending on the market you serve, the equipment you use, and the unique services you provide. Identifying USPs will help you plan your marketing strategies.For example, customized & tailored solutions, innovation & cutting-edge technology, or exceptional user experience, could be some of the great USPs for a professional software company.
• Pricing Strategy: Describe your pricing strategy—how you plan to price your products or services and stay competitive in the local market. You can mention any discounts you plan on offering to attract new customers.
• Marketing Strategies: Discuss your marketing strategies to market your services. You may include some of these marketing strategies in your business plan—social media marketing, Google ads, email marketing, content marketing, etc.
• Sales Strategies: Outline the strategies you’ll implement to maximize your sales. Your sales strategies may include partnering with other businesses, offering referral programs, etc.
• Customer Retention: Describe your customer retention strategies and how you plan to execute them. For instance, introducing loyalty programs, discounts or offers, personalized service, etc.

Overall, this section of your software company business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your software company, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

• Staffing & Training: Mention your business’s staffing requirements, including the number of employees or developers needed. Include their qualifications, the training required, and the duties they will perform.
• Operational Process: Outline the processes and procedures you will use to run your software company. Your operational processes may include requirements gathering, design & planning, development, deployment, project management, collaboration & communication, etc.
• Software & Tools: Include the list of software & tools required for a software company, such as cloud services & infrastructure, project management tools, Version Control Systems, collaboration & communication tools, etc. Explain how these technologies help you maintain quality standards and improve the efficiency of your business operations.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your software company’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

• Founders/CEO: Mention the founders and CEO of your software company, and describe their roles and responsibilities in successfully running the business.
• Key managers: Introduce your management and key members of your team, and explain their roles and responsibilities.It should include, key executives(e.g. COO, CMO.), senior management, and other department managers (e.g. operations manager, customer services manager, product manager.) involved in the software company operations, including their education, professional background, and any relevant experience in the industry.
• Organizational structure: Explain the organizational structure of your management team. Include the reporting line and decision-making hierarchy.
• Compensation Plan: Describe your compensation plan for the management and staff. Include their salaries, incentives, and other benefits.
• Advisors/Consultants: Mentioning advisors or consultants in your business plans adds credibility to your business idea.So, if you have any advisors or consultants, include them with their names and brief information consisting of roles and years of experience.

This section should describe the key personnel for your software company services, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

• Profit & loss statement: Describe details such as projected revenue, operational costs, and service costs in your projected profit and loss statement . Make sure to include your business’s expected net profit or loss.
• Cash flow statement: The cash flow for the first few years of your operation should be estimated and described in this section. This may include billing invoices, payment receipts, loan payments, and any other cash flow statements.
• Balance Sheet: Create a projected balance sheet documenting your software company’s assets, liabilities, and equity.
• Break-even point: Determine and mention your business’s break-even point—the point at which your business costs and revenue will be equal.This exercise will help you understand how much revenue you need to generate to sustain or be profitable.
• Financing Needs: Calculate costs associated with starting a software company, and estimate your financing needs and how much capital you need to raise to operate your business. Be specific about your short-term and long-term financing requirements, such as investment capital or loans.

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your software company business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

This sample software company business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful software company plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our software company business plan pdf .

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Frequently asked questions, why do you need a software company business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful software company business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your software company.

How to get funding for your software company?

There are several ways to get funding for your software company, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are

• Bank loan – You may apply for a loan in government or private banks.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loan – SBA loans and schemes are available at affordable interest rates, so check the eligibility criteria before applying for it.
• Crowdfunding – The process of supporting a project or business by getting a lot of people to invest in your business, usually online.
• Angel investors – Getting funds from angel investors is one of the most sought startup options.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your software company?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your software company business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your software company business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any software company business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software .

How do I write a good market analysis in a software company business plan?

Market analysis is one of the key components of your business plan that requires deep research and a thorough understanding of your industry. We can categorize the process of writing a good market analysis section into the following steps:

• Stating the objective of your market analysis—e.g., investor funding.
• Industry study—market size, growth potential, market trends, etc.
• Identifying target market—based on user behavior and demographics.
• Analyzing direct and indirect competitors.
• Calculating market share—understanding TAM, SAM, and SOM.
• Knowing regulations and restrictions
• Organizing data and writing the first draft.

Writing a marketing analysis section can be overwhelming, but using ChatGPT for market research can make things easier.

How detailed should the financial projections be in my software company business plan?

The level of detail of the financial projections of your software company may vary considering various business aspects like direct and indirect competition, pricing, and operational efficiency. However, your financial projections must be comprehensive enough to demonstrate a complete view of your financial performance.

Generally, the statements included in a business plan offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.

What key components should a software company business plan include?

The following are the key components your software company business plan must include:

• Executive summary
• Business Overview
• Market Analysis
• Products and services
• Sales and marketing strategies
• Operations plan
• Management team
• Financial plan

Can a good software company business plan help me secure funding?

Indeed. A well-crafted software company will help your investors better understand your business domain, market trends, strategies, business financials, and growth potential—helping them make better financial decisions.

So, if you have a profitable and investable business, a comprehensive business plan can certainly help you secure your business funding.

What's the importance of a marketing strategy in a software company business plan?

Marketing strategy is a key component of your software company business plan. Whether it is about achieving certain business goals or helping your investors understand your plan to maximize their return on investment—an impactful marketing strategy is the way to do it!

Here are a few pointers to help you understand the importance of having an impactful marketing strategy:

• It provides your business an edge over your competitors.
• It helps investors better understand your business and growth potential.
• It helps you develop products with the best profit potential.
• It helps you set accurate pricing for your products or services.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Software Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Software Company Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Software Company business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create software business plans and many have used them to start or grow their software companies.

Below is a software business plan template to help you create each section of your own Software Company business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

SimpleBooks Inc. is a new accounting software company located in Seattle, Washington. We produce an accounting product that helps small and medium-sized businesses with all of their accounting tasks. Some of these features we provide in our software include bookkeeping, tracking cash flow, reconciling bank accounts, and creating/managing financial reports.

SimpleBooks Inc. is founded by Edward Jameson, who has been a developer for 20 years. He created this software based on the complaints that his wife had of the accounting software she was using. He initially created the software to help his wife’s business but decided to expand the product and sell it to other local small and medium-sized businesses with similar accounting needs.

Product Offering

SimpleBooks Inc. produces accounting software that helps small and medium-sized businesses with all their accounting needs. We offer an extensive list of features, including the following:

• Bookkeeping
• Reconciling bank accounts
• Cash flow tracking and management
• Accounts receivable
• Income and expenses tracking
• Invoice and payment processing
• Mileage tracking
• Receipt capture
• Bill management
• Tax deductions
• Inventory management
• Employee expenses tracking
• Business analytics
• Project profitability
• Time tracking
• Financial report generation

Customer Focus

SimpleBooks Inc. will primarily target businesses in the Seattle, Washington area. The software is designed for smaller businesses, so most of our clientele will include businesses with less than 500 employees.

Management Team

SimpleBooks Inc. is founded by Edward Jameson, who has been a developer for 20 years. He has substantial experience creating software for large companies and has been very successful in his career. He initially built the company’s accounting software to help his wife’s business, but decided to expand the product and sell it to other small businesses in the area.

Success Factors

SimpleBooks Inc. will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Edward Jameson has been extremely successful working in the software industry and will be able to use experience to create the best products for our target market.
• Edward knows many of the local leaders, business managers, and other influencers within Seattle, Washington and will use those connections to establish an initial clientbase.
• SimpleBooks Inc.’s products are designed with small businesses in mind and will be curated to help the particular accounting needs of this target demographic.

Financial Highlights

SimpleBooks Inc. is seeking a total funding of $500,000 of debt capital to launch. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Office design/build: $100,000
• Software development: $150,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
• Marketing costs: $50,000
• Working capital: $50,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for SimpleBooks Inc.:

Company Overview

Who is simplebooks inc..

SimpleBooks Inc. is a new accounting software company located in Seattle, Washington. We produce an accounting software product that helps small and medium-sized businesses with all of their accounting tasks. We offer three tiers of features. Our basic tier only offers basic accounting functions while our advanced tier offers an extensive list of features for larger and more complex businesses. Some of these features include bookkeeping, tracking cash flow, reconciling bank accounts, and creating/managing financial reports.

  SimpleBooks Inc. is founded by Edward Jameson, who has been a developer for 20 years. His wife is an accountant who was very unhappy with other accounting software products. Other accounting software can be overwhelming to use, unintuitive, and are geared toward large organizations and enterprises. Edward knew of her complaints and developed an accounting software geared towards her small business. Edward’s wife has been successfully using the software for nearly a year, so Edward is confident that this product can help other small and medium-sized businesses with similar accounting needs.

SimpleBooks Inc.’s History

After developing the software for his wife’s company, Edward Jameson did a thorough market analysis to see how well his software would do if he sold it to other local small businesses. Once his market analysis was complete, Edward incorporated SimpleBooks Inc. as an S corporation.

Since incorporation, the company has achieved the following milestones:

• Located a potential office space and signed a Letter of Intent to lease it
• Developed the company’s name, logo, and website
• Determined equipment and necessary supplies
• Began recruiting key employees

SimpleBooks Inc.’s Services

SimpleBooks Inc. produces accounting software that helps small and medium-sized businesses with all their accounting needs. Clients interested in our software can purchase one of three plans: basic, intermediate, or advanced. Our most basic plan will offer just the essential bookkeeping and accounting functions that most businesses need and only allow up to three users per account. Our intermediate plan will offer more features and allow up to seven users per account. Our most advanced plan will offer an extensive suite of accounting features and allow up to twenty users per account. All plans are charged on a monthly basis, with our basic plan being the cheapest option and advanced option being the most expensive.

Some of the functions and features included in our software products include:

Industry Analysis

According to market research, the global software industry is expected to grow substantially over the next five years. Nearly every business uses some form of software to automate its processes and increase efficiency and accuracy. Therefore, demand remains high and the industry continues to grow and expand.

Business software includes project management software, communication software, customer relationship management software, and accounting software. Accounting software is particularly popular as it significantly improves accuracy and efficiency when handling all things related to accounting. Good accounting software can help a business keep detailed tracking of all its finances, and prevent a business from bleeding money or losing track of funds.

Business software companies can succeed by providing competitive features, multiple plans and products, and keeping their products affordable. They will also succeed if they can make products that work for both small businesses and large enterprises. A company that can provide this type of software will remain competitive in the global market and see rising demand from its clientele.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

SimpleBooks Inc. will primarily target businesses in the Seattle, Washington area. The software is designed for smaller businesses, so most of our clientele will include solopreneurs, small businesses, and medium businesses with less than 500 employees. We hope to eventually branch out and serve clients located beyond the Seattle area.

Customer Segmentation

SimpleBooks Inc. will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Solopreneurs
• Small businesses
• Medium-sized businesses

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

SimpleBooks Inc. will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

QuickBooks is one of the most popular accounting programs out there. It provides businesses with everything a business needs for its accounting department, including tracking income and expenses, managing cash flow, and helping with taxes. Clients can choose one of four monthly plans depending on the features they need and how large their accounting department is. Plans are charged on a monthly basis and include quick and helpful support and app integration.

Xero is a powerful accounting software for companies of all sizes. Clients who have Xero can pay bills, manage payroll, claim expenses, send invoices, and track inventory. They offer three tiers to choose from, including a very affordable basic plan and other plans that offer extensive features. They also provide specialized features for small businesses and for businesses in particular industries.

Freshbooks is a popular accounting software with businesses of all sizes in mind. They offer numerous features that vary depending on if you are a freelancer, a business with contractors, or a business with employees. Some of these features include managing expenses and receipts, tracking mileage and time, invoicing, and generating financial reports. They offer three tiers of plans but also create custom plans for businesses with complex and unique accounting needs.

Competitive Advantage

SimpleBooks Inc. will be able to offer the following advantages over the competition:

• Management: Edward Jameson has been extremely successful working in the software industry and will be able to use his previous experience to create the best products and experience for his clients. His unique qualifications will serve customers in a much more sophisticated manner than SimpleBooks Inc.’s competitors.
• Relationships: Edward knows many of the local leaders, business managers, and other influencers within Seattle, Washington. With his 10 years of experience and good relationships with business leaders in the area, he will be able to develop an initial client base.
• Small business focus: While our competitors do offer features for small and medium sized businesses, their products are designed with large enterprises in mind. This can make their products feel overwhelming and unintuitive. SimpleBooks Inc.’s products are designed specifically for small and medium businesses with fewer than 500 employees.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

SimpleBooks Inc. will offer a unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Service built on long-term relationships
• A focus on helping small businesses succeed
• Affordable pricing
• Excellent customer service

Promotions Strategy

The marketing strategy for SimpleBooks Inc. is as follows:

Referral Marketing

SimpleBooks Inc. will invest heavily in a social media advertising campaign. Edward will create the company’s social media accounts and invest in ads on all social media platforms. He will use targeted marketing to appeal to the target demographics.

Social Media SimpleBooks Inc. will invest heavily in a social media advertising campaign. Edward will create the company’s social media accounts and invest in ads on all social media platforms. He will use targeted marketing to appeal to the target demographics.

Website/SEO

SimpleBooks Inc. will invest in developing a professional website that displays all of the features of our accounting software. It will also invest heavily in SEO so that the brand’s website will appear at the top of search engine results.

Direct Mail

SimpleBooks Inc. will blanket businesses with direct mail pieces. These pieces will provide general information on SimpleBooks Inc., offer discounts, and/or provide other incentives for companies to try out our accounting software.

SimpleBooks Inc.’s pricing will be on par with competitors so clients feel they receive great value when purchasing our software.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for SimpleBooks Inc.: Operation Functions:

• Edward Jameson will be the Owner and CEO of the company. He will oversee all the operations and executive functions of the company. In the beginning, he will also provide customer support and development support until he hires several other developers and customer support professionals.
• Edward will employ an experienced assistant to help with various administrative duties around the office.
• Edward will also hire several developers to develop, improve, and maintain the company’s software products.
• Edward will also hire a solid sales team to sell our products to potential clients. As the company grows, he will also hire a team that is solely dedicated to customer service.

Milestones:

SimpleBooks Inc. will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

• 5/2023 – Finalize lease agreement
• 6/2023 – Design and build out SimpleBooks Inc.
• 7/2023 – Hire and train initial staff
• 8/2023 – Kickoff of promotional campaign
• 9/2023 – Launch SimpleBooks Inc.
• 10/2023 – Reach break-even

SimpleBooks Inc. is founded by Edward Jameson, who has been a developer for 20 years. His wife is an accountant who was very unhappy with other accounting software products. Other accounting software can be overwhelming to use, unintuitive, and are geared toward large organizations and enterprises. Edward knew of her complaints and developed an accounting software geared towards her small business. Edward’s wife has been successfully using the software for nearly a year, so Edward is confident that this product can help other small and medium-sized businesses with similar accounting needs.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The key revenues for SimpleBooks Inc. will come from the monthly fees that are charged to clients for using the software. There are three tiers that clients can choose from. The option that each client chooses will determine how much revenue the company makes.

The major cost drivers for the company include the lease, salaries, overhead, development costs, and marketing expenses.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

SimpleBooks Inc. is seeking a total funding of $500,000 of debt capital to launch. The funding will be dedicated to office design, software development, marketing, and working capital. Specifically, these funds will be used as follows:

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of clients:
• Annual rent: $30,000

Financial Projections

Income statement.

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

Software Company Business Plan FAQs

What is a software company business plan.

A software company business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your software company business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your Software Company business plan using our Software Company Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Software Company Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of software company businesses , some examples include: Open source, Client-specific, Programming services, and System services.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Software Company Business Plan?

Software Company businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Software Company Business?

Starting a software company business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Software Company Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed software company business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your software company business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your software company business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Software Company Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your software company business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your software company business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations.

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events.

7. Acquire Necessary Software Company Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your software company business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation.

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your software company business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful software company business:

• How to Start a Software Company Business

• Best Business Plan Software

10 Best Business Plan Software In 2024

Updated: May 3, 2024, 5:15pm

Writing a business plan not only helps you stay on track as you start a new business but it can also help you secure funding. You can create one from scratch with a simple template, but business plan software often has features to make it easier, more nuanced and overall better. It could even make the difference between bringing investors on board and going it alone. So, Forbes Advisor found the best business plan software that has the features you need at an affordable price.

• Best Project Management Software
• Best Construction Project Management Software
• Best Project Portfolio Management Software
• Best Gantt Chart Software
• Best Task Management Software
• Best Kanban Software

The Best Business Plan Software of 2024

Forbes advisor ratings, methodology, how to choose a business plan software, benefits of business plan software, frequently asked questions (faqs), next up in business.

Featured Partners

From $8 monthly per user

Zoom, LinkedIn, Adobe, Salesforce and more

On monday.com's Website

Yes, for one user and two editors

$9 per user per month

Google Drive, Slack, Tableau, Miro, Zapier and more

On Smartsheet's Website

Yes, for unlimited members

$7 per month

Slack, Microsoft Outlook, HubSpot, Salesforce, Timely, Google Drive and more

On ClickUp's Website

$9.80 per user per month

Salesforce, Adobe, Miro, Netsuite, Quickbooks, SAP

On Wrike's Website

• Wrike: Best overall
• Smartsheet: Best for goal management
• LivePlan: Best for financial forecasting
• Aha!: Best for roadmapping
• Bizplan: Best for beginners
• IdeaBuddy: Best for ideation
• iPlanner: Best for no-frills business planning
• Enloop: Best for automatic business plan creation
• AchieveIt: Best for consultant groups
• Business Sorter: Best for teams

Best Overall

Starting price

Free; $9.80 per user

Team messaging

Roadmapping

Wrike is a project management (PM) tool that works well as business plan software because it gives you tools to help you gather and compare your data. Wrike makes it easy to start your business plan with its collaboration tools, business plan templates , drag-and-drop interface and goal management features. Another benefit of using Wrike to build your plan is that you see your ideas and goals from multiple views: Gantt chart, calendar or board views.

There are a few reasons why it’s a good idea to use Wrike for your business plan. First, you can map out exactly what your business goals are in a project, invite teammates to collaborate and message business partners to discuss everything. Plus, you can export your data when you’re ready to put all the details into a presentation to hand over to potential investors.

Wrike offers a free plan that’s good for putting your vision down in task and project form, but you may want to upgrade to a paid plan to invite collaborators, get custom workflows and add more views and automations. Paid plan pricing ranges from $9.80 per user, per month, to $24.80 per user, per month, both billed annually.

Learn more: Read our full Wrike review .

Who should use it:

Wrike makes it easy for any new business owner to create a business plan and collaborate with others on the financial and operational goals. Plus, it provides value after you finalize your business plan because it’s a good pick for a PM tool.

• Roadmapping ability
• Multiple views (Gantt, calendar and board)
• Business plan templates included
• Goal management via projects and tasks
• Free plan available
• Affordable plans
• No pitching tools
• No financial tools

Best for Goal Management

$7 per user, per month

(billed annually)

(added cost)

Using PM software like Smartsheet is a good idea for starting a business plan because it includes all the tools you need to collaborate and plan across multiple teams or stakeholders. It’s especially good for real-time goal management. Get your ideas in place, go over market and competitive research from other teammates and finalize everything together.

Smartsheet won’t help you write your business plan, but it does give you a place to compile all the data and then you can use one of its free business plan templates. As you figure out your milestones, you can invite an unlimited number of viewers to see how it’s going. The only downsides are that Smartsheet doesn’t have a native messaging app (you’ll have to use an integration), only commenting allowed and there’s no free plan.

Paid plans from Smartsheet cost $7 per user, per month, or $25 per user, per month (billed annually for both). The low-priced Pro plan limits you to 10 editors, but the Business plan allows unlimited editors (but it also has a three-user minimum).

Learn more: Read our full Smartsheet review .

Smartsheet lets you make changes in real time, so it’s a good option for those who are just starting to piece together a plan and looking for a way to manage ideas and goals before finalizing a business plan.

• Discounts for nonprofits available
• Automations on every plan
• Popular integrations allowed on low-tier plan
• 30-day free trial
• No free plan
• Only 10 viewers allowed on low-tier plan
• Three-user minimum on Business plan

Best for Financial Forecasting

$15 per month

One of the strongest cases for using LivePlan to create your business plan is its financial forecasting. It isn’t just a single feature, rather it’s a tool that lets you turn your balance sheet and cash flow statements into charts, graphs and what-if situations to help you show possible investors the best- and worst-case scenarios for your business.

There are two plans available: Standard or Premium (there is no free plan). The low-priced plan, which costs $15 per month (billed annually), doesn’t limit your contributors or guests and includes instructions to help you complete a business plan. It even includes the financial forecasting features and more than 500 sample plans to get you started.

The Premium plan costs $30 per month (billed annually), but it’s full-featured. You get a milestone planner and industry benchmark data, which can save you research time. Another timesaver: At this plan level, you can integrate QuickBooks or Xero to add your financial data seamlessly.

LivePlan is business plan software that includes prompts and accounting software integrations, making it great for new business owners that want easy financial forecasting.

• Unlimited guests and contributors
• Export finished business plan as PowerPoint presentation
• Includes step-by-step instructions with prompts
• 35-day money-back guarantee
• No free trial

Best for Roadmapping

$59 per user, per month

Every business plan starts with strategy and Aha! makes it easier to map out what you plan to do to get from point A to point Z. Aha! is primarily roadmapping software that product teams use to plan features, products or bug fixes. Any business in any industry can use it to shape ideas and strategy into plans and milestones.

Much like product development, business plans have phases and Aha! is ideal for the first few phases of business planning. Although you won’t find a scorecard feature with Aha! Roadmaps, you can score and prioritize your business vision and goals. Finally, you can present your plan to viewers (stakeholders) before you create your official business plan and secure funding.

There are three plans from which you can choose: Premium at $59 per user, per month; Enterprise at $99 per user, per month; and Enterprise+ at $149 per user, per month, all billed annually. The only reasons to upgrade to either Enterprise plan is if you want to add on automation, development tools and custom worksheets and tables.

Aha! Roadmaps is a great tool to help you strategize and get your ideas for your business in one place. You can use the presentation feature to share your business’s roadmap on your way to creating your finalized business plan.

• User-friendly interface
• Ability to score and prioritize ideas
• Share roadmaps with others
• Expensive for business plan creation
• Has a bit of a learning curve

Best for Beginners

$20.75 per month

Bizplan is specifically for business plan creation. It offers a guided walkthrough of each section you need for a complete business plan to use for funding or pitching to partners. Plug in the information, from your mission and goals to financial forecasts, and Bizplan will do the math and create the visual charts you need to get your point across.

Bizplan is very easy to use because it includes prompts and questions that take away the manual effort of figuring out what you need, so you can simply focus on providing the answers. When you’re satisfied you included all the data needed, you can invite stakeholders and consultants to look it over and add comments for approval or change requests. A unique feature of Bizplan is it gives you access to Fundable, a crowdfunding platform, on which you can share your business plan to try to generate funding.

Monthly pricing costs $29, but you can opt for annual pricing that averages to $20.75 per month. If you expect to need business plan software for much longer than a year, there’s a lifetime access option for $349 flat. All plans come with all features and access, including business courses, business planning tools and a route to investors.

If it’s your first time creating a business plan, Bizplan is a great choice to help guide you through all the sections you need to include in your plan for potential investors and partners.

• Monthly, annual and lifetime plans
• Unlimited business plans
• Unlimited collaborators
• Step-by-step instructions
• Modular, drag-and-drop interface
• Online business courses
• Access to Fundable
• Financial forecasting
• No roadmapping tools
• Lack of customization
• Only integrates with Xero

Best for Ideation

Free; $6 per month

IdeaBuddy is a basic business plan tool that lets you start for free, which is great for beginners who aren’t quite ready to create a plan. The idea plan feature is great because it lets you lay out your business plan on one page, giving you an overview. There are built-in sticky notes for brainstorming and custom templates to start you off with a bit of a guide (or just create your own).

Another great feature of IdeaBuddy is the whiteboard, which lets you drag and drop various elements, draw on it and collaborate with others to come up with your perfect business idea. That feature is locked behind the highest tier, so you’ll have to pay $22 per month (billed annually) to use it. However, that plan also gives you up to 10 collaborators and 10 ideas.

Other plans are more limiting: The free plan is for a solopreneur who has a single idea to work on and the Dreamer plan is $6 per month while the Founder plan is $12 per month, both billed annually. The Dreamer plan is also limited to one idea, but you get one collaborator while the Founder plan gives you up to three ideas and three collaborators. Plus, you’ll get access to the paid plans to export and share your plan with viewers.

IdeaBuddy is just what it sounds like: It’s best for ideation. You can create a full-fledged business plan, but this program is best suited for the very beginning stages of business creation.

• Free forever plan
• Affordable paid plans
• Monthly and annual billing options
• Easy to use
• Export to Word, Excel or as PDF
• Flexible whiteboard feature
• May be too basic for some users
• Doesn’t offer much guidance

Best for No-Frills Business Planning

$55 for one year

Business plan software doesn’t have to be fancy to be effective, and iPlanner certainly fits that bill. It’s been around since 2007 and it doesn’t appear to have updated its look or functions. The browser-based business planning software gives you a place to build out your business model and a business plan.

There are two different software options from iPlanner: Strategy Designer and Startup Framework. The Strategy Designer costs $59 for three plans, but it’s a one-time fee for the year. Choose it if you want a more condensed and no-frills kind of business plan. You can export it to Word or as a PDF.

The iPlanner Startup Framework is $55 per year, which gives you one plan to create. It’s similar to the Designer version, but you can create a business model, separate financials and build a team with various roles (view only, project owner or consultant).

iPlanner is best for those who have created a business plan before and don’t need hand-holding or fancy features.

• Business modeling option
• Samples on site for demoing
• Export to Word or as PDF
• No free plan or trial
• Not a lot of guidance
• Outdated interface

Best for Automatic Business Plan Creation

$11 per month

Enloop is a unique business plan app that generates a business plan for you based on information you provide. You can edit the text Enloop writes for you to make it more specific or change numbers in your financial forecasts as you see fit. Enloop offers a scorecard that updates as you change things, finish sections and make your business plan overall better.

Then Enloop compares your financial forecasts to industry standards, so you don’t have to do the research. The software shows you up to 16 ratios, such as sales, inventory and payables and then shows you what the average is for your industry as it compares to your financials. Enloop then gives you either a pass or fail so that you can modify your plan before you put anything into play.

Although Enloop doesn’t offer a free plan, there is a free trial for one week so you can see if it’s right for you. The Detailed plan costs $11 per month while the Performance plan is $24 per month, both billed annually. The biggest difference between the two plans is how many financial ratios Enloop analyzes: The Detailed plan only gets three ratios and Performance plan gets 16.

Enloop is best for those who have some experience creating business plans, not necessarily for those who are starting from scratch as there are no brainstorming or strategizing tools included. Use Enloop to create business plans quickly.

• Three business plans for each tier
• Generates a business plan automatically
• Compares your financials to industry standards
• Seven-day free trial available
• Scorecards indicate odds of success
• No messaging team members through app
• Not meant for strategizing

Best for Consultant Groups

$80 per, user per month

Not everyone wants to go it alone when creating business plans and consultants are often hired for industry expertise and business plan creation. AchieveIt offers generous plans that won’t limit the number of plans and projects you can create, so you can work on multiple business plans at one time.

Specifically, AchieveIt is planning software meant for medium to large teams to work on projects simultaneously. For business planning, it’s a great option for those strategizing and analyzing a variety of data points with multiple people—all of AchieveIt’s plans have a minimum requirement of 20 users.

Plans are pricey, especially when you consider the user minimum. Core, the lowest-priced plan, costs $80 per user, per month, and Plus is $90 per user, per month, both billed annually. So, it’s going to cost $1,600 per month, at least, which puts this software out of reach for most small businesses.

AchieveIt is a good choice for large businesses that need planning software and for business plan purposes, it makes most sense for established consultant groups.

• Unlimited plans and projects
• Collaboration tools
• Goal management
• 20-user minimum
• Pricier than most competitors
• Integrations at added cost

Best for Teams

Business sorter.

$10 per month

When you’re ready to craft your business plan, it can help immensely to have business planning software like Business Sorter. The cloud-based app makes it easy for you to start a plan and kicks off your business planning with a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats). Then, you can follow a guide to build your plan with each section divided by areas. After which, you can choose cards to help steer you toward the right objectives and goals for your business.

You won’t find roadmapping tools in Business Sorter, but the card system keeps you on track (and even gives you goals you may not have considered). As you prioritize goals, you’ll find steps you need to take that guide you to completing your business plan. Every plan allows multiple users, so you can collaborate on what takes precedence.

Plans start at $10 per month, billed annually, and allows you to have three users on board. For 10 users, the Medium plan costs $30 per month, billed annually, and if you need 30 users, the Large Team plan will run you $80 per month, billed annually. It’s one of the most affordable business planning apps for teams.

Although Business Sorter doesn’t offer a messaging tool, it’s still one of the best options for teams. You don’t have to pay per person, but you can add multiple people to the account to work on creating business plans.

• Easy-to-use business plan templates
• Free trial available
• Card system helps guide your goal setting
• Create up to 40 business plans
• Plans limit user count
• No messaging in app
• Very limited integrations

Forbes Advisor carefully considered a variety of software to choose the right business planning apps for this ranking. We compared features, ease of use, costs and collaboration. We ranked each company based on these factors using a 5-star rating system. The highest possible score is 5 out of 5 stars.

Here are the details of the factors we considered:

• Features: We looked at general and unique features of each app and gave more credit to software that provides better functionality for business planning.
• Cost: Regardless of your business size, cost is an important factor to consider when you’re adding new software to your tech stack. We awarded a higher score to those that offer free trials, free plans and affordable options.
• Ease of use: Programs that have a steep learning curve aren’t likely to be adopted by you or your team, so we chose software that’s user-friendly. Drag-and-drop interfaces or guidance through features and tools are helpful for any team.
• Customer reviews: An important factor for any software is how the general public views the program. We considered other ratings and studied the pros and cons listed by other users of the software to help us with our ranking.

Technically, you don’t need business plan software, but using it can make the entire experience easier and you’ll have better odds of creating a solid plan. You don’t even have to choose software made specifically for business planning—project management software is great for roadmapping and goal management. Aside from looking for software that includes financial forecasting, you’ll want collaboration tools, a user-friendly interface, affordable plans and ways to brainstorm or roadmap for your business idea.

One of the most important sections of any business plan is the financials. If you haven’t already done the research and calculations, look for a business plan app that automatically calculates these numbers for you.

Collaboration is also key if you’re working with a partner, team or consultants. At the very least, look for software that lets you invite viewers to see the work you’re doing, but the best business plan software lets users leave comments or work on a plan in real time simultaneously.

Ease of use is nearly as important as pricing. You’ll need software you and your team will use without spending too much downtime learning how to use it. It also makes no sense to choose a cost-prohibitive tool for creating a business plan—most of the software Forbes Advisor suggests is appropriate for small business budgets.

Finally, depending on the stage you’re in of business planning, you may want a tool that offers features that make it easy for you to create a roadmap for your business. If you’re in the early stages, these tools can help with brainstorming, prioritizing goals and managing your goals before you finalize your actual business plan.

Most business plan software helps guide you through the creation of a business plan with prompts, suggestions or tips. So, using business plan software is especially helpful for new business owners who don’t know all the sections to include to increase the odds of getting funding or luring a partner to join your operation.

Business plan software can also automate some processes, such as calculations of financials or comparisons of those finances with industry standards. Some business planning apps give you whiteboards or editable cards you can use for brainstorming. Other features may include scorecards to let you know if you’re on the right track or roadmapping tools to give you an overview of your business plan.

The biggest benefit of business plan software is that it helps you organize and prioritize all of your goals so you can more easily analyze and then compile the data you need to create your business plan. After that, you can create your plan from scratch or if you’re using business planning software made specifically for crafting plans, you can piece it all together and then export it as a PDF or to Microsoft Word.

Which business plan software is the best?

Forbes Advisor suggests Wrike, Smartsheet or LivePlan to help you write your business plan. Depending on the stage you’re in of business planning, one tool or another may be better for you.

How do I create my own business plan?

There are several steps you should follow to create a good business plan, but there are different types of plans you can create. Every business plan starts with a strong executive summary and includes your business goals and financial forecasting. Follow a guide on how to create a business plan to ensure you include all the sections needed.

What are the different types of business plans?

There are many types of business plans you can create and the one that makes the most sense for you depends on your situation. A standard business plan is meant for when you need to present to investors or a bank for financial help. A lean plan doesn’t include all the summaries and background information a standard plan does, so it’s more suitable for established business owners. There are also one-page business plans that are more like pitches. You may also run across operational, tactical, strategic and contingency business plans. We created a simple business plan template that you can use to get started when launching a side gig or small business.

Is business plan software secure?

As  with most types of software, the best business plan software programs offer many levels of security. When choosing this type of software, you want to look for security features that include multifactor authentication (MFA), intrusion detection, the monitoring of user activities, documentation that shows frequent security updates and patches, data encryption and privacy protection.

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Amy Nichol Smith spent more than 20 years working as a journalist for TV and newspapers before transitioning to software and hardware product reviews for consumers and small businesses. She has been featured in publications such as L.A. Times, Tom's Guide, Investopedia and various newspapers across the U.S.

How to Write a Winning Software Company Business Plan + Template

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for software businesses who want to improve their strategy and raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you will accomplish it. To create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every software business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Business Plan Template

What is a Software Business Plan?

A software business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Software Business Plan?

A software business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Software Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful software business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a software business plan is a one- to two-page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

• Start with a one-line description of your software company
• Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your software business, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your software firm, mention this.

You will also include information about your chosen software business model and how, if applicable, it is different from other companies in your industry.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a software business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

• What part of the software industry are you targeting?
• How big is the market?
• What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support the success of your company)?

You should also include sources for the information you provide, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, a software business’s customers may include small, medium, and enterprise businesses. Each of these customer segments will have different needs and wants.

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or software services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and/or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Below are sample competitive advantages your software business may have:

• Superior customer service
• Strong brand recognition
• Proven track record of success
• Robust product feature set
• Well-funded and experienced management team
• Innovative technology
• Scalable business model
• Strategic partnerships or alliances
• Favorable locations
• Access to important resources, like talent or capital

Keep in mind that your competitive advantages will change over time as your business grows and as new competitors enter the market. It is important to regularly review and update.

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

• Product/Service : Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
• Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
• Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
• Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, or launch a direct mail campaign. Or you may promote your software business via a mix of these channels.

Operations Plan

This part of your software business plan should include the following information:

• How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
• What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, your Operations Plan will outline the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for a software business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include acquiring X number of customers or launching a new product line.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific software industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

• Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
• Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
• Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss.

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Software Business

Balance Sheet

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

• Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
• Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
• Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Software Business

Cash Flow Statement

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include cash flow from:

• Investments

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup software company.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Software Business

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

• Your complete financial projections
• A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
• Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Write a Winning Business Plan for Your Software Company

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your software company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

A business plan is a critical document for any new software company. If you are seeking funding, your business plan will be a key component of your pitch to investors .   

Finish Your Business Plan in 1 Day!

Wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your business plan?

With our Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

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How to Write a Winning Tech Company Business Plan (+ Template)

• Business planning and strategy

Computer/Software Application Business: Example Business Plan

Have an idea for a new software program? Looking to sell to businesses not consumers? We’ve created an example business plan to help you get started.

Have you spent your weekends and nights coding; developing a software application that you think could make you millions? Great, sounds like you’re ready to build out your business plan. Although lean and agile development may be what you use, most organizations thinking about lending you money will require a more fully thought out business plan.

To help you get started we’ve created a business plan example for the computer/software application industry. Our example focuses on a company selling a software program to other businesses, but it will work as a framework if you’re selling a product/service directly to consumers. Click the ‘Download Tool’ button to gain access to the word document.

You can also find the same example in the Business Plan Writer , our free online tool that guides you through the process of starting your business. Just select “computer/software application” as your industry when you register.

Good luck and happy writing!

Related resources

• Entrepreneurship

Computer Business Plan Template & Guidebook

If you're looking for a comprehensive, easy-to-follow template to help you create the perfect business plan for your computer business, then look no further than the #1 Computer Business Plan Template & Guidebook. This handy template and guidebook provide an effective, comprehensive and convenient approach to building the perfect plan, leading you step-by-step through all the necessary elements of the process. Ready to get started? Let's dive in!

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

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How to Write a Computer Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your computer business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your computer business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a computer business:

Our mission at XYZ Computer is to provide our customers with high-quality, affordable computers, software solutions and services that meet or exceed their expectations. We strive to deliver innovative products and services while maintaining our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Computer Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your computer business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your computer business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your computer business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your computer business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a computer business?

In order to run a Computer business, you will need the following:

• Computer hardware and software
• An Internet connection
• A business license
• Appropriate insurance coverage for the business
• Office supplies such as paper, pens, etc.
• Computer accessories such as printers, scanners, etc.

5. Management & Organization of Your Computer Business.

The second part of your computer business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your computer business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Computer Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a computer business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a computer business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your computer business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your computer business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your computer business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Computer Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a computer business.

A business plan for a computer business is important because it allows entrepreneurs to clearly define and evaluate the potential of their business idea. It also serves as a roadmap for setting goals, managing resources, and making decisions to move the business forward. Additionally, lenders may require potential business owners to submit a business plan when applying for financing. A well-written and comprehensive business plan can help demonstrate the viability of the venture and should include a competitive analysis, industry trends, operational procedures, market analysis, management team evaluation and financial projections.

Who should you ask for help with your computer business plan?

The best person to ask for help with your computer business plan would be a professional business consultant who specializes in the computer industry. An experienced consultant can offer insights, ideas, and advice about how to develop and implement a successful computer business plan.

Can you write a computer business plan yourself?

Yes, it is possible to write a computer business plan yourself. However, it is recommended to seek professional help from a consultant or an expert in the field, as business plans require extensive research and knowledge in order to be accurate and effective. Additionally, an experienced consultant can offer valuable advice and insights based on their own experience that can help make the plan more successful.

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Software Company

Back to All Business Ideas

How to Start a Software Company – Learn from Entrepreneurs

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on May 31, 2022 Updated on August 20, 2024

Investment range

$3,550 - $8,100

Revenue potential

$130,000 - $520,000p.a.

Time to build

0 – 3 months

Profit potential

$117,000 - $156,000p.a.

Industry trend

Consider these crucial factors when launching your software company:

• Define your products and services — Decide on the types of software products or services you will offer, such as SaaS (Software as a Service), mobile apps, custom software development, or specific industry solutions. Understand your target market, identify competitors, and assess the demand for your chosen niche.
• Concept and design — Create a detailed concept and design for your software product. Identify key features, functionalities, and user requirements. Use wireframes, prototypes, and mockups to visualize the final product.
• Choosing a location — Select a suitable location for your business operations, such as an office space or a co-working environment.
• Hire staff — Hire knowledgeable and skilled staff for various roles, including software developers, designers, testers, project managers, and sales and marketing professionals.
• Register your business — A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple. Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the best LLC services on the market.
• Legal business aspects — Register for taxes, open a business bank account, and get an EIN .
• Website and online presence — Create a professional website showcasing your products, brand story, and contact information. Consider offering demos, free trials, and detailed documentation to engage potential customers.

Interactive Checklist at your fingertips—begin your software company today!

You May Also Wonder:

How profitable can a software company be?

For software companies, the sky’s the limit in terms of profitability. Software is a massive and growing industry, so if you’re a developer, there’s plenty of opportunity.

Is it hard to start a software company?

Starting a software company can be challenging due to the competitive nature of the industry, the need for technical expertise, and the ever-evolving technology landscape. However, with careful planning, market research, and a solid business strategy, it is possible to overcome these challenges and build a successful software company.

What measures should I take to protect intellectual property and ensure data security in my software company?

To protect intellectual property and ensure data security in your software company, it is crucial to implement several measures. These include obtaining appropriate patents or copyrights for your software, implementing strict access controls and encryption methods, regularly updating security protocols, conducting thorough employee training on data protection, and employing robust backup and disaster recovery systems.

How can I differentiate my software company from competitors in the market?

To differentiate your software company from competitors, you can focus on various strategies. This includes providing a unique and innovative software solution that solves a specific problem or meets an underserved market demand. Additionally, offering exceptional customer support, continuous software updates and improvements, competitive pricing, and cultivating a strong brand identity can help set your company apart in the market.

What is the future of software?

The future of software is incredibly promising. Advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation are expected to play a significant role in shaping the industry. Software will continue to permeate various sectors, from healthcare to finance, with increased focus on cybersecurity, cloud computing, and mobile applications. Additionally, emerging technologies such as blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and virtual reality (VR) present new opportunities for software development and integration.

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons.

Starting a software company has pros and cons to consider before deciding if it’s right for you. 

• Massive Market – The US software industry is worth nearly $430 billion
• Good Money – Hundreds per hour to develop software
• Ridiculous Potential – Create the next big tech tool and the sky’s the limit!
• Education Required – Specialized skills are necessary to develop software
• Crowded Market – Lots of big players in the software industry

Software industry trends

Industry size and growth.

• Industry size and past growth – The US software publishing industry is worth $427.9 billion in 2022 after more than doubling in the last decade.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/software-publishing-united-states/ ))
• Growth forecast – The US software publishing industry is projected to expand 4.1% in 2022. 
• Number of businesses – In 2022, 15,452 software publishing businesses are operating in the US.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/software-publishing-united-states/ )) 
• Number of people employed – In 2022, the US software publishing industry employs 865,580 people.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/employment/software-publishing-united-states/ ))

Trends and challenges

Trends in the software industry include:

• Low-code and no-code software development products are becoming more popular, which allow software developers to handle the process more easily.
• Thanks to Big Data, data management software is in high demand.

Challenges in the software industry:

• As technology evolves, developers often struggle to keep up with new trends.
• Because software is such a huge industry, it’s becoming more and more competitive, which means software companies must find a way to stand out.

Demand hotspots

• Most popular states – T he most popular states for software developers are Washington, California, and Oregon . (( https://www.zippia.com/software-developer-jobs/best-states/ ))
• Least popular states – The least popular states for software developers are Alaska, Hawaii, and Oklahoma.

What kind of people work in software?

• Gender – 20.7% of software developers are female, while 79.3% are male.(( https://www.zippia.com/software-developer-jobs/demographics/ ))
• Average level of education – The average software developer has a bachelor’s degree.
• Average age -The average software developer in the US is 39.5 years old.

How much does it cost to start a software business?

Startup costs for a software company range from $3,500 to $8,000. Costs include a computer, programs for development projects, and a website.

If you’re not already a software developer, you can get an online software engineering degree from a place like SNHU . 

How much can you earn from a software business?

Software development companies charge about $250 per hour, sometimes more, for developing software to a company’s specifications. If you’re going to develop software to be sold directly to consumers or businesses, you’ll likely charge a monthly subscription fee. This is the software as a service (SaaS) model, and subscriptions cost anywhere from $10 to $400 per month, or even more. 

These calculations assume you’re going to start with the first option, charging $250 per hour. Your profit margin should be about 90%. In your first year or two, you could work from home for 10 hours a week, bringing in $130,000 in annual revenue. This would mean $117,000 in profit, assuming that 90% margin. 

As your company gains traction, you could work 40 hours a week. At this stage, you’d rent a commercial space and hire staff, reducing your profit margin to around 30%. With annual revenue of $520,000, you’d make an outstanding profit of $156,000.

If you get to the point where you’re developing software to sell directly to consumers, the sky’s the limit to how much you can make if your products are successful.

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for a software company. Your biggest challenges will be:

• The education necessary to be a software developer
• Facing a market that is crowded with software development companies

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Step by Step Business values real-life experience above all. Through our Entrepreneur Spotlight Series , we interview business leaders from diverse industries, providing readers with firsthand insights.

Read our interview with InvoZone’s CEO for essential insights on navigating the software industry successfully.

Dive into the world of low-code/no-code and gain insights for your entrepreneurial path from Jesus Vargas .

Gain insights on thriving in software development and remote team management from Nikita Sviridenko’s interview.

Read our interview with Alex Duchenchuk to learn how Moai Team is reshaping the landscape of AI and big data, and what it means for the future of tech.

Unlock insights into nearshore software development and staff augmentation — read our interview with Paul from BairesDev now !

Unlock insights into AI’s transformative role in software development by reading our interview with Jonathan Harel, VP R&D of Fine.dev .

Step 2: Hone Your Idea

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a software company, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Research software companies in your area to examine their products and services, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the market is missing a company that offers a software solution for financial management, or a custom delivery app software company.

You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry, such as software for retailers or software products for startup companies.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine your software solutions

You’ll probably start out by developing software solutions for businesses and charge an hourly rate for software engineering. For example, if someone wants to start a delivery service similar to DoorDash, you’ll develop the software for them. You can also offer web development and mobile app development. 

Later, you may want to develop your own proprietary software that you can sell, such as business management software. When you do so, you might want to start with a minimum viable product (MVP), which is a basic version of your product that you can use to test the market and then determine features to add based on customer feedback.

How much should you charge for software?

Hourly rates for a software development company are about $250. Your profit margin when you’re working by yourself should be about 90%.

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market will be businesses or aspiring entrepreneurs. You can connect with both on LinkedIn or find business owners on Google and Yelp and call them directly. 

Where? Choose your business premises

In the early stages, you may want to run your business from home to keep costs low. But as your business grows, you’ll likely need to hire workers for various roles and may need to rent out an office. You can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist , Crexi , and Instant Offices .

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Software Company Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “software” or “software development”, boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “NextGen Tech” over “HealthSoft Solutions”
• A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO but might hinder future expansion

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Find a Domain

Powered by GoDaddy.com

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Software Company Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

• Executive Summary: Summarize your software company’s mission, highlighting the innovative software solutions you plan to offer and your strategies to address specific market needs.
• Business Overview: Describe the focus of your software company, including the development of custom software applications, mobile apps, or SaaS (Software as a Service) products.
• Product and Services: Detail the range of software products and services offered, like cloud-based solutions, enterprise software, or customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
• Market Analysis: Evaluate the demand for software solutions in your target markets, identifying key industries or consumer segments.
• Competitive Analysis: Assess the landscape of competing software companies, highlighting your products’ unique features, user experience, or technological innovation.
• Sales and Marketing: Outline your strategy for reaching potential customers, using methods like digital marketing, trade shows, or partnerships with technology firms.
• Management Team: Highlight the expertise of your management team in software development, project management, and business strategy.
• Operations Plan: Describe the software development lifecycle in your company, including design, development, testing, and deployment processes.
• Financial Plan: Provide an overview of the financial aspects, such as startup costs, revenue models (e.g., subscriptions, licenses), and funding strategies.
• Appendix: Include supplementary documents like technical specifications, market research data, or key partnership agreements that support your business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you’re planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to software companies. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your software company will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have. 

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

We recommend ZenBusiness as the Best LLC Service for 2024

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you’re completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans: This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans: The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants: A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Venture capital: Venture capital investors take an ownership stake in exchange for funds, so keep in mind that you’d be sacrificing some control over your business. This is generally only available for businesses with high growth potential.
• Angel investors: Reach out to your entire network in search of people interested in investing in early-stage startups in exchange for a stake. Established angel investors are always looking for good opportunities. 
• Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best option, other than friends and family, for funding a software business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept. 

If you have a unique idea for a software that you can develop to put on the market, you may be able to attract angel investors or venture capital. Tech startups are considered very investable because they have the potential for huge growth.

Step 8: Apply for Business Licenses/Permits

Starting a software business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your software business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks. 

You may want to use project management software such as Azure DevOps , Zoho , or FunctionFox , to manage your projects, workflows, and collaboration. 

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero . 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using website builders . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

Your clients are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. Regularly update content with industry insights and success stories to engage visitors and improve search engine rankings.

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

• Content Marketing – Create valuable and informative content (blogs, whitepapers, webinars) that addresses customer pain points and showcases your software’s unique features.
• Social Media Engagement – Actively engage with your audience on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to build community and brand awareness.
• Email Marketing – Use targeted email campaigns to nurture leads and keep your audience informed about updates, offers, and industry insights.
• Customer Testimonials and Case Studies – Share success stories and testimonials to build trust and demonstrate the impact of your software.
• Partnerships and Collaborations – Collaborate with other businesses or influencers in your industry to reach new audiences and add credibility.
• Free Trials and Demonstrations – Offer free trials or live demonstrations to let potential customers experience your software firsthand.
• Paid Advertising – Invest in targeted ads on search engines and social media to reach a wider audience quickly.
• Trade Shows and Conferences – Participate in industry events to network, build relationships, and showcase your software.
• User Experience and Feedback – Continuously improve the user experience based on customer feedback and stay responsive to their needs.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your software company meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your software business could be: 

• Custom software for your hot startup 
• Streamlined management software to keep your business running smoothly
• Manage your finances with our custom software solutions

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a software business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in software for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in software. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. 

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a software business include:

• Software Engineers – assist with software development
• General Manager – scheduling, accounting
• Marketing Lead – SEO strategies, social media

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Software Company – Start Making Money!

As a software developer, you know how in demand your services are. The software industry in the US has taken off in the last decade, more than doubling to reach well over $400 billion. Your own software company could open up a world of opportunity for you and allow you to build great software solutions for businesses all over the world. You could even grow your company into the next Microsoft!

You’ve added business knowledge to your resume now, so it’s time to get to work and launch your successful software company. 

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• Decide if the Business Is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a Software Company Name
• Create a Software Company Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund your Business
• Apply for Business Licenses/Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build Your Team
• Run a Software Company - Start Making Money!

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Software Development Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Technology Industry » Software & App Development Business

Are you about starting a software development company? If YES, here is a complete sample software development business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE .

A software development company is where software is not only developed but distributed for different purposes such as instructional, learning, calculation, entertainment, and assessment purposes. Before one can start a software company, there are basic things that one needs such as a knowledge of programming, technical support skills, the necessary experience at managing a company and funds.

However, before starting a software development business, it would be best to conduct a thorough market research of the industry

A Sample Software Development Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

The software development industry has grown in the space of a century from an almost on-existent industry to one that is not only a billion dollar industry but an indispensable one, especially as software form the basis of modern gadgets and devices.

Between 2011 and 2016, this industry has been dynamic in growth, especially as there has been increasing demand from businesses and consumers, with more people spending their discretionary income on products such as video games.

The industry is being said to generate $205 billion and has a projected annual income of 3% from 2011 to 2016. There are more than 8,500 software development businesses in the united states of America that employs more than 455,000 people.

Globally as at 2013, according to Gartner, the software revenue was $407.3 billion which was a 4.8% increase from the #388.5 billion registered in 2012. The industry according to Forrester was projected to be the fastest growing in 2014 with a growth pegged at 7.1%.

The software development industry has room for growth as there is considerable demand in this industry with more businesses adopting software programs that will allow for improved efficiency and lower operating costs; this was so as to look for ways to not be affected by the economic downturn.

Cloud computing capabilities have created several advances for companies who have realized the positive effect of virtual offices and the savings implications for the company. This technology has helped companies to not only reduce overhead but increase productivity as well.

Another plus for companies are virtualizations which not only allow them to eliminate several server farms but has made IT infrastructure more economical and flexible while slashing operating costs.

There are moderate barriers for new businesses that wish to enter this industry; however, certain product segments have a higher barrier than others. One common thing in this industry is patents which serve as a means of limiting competition, even though some companies willingly license their patented technology.

2. Executive Summary

Doodle Tech Inc. is a leading software development business that is based in Market Street, Suite 800, San Francisco – California, USA. We are in business to develop software for general purposes and for specific purposes to our various clients. We have in place training services and we also offer technical support in line with our business.

Our location is very strategic in the sense that we are close to manufacturing firms as well as technology giants and other big businesses here in California that will ensure that we have an edge over other software companies in other parts of California.

We are in business to not only make profit but to also compete favorably against other software development companies in the industry and attain our vision of being the preferred software development company for clients all over the United States of America.

We intend to ensure that we demonstrate fair business ethics in every point of our business. We hold ourselves accountable for our high standards and ensure that all our employees are not only attuned to but display this standards at all times in order to positively promote the company.

As a result of this, we are willing to go the extra mile by putting in structures, processes and planes in place to ensure that we get the best professionals who not only have the expertise but are also competent and know how to take our company from where we are to where we intend to be.

Our employees have welfare packages that are currently amongst the best in the whole industry amongst similar startups such as ours. We have also provided a conducive environment for all our employees in order to ensure that they remain productive at all times in order to improve the bottom line of the company.

We offer excellent customer services that have been known to retain a high number of our clients. All our customer service executives have been trained to know how to respond to customers and are also updated as regards the industry trends in order to ensure that reliable information is passed to our clients.

Finally, the expertise of both our owners, Jack Taylor and Christopher Warden in software development and business management is a great plus as both are not only Harvard graduates but also have more than 30 years of combined experience that will ensure that Doodle Tech Inc. attains its goals and objectives in time.

3. Our Products and Services

Doodle Tech Inc. intends to deal in several services whilst also generating revenue that would boost our bottom line tremendously. These several services will be added to our core service and should keep us favorably disposed to compete against our competitors.

We however intend to ensure that all our multiple sources of income which include training and technical support are in line with what is obtainable in the industry and accordingly to the laws of the United States of America. Therefore some of the services and products we will engage in are;

• Developing of software according to clients’ specifications
• Sale of software
• Offering of subscriptions for our software
• Charging of license fees for our software
• Charging by transaction
• Advertisements on our software
• Training services
• Technical support

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision at Doodle Tech Inc. is to be distinct from other software development companies by creating software that suits the diverse needs of our end users, and to be the preferred software firm for users in the United States of America.
• In order to achieve our vision, we have on hand the best software developers that will ensure that we attain our goal of being the preferred software company and in meeting all the diverse software needs of our customers here in the United States of America.

Our Business Structure

We know how important it is to have the right business structure for our software development company as getting it right from the start will eliminate most hitches that will crop up relating to our structure during the course of running the business. For this purpose, we intend to hire only competent and professionals in the available positions in our company.

Due also to the fact that we intend to run a wide range of services, we intend to ensure that we employ those that are capable of filling in these different positions. All our employees are those who understand the industry well and who are attuned with our vision and are committed to ensuring that we attain these goals and objectives.

We are also prepared to ensure that our workers are well paid and have welfare packages that are the best in similar categories across start-ups such as ours in the industry. We will also ensure that the working environment is not only conducive but is one that will enhance their skills and make them more productive.

Below is the intended business structure for Doodle Tech Inc.;

Chief Executive Officer

Software Development Manager

Business Development Manager

Human Resources and Admin Manager

Customer Service Executives

Marketing Executives

Security Guard

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

• Develop overall policies that would provide the right direction for the company
• Ensures that strategies are implemented and weak strategies are removed
• Meets and negotiate with high powered clients on behalf of the company
• Ensures that new software is developed and tested for bugs before being released to the public
• Develops new software for existing software so that clients can upgrade without running into hitches
• Carries out constant tests on software released to find out weak points and work on it.
• Researches on new businesses that will generate more revenue for the company
• Reviews company’s current products and services and decides how to make them better
• Works with the software development manager to give feedback on what the market trends are
• Prepares the budget on behalf of the firm and liaises with the owners to ensure that budget is reviewed and correctly implemented
• Prepares all the financial information and statement on behalf of the firm
• Ensures that tax is prepared and filed correctly to the correct authorities
• Ensures that the company’s books balances with that of the bank at the end of every month and accounting period
• Ensures that the right employees are recruited on behalf of the company
• Carries out orientation and ensures that employees are assigned the right tasks for their responsibilities
• Ensures that all the administrative functions of the company are performed smoothly without any hitches
• Ensures that all customers enquiries as well as complaints are well attended to and promptly resolved
• Keeps an accurate customer database on behalf of the company and ensures that it is regularly updated
• Carries out other duties as determined by the human resources and admin manager
• Conducts a marketing research on the software development industry to identify new markets for Doodle Tech Inc.
• Drafts strategies and reviews weak strategies to ensure that ineffective ones are removed
• Conducts direct marketing on behalf of the firm
• Meets and negotiates with high level clients on behalf of the firm
• Ensures that the premises and all the properties are secured after work hours by conducting patrols
• Monitors the surveillance cameras in line with securing people and property of Doodle Tech Inc.
• Keeps updated about the security information in the locality and pass along important security tips to staff
• Ensures that the premises is kept clean before work resumes
• Keeps the staff and guest conveniences clean at all times
• Ensures that cleaning supplies are always in stock
• Carries out any other duties as directed by the admin manager

6. SWOT Analysis

In order to determine if we were engaging in the right concept for our business, we hired the services of brand consultants who were not only reputable but the best here in San Francisco – California to let us know if it was worthwhile going into the business now.

The business consultants took a deep look at our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to allow the know what we were likely to face starting and running our business here in San Francisco – California, and in the United States of America as a whole. The results of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on our behalf are as follows;

Our strengths are numerous and lie in the fact that we have the right business structure that will ensure that we conquer this industry. Our software developers are the best there is and have the expertise and experience to enable us attain our goals and objectives.

We are also involved in ensuring that our software pass through quality process, reason we have external testers who run several tests on any of our software before it is released. Finally, our owners have the necessary experience that would make our being at the top a piece of cake, as both have more than 30 years experience in the software industry both as developers and in managerial positions.

There are few weaknesses that we identified for Doodle Tech Inc. and they include the fact that we were going to develop software that were not really different from what our competitors were offering. Also, there is the other fact that we are located in an area where there are other software companies, making our location a bit saturated.

We are however confident that we would be able to battle whatever weaknesses might crop up during the course of running or starting the business.

• Opportunities

There are so many opportunities available to us as there are new market segments that we have identified which would likely generate money for us. There are so many strategic alliances which we would engage in so as to have a foot into other target markets and generate more revenue for our bottom line.

We also have the opportunity of moving into the international market as our software is such that has no boundary limits. Finally, we would fully tap into the internet in order to promote and increase awareness for our brand.

Threats are external factors that cannot be controlled by a business; however any serious business should not only be prepared for threats but also have ways by which these threats will not be allowed to totally affect the business.

Some of the threats we would likely face at Doodle Tech Inc. are; the arrival of a new competitor into our location, engaging in price wars with competitors, dealing with government policies that might have an effect on our industry. We are fully prepared for any threats we are likely to face, as we have strategies on ground to battle such threats.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The trend in the software industry is that most software firms or companies are located in clusters in identifiable locations.

This is due to certain facts such as these companies wanting to be close for competitive and industry purposes and also most software companies depend on one another to be able to carry out certain functions or complete certain specific tasks for clients.

This does not however mean that there aren’t software companies in other locations or that software companies in these other locations can’t still get jobs done. To however remain relevant, software companies must always remain innovative and unique in their offerings and services. Another trend with software companies is in its publicity and promotion activities.

To be able to attract the much needed awareness and also attract clients that would pay money for the firms’ products, software companies have engaged in strong promotional activities either by hiring brand consultants or getting an in-house team or deploying both methods to draft the strategies that would enable it be recognized in the industry. Intense promotional activities will also help in getting a huge share of the market.

Lastly, software cannot work without any device and so goes hand in hand with new or existing technology; which is why most software companies try to partner with technology firms so as to create new software or upgrade existing software for these firms.

This goes to show that software industry is dependent on the technology and manufacturing industry in order to survive or thrive.

8. Our Target Market

Almost everyone makes use of software and have either bought directly from the developers or indirectly via owning a device. This means that the target market for any software development company is wide. We however have mapped out a strategy that would allow us gain a vital share of the target market.

One of our first strategies is in conducting a thorough market research that would enable us understand the market we are to go into and know what they expect from us and what our obligations are towards them. The result of the market research of the market research showed that we were in business to develop software or offer other kinds of related services to the following people;

• Corporate organizations
• entertainment industry
• Educational institutions
• Accounting firms
• Financial institutions
• Small businesses
• Agricultural sector
• Military and defense sector
• Other software companies

Our competitive advantage

Just like any other business that is established to make profit, we hope to be able to compete favorably against our competitors in the same industry.

Our vision is to be the preferred software development company for our clients all over the United States of America and to achieve this, we intend to come up with competitive strategies that would enable us attain our goals and objectives.

We intend to ensure that the software developed for general purposes will come in different categories that will be convenient for all our users.

We have assembled a high team of software developers as well as management team who are not only highly experienced and who understand how to handle a start-up and make it become a force to be reckoned with nationally. Our staffs are also attuned to our core values and principles and understand the importance of projecting the image of the company positively to our customers – potential and existing.

Another competitive advantage that we have to our favor is our excellent customer service culture which is already resounding across the industry as one of the best of start-ups of our size. Our customer executives are highly trained and are always updated on industry trends so as to be able to give our customers the correct information at all times.

Finally, because we know how important it is for our employees to be happy always, we are committed to treating them right. Our management team has a stake in the company’s profits and our lower cadre employees have incentives built into their welfare packages. All this is to enable our employees remain happy and productive.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Doodle Tech Inc. just like any other business has been established with the aim of generating revenue and making profit in the technology and software industry, and we are going to ensure that we make software that will help us accomplish this purpose, as well as engage in other services as well.

Doodle Tech Inc. therefore intends to generate income by engaging in the following services;

10. Sales Forecast

The software industry has come to stay and can only keep evolving into something bigger and stronger, as there will always be gadgets, devices and templates that would require the use of a new software or an upgrade.

Our strategic location in San Francisco – California has afforded us the opportunity to be close to many technological giants and businesses and this will see us generating and meeting our set revenue in no time, thereby growing our business tremendously.

After conducting a thorough analysis on the software industry and analyzing our chances in the industry, we were able to come up with a sales forecast that has shown strong positives in how we are likely to far in the market.

The sales projections were based on several assumptions and facts garnered across similar start-ups in the industry and across the United States of America as a whole. Therefore, the sales projection that Doodle Tech Inc. conducted to analyze its chances are as follows;

• First Fiscal Year-: $400,000
• Second Fiscal Year-: $800,000
• Third Fiscal Year-: $1,600,000

N.B : The above sales projections were done based on major assumptions that some factors that were used in making these assumptions would remain the same. However, should there be any change either positively or negatively, it would likely increase or decrease the above figures.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

Marketing is a very important aspect of any business because it is not only a way to generate revenue for a business; it is also a way of garnering publicity to attract new customers whilst retaining the old ones. Every business no matter its level or life cycle of needs marketing in order to thrive, which is why any entrepreneur or business person starting or running a business usually sets money aside for marketing.

Asides creating funds for marketing, it is also important to ensure that effective strategies are created. Creating effective marketing strategies are essential as they would ensure that the funds are channeled the right way. In marketing Doodle Tech Inc., we would ensure that we leverage on all conventional and unconventional means of making sure that our brand and products are marketed to all our existing and potential customers.

We would conduct a market survey that would allow us understand the right strategies to draft and how effective they would be depending on the target market. To conduct a thorough market survey, we would make use of accurate available data so that we would be effectively able to compete with all our competitors all over the United States of America.

We also intend to hire a reputable marketing consultant who should be able to draft the right marketing strategies that would allow Doodle Tech Inc. penetrate the market. Also, our marketing team would be empowered in ensuring that the marketing strategies created are in tune with our corporate goals and objectives as a business.

Therefore, the following are the marketing strategies we hope to adopt at Doodle Tech Inc. in order to sell our products and services;

• Ensure that we introduce our software development business by sending out introductory letters to technology and manufacturing companies as well as other big software companies and other stakeholders in the industry.
• Network with other software companies by attending software developer conferences
• Advertise our software development business in local newspapers, technology related magazines, and in local radio and television stations
• Ensure that Doodle Tech Inc. is listed in online and offline directories
• Engage in direct marketing and sales
• Ensure that we are actively involved in forums and blogs in marketing our company

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

Carrying out the right publicity and advertisement for our software development business is very essential as it is not enough to just penetrate the market and also create awareness, but to ensure that the strategy will result in Doodle Tech Inc.’s products becoming generic terms for similar products in the same category.

Due to this vision, we have hired a reputable publicity consultant who has the industry knowledge and expertise and who will help in ensuring that our company gets to the top by drafting out strategies that are in line with the core policies of the company and will boost our brand and allow us compete favorably against our competitors.

Below are some of the platforms we intend to leverage on in order to promote Doodle Tech Inc.;

• Develop a free version of our software and give users an opportunity to upgrade at a cost
• Leverage on relevant social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Google Hangout and other developers’ forum in order to create awareness about Doodle Tech Inc.
• Engage in pay per click advertisement on popular software development forums
• Create contests on social media and via our website to generate more publicity
• Distribute our handbills and fliers in strategic locations
• Install our flexi banners in conspicuous and strategic locations all over San Francisco

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Determining the right price for our various software’s will depend on a number of factors, such as how much the market will willingly pay for such software, how much that category of software is being charged for by competitors, and how unique the software is.

Other factors that will determine the prices are if we intend to charge a licensing fee for our software, or enable a pay per transaction or a subscription that is time-limited for the end user.

In view of all the above based factors, we will offer our software at prices that are at the prevailing market conditions. However, because this is a competitive market, we will however lower our prices in the first two months of business so as to attract more customers to our business, and also increase the awareness for our products.

• Payment Options

Doodle Tech Inc. realizes that due to improving technology, customers now have different payment options that they can use in paying for services; and so we have different payment policy that is intended to suit all our different customers and their diverse needs.

The payment options we have for our clients are;

• Cash payment
• Payment via check
• Payment via online payment portal
• Payment via Point of Sale (POS) Machine
• Payment via credit card

The above payment platforms were carefully chosen for us by our bank and we have been told that our customers will not experience any hitches or inconvenience whilst using the above platforms.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

Even though some of the equipment that can be used to start and run a software development company can be gotten for fairly used, thereby lowering the costs of start-up, it will however be vital to stress that setting up a standard software development company would require the equipment used to be standard so as to be able to withstand the heavy workload that it might have to carry out.

Also, the bulk of capital in these circumstances usually goes to paying workers and utility bills that the business will incur during the course of its operation. Therefore, the key areas where we intend to spend our start-up capital on are;

• Total fee for registering Doodle Tech Inc. in the United States of America – $750
• Licenses, permits as well as accounting software – $1250
• Insurance policy (general liability, workers’ compensation) – $2,000
• Leasing and renovating of a facility for use for at least a year – $20,000
• Cost of hiring a business consultant – $2,000
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees and payment of bills) – $200,000
• Other start-up expenses which includes (windows hosting, Linux hosting, bug tracking, graphics design, software subscription and cable broadband) – $15,000
• Marketing promotion expenses (general marketing expenses and promotion activities for grand opening ceremony) – $5,000
• Administrative expenses (stationeries, phone, computers, printers, furniture business cards, office supplies, and stamps)  – $10,000
• Cost of purchasing an official vehicle – $30,000
• Cost of launching a website – $1,000
• Cost of throwing a grand opening party – $5,000
• Miscellaneous – $8,000

From the following report, we would need an estimate of $300,000 to be able to start and successfully set up a software development company in San Francisco – California. IT should be noted the bulk of the capital (90%) went towards payment of salaries for employees for a period of three months.

Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Doodle Tech Inc. Business

Doodle Tech Inc. is a business owned by two geeks and businessmen, Jack Taylor and Christopher Warden. We realize our financing is important for our company if we intend to successfully start, run and become a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

We are however going to be careful in where we source for money so as not to lose a part of our company or get locked in repaying a loan that might hinder the progress of our company. This is why we have decided to limit our sources for income to just 5 sources; The following are sources where we intend to get our start-up capital from;

• Generate part capital from our personal savings and sale of stocks
• Get soft loans from family members and friends
• Apply for research grants at the state and federal level
• Source for part capital from online crowdfunding sites like kickstarter
• Apply for loan from commercial bank

N.B: from our personal savings and the sale of some of our stocks, we were able to generate the sum of $30,000. The soft loans from our family members and friends amounted to $20,000. We applied for a grant of $50,000 at the state level and have been considered.

We were able to generate the sum of $70,000 from sourcing for funds from kick starter, and we are at the final stages of getting our loan of $130,000 approved for us by the bank. All the necessary documents have been signed and we have been assured by our banker that the amount will soon be credited to our account within two weeks.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

Doodle Tech Inc. is established with the aim of making profit and competing amongst others here in the software industry. We are however concerned about the future of our company and so we intend to ensure that we deploy sustainability and expansion strategies so as to keep our business running for a long time.

One of the sustainability strategies which we intend to deploy is in having the right business structure on ground. This we intend to do by hiring competent and professional employees to handle the various tasks that we will assign to them.

We will employ those who understand what businesses such as ours will need to thrive in the industry and the know-how to ensure that we attain our desired goals and objectives. Our employees will not only be well paid and have attractive incentives, they will also continually be trained so that their skills would be enhanced thereby increasing productivity for the company.

We would draft effective publicity and promotional strategies that would ensure that the awareness for our brand and its products are increased to potential and even existing customers. Our promotional efforts will be geared into ensuring that our brand is positively communicated to even our rivals in the industry.

Most of our publicity strategies would be geared towards the millennials by throwing up contests especially on social media as these have the potential to ensure that awareness about our brand is effectively spread even to the baby boomers.

Finally, we take our customers very seriously and to this effect we intend to ensure that we have effective customer service programs which will see our loyal customers getting incentives.

We also would ensure that we attend to all customer enquiries whilst also making sure that all their complaints are resolved speedily depending on the problem. We know that if we carry out these strategies effectively, we would not only push forth our brand but also sustain our business whilst also expanding it at our own pace.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Conducting feasibility studies: Completed
• Generating capital from family members: Completed
• Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and around the community: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
• Opening party / launching party planning: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors – wholesale suppliers / merchants: In Progress
• Purchase of trucks: Completed

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5 Best Business Plan Software in 2022

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When you’re starting a business, developing a strong business plan will be one of the first steps you take. Your business plan will cover everything from a detailed explanation of your products or services and pricing model to at least three years of financial projections—plus much more. Therefore, whether you’re not sure how to get started or you’re just looking to make the process easier, you may want to turn to business plan software for help.

In this guide, we'll break down five of the best business plan software options—discussing their pros, cons, features, pricing, and more—so you have all the information you need to decide which solution is right for your small business.

Looking for tools to help grow your business?

Tell us where you're at in your business journey, and we'll direct you to the experience that fits.

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The 5 best business plan software options

The right business plan software will make the process of writing your business plan much simpler. Like many business software solutions, however, there are a number of different business plan software options out there—each of which has a unique set of features, user experience, and price.

This being said, if you're looking for a place to start your search for the best business plan software, you can explore the five top options below:

How much do you need?

with Fundera by NerdWallet

We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

1. LivePlan

Best overall business plan software.

If you want template-rich, modern-feeling business plan software, then LivePlan may be the right pick for you. LivePlan excels with their user interface, which feels updated and slick, and also offers intuitive, easy-to-use features and options.

Their step-by-step instruction will help you kick things off from the beginning, and you can take advantage of their online learning center to continue to gain business skills.

Affordable plans, including pay-as-you-go option

No long-term contracts or cancellation fee; 60-day money-back guarantee

Modern, intuitive interface; cloud-based, can be used on Mac, PC, as well as tablets

Ability to create unlimited plans in one account; over 500 customizable templates

Variety of business resources including video tutorials, step-by-step instruction, and general customer support

Limited integration options

Challenging to enter your own financial modeling projections

Can be difficult to learn

Ability to create an unlimited number of business plans on one account

More than 500 business plan templates spanning various industries

Integration with Xero and QuickBooks Online

Real-time tracking of financial data with accounting integrations

Ability to export your business plan to Word or PDF

Expert advice and step-by-step instruction included

Performance dashboards for tracking against budgets and sales goals

Ability to create and export a one-page pitch executive summary

Annual plan: $15 per month, billed every 12 months

Six-month plan: $18 per month, billed every six months

Pay-as-you-go plan: $20 per month, billed once every month

2. GoSmallBiz

Best for multiple business management tools in one platform.

Next on our list of the best business plan software options is GoSmallBiz, which is much more than just a business plan software. With GoSmallBiz, you have access to business continuity planning software with features that cover creating a roadmap, working through business and legal forms, building a website, and more.

In this way, GoSmallBiz is great for startups or newer businesses looking to access multiple business management tools through one platform.

Unlimited business consultation and extensive library of online resources

Multiple business tools in one software

Website consultation analysis and business assessment

Industry-specific business plan templates with emphasis on financial projections and statements

Expensive monthly cost compared to alternatives

Limited business plan features

Entire business plan can only be exported to Microsoft Word

Outdated interface

Industry-specific business plan templates with step-by-step building wizard

Ability to create financial statements and projections

Free website hosting and website builder

Customer relationship manager with integration with MailChimp

Digital marketing dashboard with social media and Google Analytics integrations

HR document builder

Corporate minutes writer

Business documents library

Business courses library

Unlimited business consultation

$39 per month, no contracts, free cancellation

Best for simple, fast business plan creation.

If you're looking for free business plan software, Enloop will be one of your closest options—they offer an all-inclusive seven-day free trial, no credit card required. Additionally, unlike some of the other options on our list, Enloop is strictly dedicated to business plan creation, including automated text writing, financial forecast comparisons, and a real-time performance score that tracks your progress.

This being said, if you'd prefer the most straightforward, fast, and simple way to write your business plan, Enloop will be a platform worth considering.

Simple and straightforward software, solely dedicated to business plan creation

Seven-day free trial

Automatic text generation available to streamline the writing process

Affordable plans with annual discount option

Limited additional educational resources

Only one template option

No integration options

Ability to create three business plans with customizable text, images, tables, charts, and over 100 currency symbols and formats

Includes automatic text generation for each plan section that you can then customize

Automatically generated financial statements

Includes financial performance comparison analysis (using three ratios with Detailed plan and 16 with Performance plan)

Real-time performance score to track your progress

Ability to invite users to edit (two with Detailed plan, five with Performance plan)

Pass/fail report and certificate to help you identify issues with your plan

Free plan: Seven-day free trial with no credit card required

Detailed plan: $19.95 per month or $11 per month, paid annually

Performance plan: $39.95 per month, or $24 per month, paid annually

Best for startups looking to acquire funding or find investors.

Part of the Startups.com suite, Bizplan gets top marks for their user interface—it’s intuitive, easy to use, and modern. You’ll work with a step-by-step business plan builder to get exactly what you’d like from your business plan. It may remind you of a modern website builder, since it has drag-and-drop tools to build templates.

Moreover, for one subscription fee, you have access to all of the tools in the Startups.com network, including self-guided courses, how-to guides, masterclass videos, and more. All in all, with a direct connection to Fundable, Bizplan is a top business plan software option for startups looking to acquire funding and find investors.

Subscription gives you access to all Startups.com tools

Lifetime access subscription option

User-friendly drag-and-drop business plan builder

Excellent educational resources

Connection to Fundable great for businesses looking for capital

No free trial

No templates based on industry

No mobile access

Drag-and-drop templates for business plan building

Financial command center to track all business financials in one place

Unlimited account collaborators

Ability to share business plan online with investors

Online resources including self-guided courses, masterclass videos, how-to guides, mentorship access

Unlimited software use for Fundable, Launchrock, and Startups.com

Monthly plan: $29 per month

Annual plan: $20.75 per month, billed at $249 per year

Lifetime access: $349 one-time fee

5. PlanGuru

Best for financial planning and budgeting.

Finally, for some of the strongest financial features among business plan software options, including budgeting and forecasting, you might check out PlanGuru. Whereas the other solutions we've reviewed were first and foremost focused on writing a business plan, PlanGuru is dedicated to business financial planning —providing the tools you need to create budgets, financial forecasts, reports, and more.

Therefore, if you need a software solution that can streamline the financial piece of your business planning processes, PlanGuru will certainly have the most to offer.

Extensive financial tools and detailed forecasting, budgeting, and reporting capabilities

Substantial library of resources

Cloud-based and desktop options

14-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee

Expensive, especially for additional users

Only focuses on the financial aspect of business planning; no templates or tools for basic business plan writing

Difficult to use without prior financial knowledge

Cloud-based version of software, as well as locally installed Windows version (desktop version has a few more features)

Works with QuickBooks Online, Xero, and Excel

Budgeting and forecasting for up to 10 years

Over 20 standard forecasting methods

Formula builder to create custom methods

Ratios and KPIs

Dashboard and reporting tools

Help guides, video tutorials, knowledgebase, and live U.S.-based customer support

14-day free trial

$99 per month (additional users $29 per month)

$899 per year (additional users $299 per year)

What to look for in business plan software

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide, which, if any, of the best business plan software solutions on our list is right for your business.

So, if you're trying to figure out how to choose between the various options out there, it might be helpful to compare your top choices based on the following criteria:

Features: As we've seen different business plan software solutions offer different features. You'll want to look carefully at the feature list of any software and determine what features are most important for your business needs. Do you need an extensive library of templates with detailed customization? Would you prefer software that includes an online learning center for business skills? Are you looking for a solution that combines business plan writing with other tasks? It may be useful to list out your ideal feature set, so you can compare individual software plans to that list.

Price: Although you might be able to find some free business plan software options (or at the very least, free trials), in most cases, you'll need to pay a subscription fee to access the platform you choose. Therefore, you'll want to think about what your budget is for this business tool and what type of software is most cost-effective for your needs.

User experience: User experience can vary widely among different business plan software options. You’ll find some programs that are newer or have been recently updated. Others might have the kind of interfaces that felt new years ago but are now pretty out of date—and, subsequently, make them a little harder to use. The right user experience for your needs is genuinely a matter of opinion and comfort—nevertheless, it's worth testing thoroughly testing out a platform to ensure that it can truly work for you before investing in a monthly or annual subscription.

The bottom line

There's no doubt that properly crafting your business plan is important for the future growth and success of your small business. Luckily, the right business plan software should make the process much simpler.

This being said, whether you opt for one of the best business plan software options listed here, or another platform entirely, you'll want to take the time to compare multiple solutions and ensure you choose the one that's right for your business.

As we mentioned, it can be helpful to think about the features you're looking for, your budget, and your user-experience preferences ahead of time—that way, you'll have a set of criteria in mind as you explore different solutions.

Ultimately, perhaps the best thing you can do to find the right software is to actually test out the platforms themselves—either by using a free trial or a money-back guarantee.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

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Best business plan software of 2024

For planning your business finance

Best overall

Best budget, best established, best for speed.

• How we test

The best business plan software makes it simple and easy to plan your business finances in order to present them to a bank or investors.

1. Best overall 2. Best budget 3. Best basic 4. Best established 5. Best for speed 6. FAQs 7. How we test

The whole point of a business plan is that it allows you to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, not least via your Unique Selling Point (USP) ,and make product or service comparisons with competitors.

Of course, even the best business plan relies on estimates and guesstimates, as it's impossible to predict market changes, developments, and future performance under such conditions. 

Ultimately, though, a business plan will demonstratively prove why your business is a solid enough investment to risk putting money into, and shows that you have properly and thoroughly researched your market, and details the real potential of a new business opportunities.

Here then are the best business plan software providers currently available.

You may also be interested in our featured business guides on best business laptops , best business computers and best business smartphones .

The best business plan software of 2024 in fill:

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

Bizplan is the online business planning tool that claims usage of 30,000 startup founders from the Startups.co platform. They use a guided creator that can break the big project down into the component pieces that get tracked with a Progress Tracker, and expert guidance each step of the way including templates that can be dropped in, and completed, along with simple integration of visuals along the way.

Additional resources are also provided via the Bizplan Academy, with lessons on relevant topics, for example, “Building a Brand: How to Tell a Powerful Brand Story,” and “Critical Path Your Way to Higher Revenues,” among the many offerings. Those that need even more assistance also can take advantage of an expert consultation from a financial expert.

• ^ Back to the top

2. PlanGuru

PlanGuru is a comprehensive, and powerful software package in the business planning space. Education is provided via a series of case studies at their PlanGuru University and a whole slew of video tutorials.

The feature set includes flexible budgeting that can handle a simple small business, or a larger multi-department operating budget, and financial forecasting that uses multiple methods, including intelligent and turn-key methods - twenty methods in total. Historical results can also be imported with the general ledger import utility which can then applied to produce a rolling forecast. They also offer PlanGuru Launch, a service to bring in expertise and is charged per hour of assistance.

A significant downside is Planguru charges a higher cost than other software options. The cheapest option is around $75 per month for one business entity when billed annually. While there is no free trial, PlanGuru does offer a 30 day money back guarantee. 

Our expert review:

Enloop is a great choice for business planning software for the cash strapped business as it is the rare offering that has a free tier. Step up up to the next tier, and this is no barebones product, as it has over 100 currency symbols, can automatically generate bank-ready financial reports, and even has automated text writing that can sync with financial data to turn it into text. There is also a real time performance score assigned, that dynamically changes as the business plan is strengthened.  

The plans start with the Free tier, which is limited to a single business plan with simple text, no images, and does not offer any advanced features. The next plan up is the Detailed plan, that supports three business plans, and offers a significant 55% discount when paid annually, making it even better value. This plan costs around $20 per month. For a more comprehensive package you can buy the Performance plan costing around $40 per month.

Read our full Enloop business plan software review .

4. LivePlan

LivePlan is business planning software that offers a simple pricing scheme as there is only a single plan to choose from. As they have a 15+ year track record, they offer a clean and simple interface, that can create business plans that look like they were done by an expert consultant, and the software includes a live dashboard that can track day-to-day performance. Those with writer’s block will benefit from the over 500 included sample plans that can be turned to for inspiration.  

Rather than complicate things with too many tiers to choose from, LivePlan only has a single plan which can be paid for monthly or annually.

5. Business Sorter

Business Sorter promises to simplify and speed up business planning and claims to be able to flesh out a plan in an hour or two, via a novel 273 card sort system that covers many common situations.

The ability to reword cards is included, or also to add cards to the already expansive deck, so no worries if there is not a pre-made card for your situation. Unlike some sites that have videos, the educational resources here are provided as PDFs and Word files, which can be quicker to access, but harder to follow for some learners. 

The lowest tier plan, Basic is fully featured, and includes up to three team leaders. 

Read our full Business Sorter review .

Other business plan software to consider

We've only covered some of the most popular business plan software platforms out there, but there are a number of other notables worth mentioning, plus a wide variety of providers of business plan templates. Below we'll briefly cover a range of some of the additional options out there that are worth considering to get your business plan right.

Go Business Plans is more of a consultancy than a software solution, but is worth mentioning for the simple fact that it's one of America's biggest business plan companies. While software might be able to do the job for you, if you're looking for significant funding, it's probably useful to get some professional advice, not least in terms of strategic planning, feasibility studies, and financial projections to ensure you have a solid base for your business plan.

Wise Business Plans provides a very wide range of templates to work from in constructing a business plan. These are particularly designed with funding in mind, no matter what kind of business you run. What is especially helpful is that Wise doesn’t simply deal with business plan templates for a diverse range of business types, the company also provides plan templates for franchises and non-profits.

Plan Writers  is another bespoke service that essentially listens to what you want and then puts the plan together for you. Again, this technically falls outside of business plan "software", but the chances are you'll use a software package as a platform to build from, and Plan Writers can then help you build up from that base.

Bplans is another provider of business plan templates, but goes beyond that with additional pitch and SWOT analysis templates. There are also business plan guides, industry reports, and a free course on writing a business plan. Bplans also publishes a lot of free-to-use articles on business planning, financials, and tax reporting, to help ensure you can keep your figures and projections accurate and compliant.

We've also listed the best free software for small business .

A business plan is essentially your roadmap to profitability from an initial investment. Whether it's your own money, or a loan from a bank, it's still a good idea to set up a business plan for yourself.

Main things to look to are a SWOT analysis to provide an idea of your business idea's strengths and weaknesses, as well as identify a unique selling point (USP) that will give your business an edge.

While business plans inevitably demand the use of figures, and while these can be impossible to be accurate with, at least by making intelligent guesses you can set yourself targets to work towards.

That's another common feature of a plan, so that specific periods you can review your business progress and make adjustments to your plan as required. This allows you to use real figures for your projections, allowing you to better plan ahead.

Which business plan software is best for you?

When deciding which business plan software to use, first consider what your actual needs are, as sometimes free platforms may only provide basic options, so if you need to use advanced tools you may find a paid platform is much more worthwhile. Additionally, free and budget software options can sometimes prove limited when it comes to the variety of tools available, while higher-end software can really cater for every need, so do ensure you have a good idea of which features you think you may require.

How we tested the best business plan software

To test for the best business plan software we first set up an account with the relevant software platform, whether as a download or as an online service. We then tested the service to see how the software could be used for different purposes and in different situations. The aim was to push each business plan software platform to see how useful its basic tools were and also how easy it was to get to grips with any more advanced tools.

Read how we test, rate, and review products on TechRadar .

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Computer Software Retailer Business Plan

Start your own computer software retailer business plan

Eagle Computers

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">.

Eagle Computers is a one-stop shop for IBM-compatible computer users. We are located in the center of Kailua-Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii. Our location is a major asset, as it is accessible to both the largest concentration of the local community as well as tourism to the island. We will offer a wide selection of latest-technology computer hardware, custom-built computer systems, computer service, computer rentals by the hour, and networking services. We are dedicated to providing consistently high client satisfaction by rendering excellent service, carrying items that are not locally available, and furnishing a warm, pleasant atmosphere at a competitive price. Our work environment will be one of respect for our clients and our community.

The timing is right for starting this new venture. Our target area is the North Kona and South Kona districts of Hawaii County. Presently, there is only one other computer store in these districts that handles IBM-compatible computers, and that store focuses primarily on computer service, not hardware sales. We have polled the Kona community and have received an overwhelming response that there is a definite need for a more comprehensive resource for computer sales and service in our target area. We will offer solutions to the community not provided by any of our competitors. With over 13 years of experience in the computer industry, information industry, management and retail, Jim and Judy Johnson have the skills necessary to make this venture extremely successful and profitable.

To achieve our objectives, Eagle Computers is seeking a start-up loan. This loan will be paid back from the cash flow of the business within ten years, collateralized by the assets of the company, backed by personal integrity, experience, and a contractual guarantee from the owners. This loan will be used to purchase inventory, increase working capital, and assist in start-up costs.

1.1 Objectives

The objectives for Eagle Computers are outlined below:

• To create a service-based company whose goal is to exceed customer’s expectations.
• Sales increase to over a quarter-million dollars by end of second year and increase modestly in the third year.
• To increase the number of customers serviced by at least 20% per year through superior performance and word-of mouth referrals.
• Have a customer return rate of 90% by end of first year.
• Become an established community destination by end of first year.

1.2 Mission

To provide the West Hawaii community with quality brand-name products, computer and networking solutions, reliable and professional technical support, and unparalleled customer service through the application of the principles of kina`ole and heartfelt aloha, and to earn a fair profit for our employee-owners and stakeholders by embracing sound, ethical business practices.

1.3 Keys to Success

The keys to success in our business are:

• Superior Customer Service: provide reliable, high-quality service and products, and an expedient turn-around time on repairs.
• Environment: provide a clean, friendly, and comfortable environment conducive to giving professional trusting service.
• Convenience: offering clients a wide selection of computer products and services in one environment; including custom-built computers, computer diagnosis and repair, networking, and in-store computer stations where clients can buy time to browse the Internet, check e-mail, and download their digital photos from their camera memory cards onto discs.
• Location: provide an easily accessible location for customer convenience.
• Reputation: credibility, integrity, and 100% dedication from 13+ years of experience in the computer industry.

Company Summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">

Eagle Computers will sell and service IBM-compatible computers to the West Hawaii community. It will also offer custom-built computers, networking solutions, and in-store computer stations where customers can buy time to browse the Internet, check e-mail, and download their digital photos from their camera memory cards onto discs. What will set Eagle Computers apart from the competition is providing our customers all this in one convenient location, our dedication to excellent customer service, and an expedient turn-around time on repairs.

2.1 Company Ownership

Eagle Computers will be created as an Hawaii Limited Liability Company (LLC) based in Hawaii County, and privately co-owned by Jim Johnson and his wife, Judy Johnson. Jim has 13 years experience in the computer industry. He was co-owner of Eagle Computers in Phoenix Arizona until he moved out of Arizona to live in Hawaii. Jim is a computer technician and also has many years of management and retail experience.

Judy Johnson has 5 years of experience in the information technology industry. She was most recently employed by Wilmer Communications, which is a nationwide provider of DSL service (high speed Internet access). Judy also has management experience and extensive retail experience. 

2.2 Start-up Summary

The start-up costs are to be financed by the direct owner investment. The cost, expense, and investment details are included in the following tables and chart.

Products and Services

Most people today use computers either at work or at home. It is important that people have a quality resource for buying and servicing those computers. Eagle Computers will provide the West Hawaii community with just such a quality resource – a one-stop shop for IBM-compatible computers. Eagle Computers will offer the following products and services with excellent customer service in a friendly, professional, and pleasant environment:

• Ready-to-Sell Computers – We will sell new and used computer systems in various price ranges that are already built and ready to be used.
• Custom-Built Computers – We will build and sell computer systems that are custom-designed according to the customer’s preferences.
• Service and Repairs -We will do full-service computer diagnosis and repairs with an emphasis on quality work within an expedient turn-around time.
• Upgrades – We will offer customers the latest technology available to upgrade the computers they already own.
• Networking – We will offer full networking solutions for both home and office, including wireless networking.
• Computer Rental Stations – We will have work-stations set up where customers can browse the Internet, check e-mail, and download their digital photos from their camera memory cards onto discs. These stations will be rented by the hour, but with no minimum time requirement. This will be useful to both tourists and the local community.

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

Market research shows that customers on the West side of Hawaii County go to Kailua-Kona for their technological needs. Because of this, if a computer store is located in Kailua-Kona, the prime market is a 20-mile radius, within the North Kona and South Kona districts. Also, Kailua-Kona is the main center for tourism on the Big Island of Hawaii. Eagle Computers will be located in Kailua-Kona. The following demographics were gathered from the official Hawaii County website, the official Hawaii government website and the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce:

• In 2000, the total resident population of Hawaii County was 148,677 and 25% of the population was located in the districts of North Kona and South Kona. In 2002, that residential population was estimated to be 154,794, which was an increase of 4.1%, or 2.05% per year. Based on those figures, in 2003 is estimated at 157,967.
• In 2000, there were 52,985 households in Hawaii, with an average of 2.75 people per household. Based on a population growth rate of 2.05% per year, there is estimated to be 56,243 households in in 2003.
• In 1999, there were 3,548 businesses in Hawaii. Of those businesses, 77% of them were small (less than 10 employees). Based on the population growth rate of 2.05% per year, there are estimated to be 2,956 small businesses in Hawaii County in 2003.
• There were 1,243,313 visitors to Hawaii in 2002. Of those visitors, 1,033,615 of them visited Kona and stayed in Kona an average of 6.21 days. The average tourist’s age is 43 years old. In 2003, visitor arrivals to the State of Hawaii are expected to increase .2% from 2002, for an estimated 1,035,682 visitors to Kona. Also, that growth rate for visitor arrivals is expected to increase dramatically another 6.3% in 2004.

These demographics illustrate a favorable climate for the success of Eagle Computers. Also, in 2001, a new transpacific cable linking Australia to the U.S. mainland via Hawaii provided increased bandwidth to the islands, which has increased the availability of high-speed Internet access to Hawaii computer users.

4.1 Market Segmentation

Our market segmentation focuses on residents, small businesses, and tourists to the Big Island of Hawaii. However, the tourist market segment has very different needs, so the income potential is vastly different than the other two market segments. The income potential analysis is as follows:

Though the numbers in our market segmentation scheme show that the tourist segment makes up the largest portion of potential customers, they do not actually represent the largest income potential. The average tourist is in Kona for about a week and will not be in the market to purchase a computer or have one repaired. However, many tourists want to be able to access the Internet and check their e-mail. We will satisfy this need with our Computer Rental Stations. Tourists will be able to rent time at a Computer Rental Station to browse the Internet, check e-mail, and download their digital photos from their camera memory cards onto discs. The fees we will charge to rent the Stations will be modest, but since there will be no actual product leaving the store for this service, the rental fees are straight profit. We expect these Rental Stations to generate approximately 10% of the business’ profit, so the income from the tourist market segment is actually 10%. 

In terms of income potential, the largest market segment is actually the local consumers. This segment is represented in the market segmentation scheme under the heading “Resident Households”. According to the official website for the state of Hawaii, in 2000, 52.4% of Hawaii households had computers. In fact, many households have more than one computer. Consumers need a place to repair and upgrade the computers they already have as well as purchase new computers and parts with the latest technology. Currently, the local residents have very limited resources for purchasing computers or parts. Their options are: a) order computers and computer parts over the Internet, which incurs shipping costs and prevents hands-on inspection by the purchaser; or b) buy a computer from Costco, which only offers a handful of different models and there is no option to customize the computer to match the purchaser’s specific needs. Eagle Computers will resolve these issues for local consumers by selling computers and computer parts that are of the latest technology. We will have computers on display so that a customer can do a hands-on inspection before purchasing. We will also sell custom-built computers and do in-store upgrades so that customers can purchase computers that match their specific needs. In addition, we will offer in-store repair service and guarantee our products. Computers sales, upgrades, and repairs generate a much greater income than the Computer Rental Stations will. We expect the local consumer market segment to provide 50% of the business income.

The remaining 40% of our business income will be generated by the small business market segment. 77% of the businesses in Hawaii are small businesses with less than 10 employees. These small businesses are large enough to need the high-quality computer technology we offer, but too small to have a separate computer management staff. This segment is largely overlooked by most business-focused computer resources because of its “low end” buying habits, and a reluctance to compete with the major retail chain box movers. This currently leaves the small businesses with the same limited resources as are available to the local consumers. As with the local consumers, we will resolve these issues for the small business market segment by providing affordably-priced, high-quality products of the latest technology, customized according to each business’ unique needs. Our full-service computer diagnosis and repair service will provide quality work within an expedient turn-around time. Small businesses cannot afford to wait very long for computer repairs or servicing. We will also offer full networking solutions, including wireless networking.

4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy

Analysis of our market segmentation shows that 90% of our income will be generated by local consumers and small businesses, with the remaining 10% being generated by tourists. Advertising strategy to the local market segments will differ from advertising strategy to the tourism segment in the following ways:

Advertising to Local Consumers and Small Businesses:

• Yellow Pages
• Local newspapers
• Hand out flyers to local businesses
• Internet website

Advertising to Tourists:

• Post a sandwich-board sign at the busiest intersection near the store to direct walk-by traffic
• Hand out flyers to local hotels, car rental agencies, and tour companies

4.3 Service Business Analysis

Eagle Computers is part of the retail computer industry, which includes several types of businesses:  

• Chain Stores and Computer Superstores: these include major chains such as CompUSA, Best Buy, Sam’s Club, Costco, etc. They are almost always more than 10,000 square feet of space, and are often warehouse-like locations where people go to find products in boxes. They usually offer a wide selection of software as well as the hardware. When purchasing computer systems, customers chose from various as-is computer systems, often without the option to alter the system components. Their products are usually aggressively priced, but little or no support is provided. If they do offer computer repair service, the turn-around time is often lengthy.
• Small Computer Dealers: storefront computer retailers, usually less than 5,000 square feet. These computer stores are usually privately owned and often owner-operated. Because they are privately owned, the quality of products and service varies greatly from one store to another. They usually focus on a few main brands of hardware, offer a minimum of software, and usually offer some level of service and support. A well run store will offer top-quality products and competent, timely support and repair service; whereas, a poorly run store will provide little or no support and carry products chosen mainly for their low price point, not quality or reliability. As with quality and service, the prices at these small stores vary between one store and another. Some small stores make a point to compete with the prices of the large chain stores and superstores, and some do not. Small stores have the advantage of a one-on-one relationship between the customer and the sales person, which often results in more personalized service and products that are better matched to the individual customer’s needs.
• Internet/Mail order: mail order businesses from which customers purchase hardware over the phone or Internet, including components and whole computer systems. They typically offer boxed products that are aggressively priced, but usually offer no service or support. This is a viable option for the purely price-driven buyer, who buys boxes and expects no service. There is, of course, always a time delay between purchasing the products and receiving them due to shipping time, and often, the customer has to pay the shipping charges. Also, there is no opportunity for the customer to do a hands-on inspection before a product is purchased.

4.3.1 Competition and Buying Patterns

Consumers and small business buyers understand the concept of service and support, and are much more likely to pay for it when the offering is clearly stated.

There is no doubt that we compete much more against all the box pushers than against other service providers. We need to effectively compete against the idea that businesses should buy computers as plug-in appliances that don’t need ongoing service, support, and training.

Research indicates that our target consumers and small businesses think about price but would buy based on quality service if the offering were properly presented. They think about price because that’s all they ever see. We have very good indications that many would rather pay 10-20% more for a relationship with a long-term vendor providing back-up and quality service and support; they end up in the box-pusher channels because they aren’t aware of the alternatives.

Availability is also very important. Consumers and small business buyers tend to want immediate, local solutions to problems.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

Our target market consists of consumers, small businesses and home offices (less than 10 employees), and tourists. Our sales and marketing strategy will consist of offering a wide selection of quality products and services, a friendly pleasant atmosphere, and a convenient location in the center of Kailua-Kona with accessibility to locals and tourists alike. We will establish ourselves in the community through word-of-mouth referrals from our satisfied clients, and various forms of advertising.

5.1 Competitive Edge

Our competitive edge is a combination of our wide range of products and services, outstanding location, and our interaction with our clients. By building a business based on long-standing relationships with satisfied clients, we simultaneously build defenses against competition. The longer the relationship stands, the more we help our clients understand what we offer them and why they should both stay with Eagle Computers, and refer us to others in the community. In close-knit communities like the Big Island of Hawaii, reputation is extremely important, and word-of-mouth advertising is invaluable.

5.2 Marketing Strategy

Our marketing strategy is a simple one: satisfied customers are our best marketing tool. The first time a customer comes to Eagle Computers, they will know that they have found a one-stop shop for all of their computer needs, including a friendly personal atmosphere with exceptional customer service. We have talked with many friends and associates who are excited about our plans and are anxious to shop with us and use our services. Word of mouth and a good reputation are the best marketing tools in a close-knit community such as ours.

In addition, we will have a website, do radio and newspaper advertising, distribute flyers to local businesses, and advertise in the Yellow Pages. These venues will help us become known as we establish our business. 

5.3 Sales Strategy

Our umbrella sales strategy is to sell Eagle Computers to the West Hawaii community as the best resource for their computer needs, enhancing their lives with our quality, latest-technology products, the convenience of our one-stop shop, affordable pricing and the reliable professional service we offer.

We will sell Eagle Computers through each employee’s expertise, courtesy, and warmth, creating a trusting impression on all customers, and establishing loyalty and return visits. We will ensure each visit to Eagle Computers is a professional and pleasant experience, so that customers can always depend on our brand of service when they arrive.

We expect to have a customer return rate of 90% at the end of the first year and for sales to increase to over a quarter-million dollars by end of second year.

5.3.1 Sales Forecast

The important elements of the Sales Forecasts are shown in the chart and table below. Initial sales forecast indicate a healthy first year revenue increasing modestly but steadily in the second and third year. These figures are based on revenue from three main areas:

• Computer Sales – this includes sales of all hardware components. We estimate a 5% annual increase in this revenue area from new customer acquisition. The sales costs for computer hardware averages 70% of the final sales prices when the hardware is sold. Costs for wholesale computer hardware is expected to have a 2% annual increase.
• Computer Service – revenue generated strictly from labor fees, so except for payroll, there is no sales cost. We estimate a 10% annual increase in this revenue area from repeat business as a result of customer loyalty.
• Computer Rental Stations – revenue generated from customers renting the computer stations by the hour. We estimate a 3% annual increase to reflect the projected increase in tourism to Kona. This revenue is all profit since it requires no cost for inventory and it is basically self-service, so requires no labor hours.

5.4 Milestones

The following table lists important program milestones, with dates and managers in charge, and budgets for each. The milestone schedule indicates our emphasis on planning for implementation.

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

The management philosophy of Eagle Computers is based on respect for each of our fellow employees, respect for every client, and individual responsibility. We believe in listening to our clients and doing our best to embody their vision of a community-minded business dedicated to meeting all their computer needs. Our management team consists of the owners, who are experienced entrepreneurs possessing a breadth of functional experience in computer technology, information technology, management and retail. Both Jim Johnson and Judy Johnson will share the senior management responsibilities with Jim directing the sales, development, operations and production, and Judy directing the finances and marketing.

We still need to find a networking specialist for our clients who require that service, but as the need for that will be on a job-by-job basis, we will use an independent contractor. We already know of a couple of qualified candidates.

When the need arises to hire employees, we will hire only employees who demonstrate technical aptitude and a dedication to excellent customer service. The organizational structure and personnel plan reflect our intentions to maintain an organization that is customer oriented and technologically proficient, while efficiently managing cost controls and productivity.

6.1 Personnel Plan

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The following subtopics help present the financial plan for Eagle Computers.

7.1 Important Assumptions

The key underlying assumptions of our financial plan shown in the following general assumption table are:

• We assume access to the start-up funding necessary to provide adequate initial capitalization and establish our company.
• We assume continued steady population growth of the West Hawaii community.
• We assume continued steady increase in tourism to the Kona area as predicted by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism for the State of Hawaii.
• We assume continued usage of IBM-compatible computers in the home and at work.

7.2 Break-even Analysis

For our break-even analysis, we assume running costs which include our full payroll, rent and utilities, and an estimation of other running costs.

We will monitor gross margins very closely, and maintain them at or above 50% by taking advantage of all promotions and discounts offered by our manufacturers and by our higher-profit revenue generators of computer service and Computer Rental Stations.

The chart shows what we need to sell per month to break even, according to these assumptions. This is about 6% of our projected sales for our first year.

7.3 Projected Profit and Loss

There are two important assumptions with our Projected Profit and Loss statement:

• Our revenue is based on minimum estimated averages against highest expense expectations.
• Our major expense of rent is fixed for the next three years.

7.4 Projected Cash Flow

Our projected cash flow includes planned borrowing to increase our capital and thereby ensure a positive cash balance while our business is becoming established. Though the cash flow is negative on and off throughout the year, we will maintain a healthy cash balance, which steadily increases in both the second and third years.

7.5 Projected Balance Sheet

Our Projected Balance Sheet shows we will not have any difficulty meeting our debt obligations as long as our revenue projections are met.

7.6 Business Ratios

The company’s projected business ratios are provided in the table below. The final column, Industry Profile, shows the industry profile ratios based on the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code 5734, Computer and Software Stores.