Create your address on the web.

  • Domain Check
  • Free Domain

Move your domain name to IONOS.

Secure site traffic and build trust.

Protect your domain from threats.

Create your own website easily.

Our experts build your website.

Create your own online store.

Fast, scalable hosting for any website.

Optimized for speed, reliablity and control.

Deploy your site, app, or PHP project from GitHub.

Reach out with your own email address.

Safeguard your emails against loss.

Secure and share your data on the go.

Powerful Exchange email and Microsoft's trusted productivity suite.

Collaborate smarter with Google's cloud-powered tools.

Protect your data from viruses, ransomware, and loss.

Pay as you go with your own scalable private server.

Your fully virtualized private server.

Get enterprise hardware with unlimited traffic

Individually configurable, highly scalable IaaS cloud

  • Business Name Generator
  • Logo Creator
  • Favicon Generator
  • Whois Lookup
  • Website Checker
  • SSL Checker
  • IP Address Check
  • Validation service
  • Get Started

Business plan software – the top picks for your business

Business plan software – the top picks for your business

Starting a company will present you with a number of tasks that require a great deal of effort and patience. First and foremost, you have to come up with and plan your business concept , where you can set yourself both short-term and long-term goals. Finances, in particular, play a decisive role, because without the necessary starting capital and a sustainable economic concept, realising and developing a new business are hardly possible – the sooner you deal with these topics such as coming up with a business plan , the better.

What are the advantages of using business plan software?

Smartbusinessplan, a summary comparison of the business plan software options.

As important as a business plan is when setting up a company, it is also very time-consuming to come up with one. Start-ups in particular are often faced with the challenge of going into detail in planning their business. A business plan should contain milestone points , and must also be appropriately structured and formulated – only in this way will you be able to show banks and investors your potential.

Good business plan software supports you with lots of ideas , as well as step-by-step wizards that guide you through the entire creation process. You can put together your own business plan piece by piece, without running the risk of forgetting important points. Thanks to sample texts and formulations, you’ll get a feel for how to present your content in an appropriate form right from the start. Since you often only have to adapt a few specific details, you save a lot of time compared to the classic business plan creation without software. Many programs also offer a function that shows inconsistencies and errors (plausibility check).

For detailed information on how a business plan structure should look and which information should not be missing, check out our article on structuring a business plan.

A comparison of the best business plan software options

If you decide to create your business plan using a program, you are faced with the question of the right one . Of course, there are also differences in applications of this kind – from costs to user-friendliness, to the range of functions. The software scope is usually closely linked to the price, but the most expensive software doesn’t necessarily mean the best option. Free business plan software can often be the best for your business. However, if you are sitting in front of your first plan, a paid business plan tool is usually the better choice – with so much choice out there it is helpful to compare a selection of paid and free business plan software.

For insight into the world of business plan applications , we present some interesting representatives from various price categories.

Microsoft 365 with IONOS!

Experience powerful Exchange email and the latest versions of your favourite Office apps including Word, Excel and PowerPoint on any device!

LivePlan touts itself as being the leading business planning software, and claims that it works for any business, at any stage of development . It is straightforward to set up, and the tool leads you through the first stages of starting a business in 5 simple steps. You can select a goal for your business, and straight from there the software starts to point you in the right direction. This is achieved by looking at a business strategy, for which LivePlan offers many. You can document your existing idea, and LivePlan will help you present it in such a way that it comes across as highly professional when showing others. The procedure is split into two main steps: your business pitch, which has already been outlined above, and then the full business plan. This step is also fully guided by a live plan, and you can decide how you want your plan to look to make it unique.

free business plan software uk

Registering your business: the steps you need to take

Running your own business can be a challenge, as well as highly rewarding. Having to deal with paperwork often seems like a necessary evil, but preparing yourself for individual steps can help break it down. Registering your company need not be stressful – we’ve got a guide here on how to register your business to help you along the way!

Lean startup: reasons without risk?

Lean startup: reasons without risk?

Dropbox, Airbnb, Twitter – all these succesful companies have one thing in common: they became successful using the lean startup model. This method questions traditional business concepts and procedures, and instead promises greater flexibility and innovation. But what do lean startups mean for product development and company culture, and how can you benefit from these new ideas?

Mission statement vs. vision statement

Mission statement vs. vision statement

Even if prices are raised and there are more affordable alternatives on the market, we will often continue to buy products from the same brand. The reason for this is the same as explaining why we always choose to fly with the same airline or get our coffee from the same place: we share the company’s values. These values are formed on the basis of the company vision and mission statement. But what…

Home > Business > Business Startup

  • 5 Best Business Plan Software and Tools in 2023 for Your Small Business

4.5 out of 5 stars

Data as of 3 /13/23 . Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Chloe Goodshore

We are committed to sharing unbiased reviews. Some of the links on our site are from our partners who compensate us. Read our editorial guidelines and advertising disclosure .

A business plan can do a lot for your business. It can help you secure investors or other funding. It can give your company direction. It can keep your finances healthy. But, if we’re being honest, it can also be a pain to write.

Luckily, you don’t have to start from scratch or go it alone. Business plan software and services can help you craft a professional business plan, like our top choice LivePlan , which provides templates, guidance, and more.

You’ve got quite a few choices for business plan help, so we’re here to help you narrow things down. Let’s talk about the best business plan tools out there.

  • LivePlan : Best overall
  • BizPlanBuilder : Most user-friendly
  • Wise Business Plans : Best professional service
  • Business Sorter : Best for internal plans
  • GoSmallBiz.com : Most extra features
  • Honorable mentions

Business plan software 101

The takeaway, business plan software faq, compare the best business plan software.

free business plan software uk

By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .

LivePlan: Best overall business plan software

Data as of 3 /13/23 . Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *With annual billing

LivePlan has been our favorite business plan software for a while now, despite the stiff competition.

There’s a lot to like about LivePlan. It has pretty much all the features you could want from your business plan software. LivePlan gives you step-by-step instructions for writing your plan, helps you create financial reports, lets you compare your business’s actual financials to your plan’s goals, and much more. And if you ever need inspiration, it includes hundreds of sample business plans that can guide your writing.

LivePlan software pricing

But the best part? You get all that (and more) at a very competitive price. (You can choose from annual, six-month, or monthly billing.) While LivePlan isn’t quite the cheapest business plan builder out there, it’s not too far off either. And if comes with a 60-day money back guarantee. So there’s no risk in trying LivePlan out for yourself.

With a great balance of features and cost, LivePlan offers the best business plan solution for most businesses.

BizPlanBuilder: Most user-friendly

Need something easy to use? BizPlanBuilder fits the bill.

BizPlanBuilder doesn’t have a flashy, modern user interface―but it does have a very clear, intuitive one. You’ll be able to see your plan’s overall structure at a glance, so you can quickly navigate from your title page to your market trend section to that paragraph on your core values. And as you write, you’ll use a text editor that looks a whole lot like the word processing programs you’re already familiar with.

BizPlanBuilder software pricing

Data effective 3/13/23. At publishing time, amounts, rates, and requirements are current but are subject to change. Offers may not be available in all areas.

BizPlanBuilder also offers lots of helpful guidance for actually writing your plan. It gives you pre-written text, in which you just have to fill in relevant details. It offers explanations for what information you need to include in each section of your plan and way. It even gives you helpful tips from experts, so you’ll have all the information you need to plan like a pro.

So if you want planning software with almost no learning curve, you’ll like BizPlanBuilder.

Wise Business Plans: Best professional service

  • Custom quote

Unlike all the other companies on this list, Wise Business Plans doesn’t offer software. Instead, it offers professional business plan writing services―meaning someone does all the hard work for you.

Now, you might think that sounds expensive―and you’re probably right (you have to request a custom quote for your plan). But there’s a lot to be said for expertise, and Wise Business Plans has plenty of that. Your business plan will get written by an experienced writer (with an MBA, no less). They’ll get information from you, do their own research, and then write your plan. You get one free revision, and you can always pay for more.  

Wise Business Plans service pricing

Your end result will be a polished, entirely original business plan. (You can even get printed copies.) And best of all, you won’t have to spend your precious time working on the plan yourself. Wise Business Plans takes care of all the hard parts, and makes your business look good while doing it. Sounds like a service worth paying for, right?

Put simply, if you want the most professional business plan possible, we recommend using Wise Business Plans’s writing service.

Business Sorter: Best for internal plans

Many businesses need plans to show to people outside the company (to get financing, for example). But what if you just need a plan for internal use? In that case, we suggest Business Sorter.

Business Sorter uses a unique card-based method to help you craft the perfect business plan. (You can watch a demo video to see how it works.) You’ll plan some of the usual things, like finances and marketing. But Business Sorter also lets you make plans for specific teams and team members. It also emphasizes more internal matters, like operations, that might get overlooked in a business plan for outsiders.

Business Sorter software pricing

After you’ve made your business plan, Business Sorter also helps you stay accountable to it. You can create tasks, give them deadlines, and assign them to team members―giving you basic project management tools to make sure your business plans become business actions. (Oh, and did we mention that Business Sorter has the lowest starting prices of any software on this list?)

It all adds up to a business plan software that works great for internal planning.

GoSmallBiz: Most extra features

Want to get way more than just business planning software? Then you probably want GoSmallBiz.

See, GoSmallBiz offers business plan software as part of its service―but it’s just one part of a much bigger whole. You also get everything from discounts on legal services to a website builder to a CRM (customer relationship manager) to business document templates. And more. In other words, you get just about everything you need to get your startup off the ground.

GoSmallBiz software pricing

Don’t worry though―you still get all the business planning help you need. GoSmallBiz gives you business plan templates, step-by-step instructions, and the ability to create financial projections. And if you get stuck, GoSmallBiz will put you in touch with experts who can offer advice.

If you want business planning and much, much more, give GoSmallBiz a try.

  • PlanGuru : Best financial forecasting
  • EnLoop : Cheapest tool for startups

We recommend the software above for most business planning needs. Some businesses, though, might be interested in these more specialized planning software.

Honorable mention software pricing

Planguru: best financial forecasting features.

Plan Guru

PlanGuru is pretty pricey compared to our other picks, but you might find its forecasting features worth paying for. It has more forecasting methods than other software (over 20) plus it lets you forecast up to 10 years.

EnLoop: Cheapest tool for startups

enloop logo

EnLoop doesn’t have our favorite features or interface, but it does have really, really low pricing plus a seven-day free trial. It's the most affordable software for startup business planning and still provides all the essential features like financial analysis, team collaboration, charting, and more.

Data as of 3 /13/23 . Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. * With annual billing

Several of our previous favorite planning software, including BusinessPlanPro and StratPad, seem to have gone out of business.

A business plan is a written, living document that tells the story of your business and what you plan to do with it. It serves as the source of truth for you—the business owner—as well as potential partners, employees, and investors, but it also serves as a roadmap of what you want your business to be.

Why you need a business plan

While some small-business owners don’t see the point of creating a formal business plan, it can have some concrete benefits for your business. For example, one 2016 study found that business owners with written plans are more successful than those that don’t. 1

Still too vague? Then let’s get specific.

If you ever seek business funding (from, say, banks, angel investors , or venture capitalists ), you’ll have to prove that your business deserves the money you want. A formal business plan―complete with financial data and projections―gives you a professional document you can use to make your case. (In fact, most potential investors will expect you to have a business plan ready.)

Even if you’re not seeking funding right now, a business plan can help your business. A formal plan can guide your business’s direction and decision making. It can keep your business accountable (by, for example, seeing if your business meets the financial projections you included). And a formal plan offers a great way to make sure your team stays on the same page.

What to include in your business plan

Not all business plans are created equal. To make a really useful business plan, you’ll want to include a number of elements:

  • Basic information about your business
  • Your products/services
  • Market and industry analysis
  • What makes your business competitive
  • Strategies and upcoming plans
  • Your team (and your team’s background)
  • Current financial status
  • Financial and market projections
  • Executive summary

Of course, you can include more or fewer elements―whatever makes sense for your business. Just make sure your business plan is comprehensive (but not overwhelming).

How business plan software can help

With so many elements to include, business plan creation can take a while. Business plan software tries to speed things up.

Most business plan software will include prompts for each section. In some cases, you can just fill in your business’s specific information, and the software will write the text for you. In other cases, the software will give you specific guidance and examples, helping you write the text yourself.

Plus, business plan software can help you stay organized. You’ll usually get intuitive menus that let you quickly flip through sections. So rather than endlessly scrolling through a long document in a word processor, you can quickly find your way around your plan. Some software even lets you drag and drop sections to reorganize your plan.

Sounds way easier than just staring at a blank page and trying to start from scratch, right?

Choosing business plan software

To find the right business plan builder for your business, you’ll want to compare features. For example, would you rather write your own text, getting prompts and advice from your software? Or would you rather go with a fill-in-the-blank method?

Likewise, think about the elements you need. If your plan will have a heavy focus on finances, you’ll want to choose business plan software with robust financial projection features. If you care more about market and competitor analysis, look for software that can help with that research.

You may also want to find business plan software that integrates with your business accounting software . Some plan builders will import data from Xero, QuickBooks, etc. to quickly generate your financial data and projections.

And of course, you’ll want to compare prices. After all, you always want to end up with software that fits your business budget.

The right business plan software can make your life easier. With LivePlan ’s wide breadth of features and online learning tools, you can’t go wrong. Plus, BizPlanBuilder 's one-time pricing makes it easy to invest while Business Sorter has a low starting cost. And if you're business is looking to grow, GoSmallBiz and Wise Business Plans will scale with you.

But of course, different companies have different needs. So shop around until you find the software that’s best for you and your business.

Now that you've got a business plan, take a look at our checklist for starting a small business.  It can help you make sure you have everything else you need to get your startup off to a good start!

Related content

  • 7 Steps to Build a Successful Project Management Sales Plan
  • Best Project Management Software and Tools in 2023
  • 4 Cost Management Techniques for Small Businesses

Creating a business plan can take anywhere from a couple hours to several weeks. Your timeline will depend on things like the elements you choose to include, whether you use software or hire a writing service, and how much research goes into your plan.

That said, much of the business plan software out there brags that it can help you create a fairly detailed plan in a few hours. So if you’re going the software route, that can help you set your expectations.

If you want to get the most out of your business plan, you should update it on a regular basis―at least annually. That way, you can continually refer to it to inform your company’s strategies and direction.  

At the very least, you should update your business plan before you start looking for a new round of funding (whether that’s with investors or lenders).

Thanks to business plan software, you can easily write your own business plan rather than pay someone to do it for you. And in most cases, software will cost you less than a professional business plan service.

There are some times you might want to go with a service though. If time is tight, you might find that it’s worth the cost of a service. Or if you’ve got big investor meetings on the horizon, you might want the expertise and polish that a professional service can offer.

Ultimately, you’ll have to decide for yourself whether business plan software or a business plan service will work better for your company.

Methodology

We ranked business plan software and tools based on features, pricing and plans, and connections to project management and other services. The value of each plan and service, along with what it offers, was a big consideration in our rankings, and we looked to see if what was offered was useful to small businesses or just extra. The final thing we looked at was the ease of use of the software to see if it's too complex for small businesses.

At Business.org, our research is meant to offer general product and service recommendations. We don't guarantee that our suggestions will work best for each individual or business, so consider your unique needs when choosing products and services.

Sources 1. Harvard Business Review, “ Research: Writing a Business Plan Makes Your Startup More Likely to Succeed .” Accessed March 13, 2023.

free business plan software uk

5202 W Douglas Corrigan Way Salt Lake City, UT 84116

Accounting & Payroll

Point of Sale

Payment Processing

Inventory Management

Human Resources

Other Services

Best Small Business Loans

Best Inventory Management Software

Best Small Business Accounting Software

Best Payroll Software

Best Mobile Credit Card Readers

Best POS Systems

Best Tax Software

Stay updated on the latest products and services anytime anywhere.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use  and  Privacy Policy .

Disclaimer: The information featured in this article is based on our best estimates of pricing, package details, contract stipulations, and service available at the time of writing. All information is subject to change. Pricing will vary based on various factors, including, but not limited to, the customer’s location, package chosen, added features and equipment, the purchaser’s credit score, etc. For the most accurate information, please ask your customer service representative. Clarify all fees and contract details before signing a contract or finalizing your purchase.

Our mission is to help consumers make informed purchase decisions. While we strive to keep our reviews as unbiased as possible, we do receive affiliate compensation through some of our links. This can affect which services appear on our site and where we rank them. Our affiliate compensation allows us to maintain an ad-free website and provide a free service to our readers. For more information, please see our  Privacy Policy Page . |

© Business.org 2023 All Rights Reserved.

Best business plan software of 2024

For planning your business finance

  • The best business plan software in full

Best overall

Best budget, best established, best for speed, other business plan software to consider.

  • 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.

The best business plan software of 2024 in full 1. Best overall 2. Best budget 3. Best basic 4. Best established 5. Best for speed 6. Other business plan software to consider 7. FAQs 8. 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 can also look at our featured best free software for small business .

The best business plan software in full:

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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

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 .

  • You've reached the end of the page. Jump back up to the top ^

Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!

Jonas P. DeMuro

Jonas P. DeMuro is a freelance reviewer covering wireless networking hardware.

Videoleap review

PDFgear review

The Honor Magic 6 Pro is like a luxury watch for your pocket

Most Popular

By Barclay Ballard February 16, 2024

By Barclay Ballard February 15, 2024

By Cat Bussell February 15, 2024

By Philip Berne February 13, 2024

By Krishi Chowdhary February 13, 2024

By Philip Berne, Alex Walker-Todd February 13, 2024

By Krishi Chowdhary February 12, 2024

By Jake Green February 07, 2024

By Alex Walker-Todd, Axel Metz February 07, 2024

  • 2 Nvidia's entry level RTX 2000 ADA Generation is here and only requires a maximum of 70 watts of power
  • 3 ZLUDA, a tool that could run CUDA code on AMD and Intel GPUs, has been open sourced
  • 4 Undersea cables could be used as environmental sensors, according to researchers
  • 5 Microsoft is giving Windows Copilot an upgrade with Power Automate, promising to banish boring tasks thanks to AI
  • 2 Apple iOS 17.4 update could help you maintain your iPhone 15 battery for longer
  • 3 Finally, Apple Music might be making it easier to leave Spotify – with your playlists
  • 4 A lone developer just open sourced a tool that could bring an end to Nvidia's AI hegemony — AMD financed it for months but abruptly ended its support. Nobody knows why
  • 5 You can run macOS on a Nintendo DS - and here's how to do it

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

free business plan software uk

  • Business and self-employed
  • Business finance and support

Write a business plan

Download free business plan templates and find help and advice on how to write your business plan.

Business plan templates

Download a free business plan template on The Prince’s Trust website.

You can also download a free cash flow forecast template or a business plan template on the Start Up Loans website to help you manage your finances.

Business plan examples

Read example business plans on the Bplans website.

How to write a business plan

Get detailed information about how to write a business plan on the Start Up Donut website.

Why you need a business plan

A business plan is a written document that describes your business. It covers objectives, strategies, sales, marketing and financial forecasts.

A business plan helps you to:

  • clarify your business idea
  • spot potential problems
  • set out your goals
  • measure your progress

You’ll need a business plan if you want to secure investment or a loan from a bank. Read about the finance options available for businesses on the Business Finance Guide website.

It can also help to convince customers, suppliers and potential employees to support you.

Related content

Is this page useful.

  • Yes this page is useful
  • No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

Free business plan template

  • Download business plan template
  • Try Xero for free

Download a business plan template and start bringing your ideas to life. Choose a one-pager, or multi-pager. Or try Xero accounting software for free.

Business plan template with blank fields for users to fill out.

Download the business plan template

Fill in the form to get a free business plan template as an editable PDF. We’ll send a one-pager and a multi-pager to choose from.

Privacy notice .

Getting started with the business plan template

We’ll send you two types of business plan template – a one-pager and a multi-pager. Choose the one that’s right for you. They come with instructions to help fill them out.

Doing a business plan will improve your idea. It helps you think about your business from different points of view. The process will flag up unseen risks, but also new opportunities. Aside from helping refine your idea, a business plan will move it forward. It’ll give you a concrete set of steps to go from ‘I should’ to ‘I did’.

One-page business plan template

Great for making a start

Helps you pin down the main idea

Easy to update as things evolve

Multi-page business plan template

Ideal for nailing down the details

Required by most investors and lenders

Good if you face big startup costs

Tips to help with your business plan

Don’t obsess over every detail to start with. That will make the plan long and hard to change. Keep it short and concise initially.

Financing your business

Need cash to get going? Check out our finance guide.

How to finance your business

Starting a business

Check out our guide for information about getting started.

How to start a business

Find a bookkeeper or accountant

Accoutnants and bookkeepers can help build financial resilience into your business budgets.

Find a financial advisor near you

Plan on making business fun

Are you looking forward to the bookkeeping and accounting that comes with a new business? Na, we didn’t think so. Xero can automate a lot of that stuff away for you.

Xero does not provide accounting, tax, business or legal advice. This template has been provided for information purposes only. You should consult your own professional advisors for advice directly relating to your business.

Start using Xero for free

Access Xero features for 30 days, then decide which plan best suits your business.

  • Included Safe and secure
  • Included Cancel any time
  • Included 24/7 online support

Or compare all plans

The 3 Ultimate Free Business Plan Software

Andrew Marder profile picture

Andrew Marder

Free business plan software options, non-software options for business plan creation, final thoughts.

A new business generally needs two things. First, it needs a reason to exist. What are you going to bring to the marketplace that no one else is providing or how are you going to provide an existing product in a “better” fashion? Second, you’re going to need some cash. Even if you’re just going to be making websites in your bedroom, you’ll need some money for internet access, food, and some software or hosting.

The_Ultimate_Free_Business_Plan_Software

These two problems can both be addressed through a solid business plan.

A business plan tells you – and anyone you decide to share it with – what your core function is. It helps you focus in on the things that you do best and it gives you metrics to determine what your success looks like. I say, “It gives you,” but really it’s just a template for managing your own thoughts.

In the same way that a blueprint is the physical manifestation of a building plan, a business plan is the physical manifestation of your business goals. Could you build a house without drawing up a blueprint? Sure. Is it a super good idea that we’re all about to adopt? Not even close.

In addition to putting your own thoughts on paper and making the organization process more structured, a good business plan is also your pitch. When you go into the bank, you’re going in with a clear message about what you do, who buys it, and how much you’re expecting them to spend with you over time.

The forecasting and economic consolidation that happens in your business plan makes talking to the bank – or VC or neighbor or rich uncle – that much easier.

To help you pull a plan together, there are – of course – plenty of software solutions. These range from the simple to the complex. You can opt for a solution that basically just lays the material you create out or one that helps you with every step of the process.

Today, we’ll look a few free business plan software options to help get you started. I’ll also give you a few non-software solutions, just in case you want to get your hands a bit dirty.

This article looks at three free business plan software options. See the full list of free business plan software solutions here .

Note: Your hands may not get dirty, except in a metaphorical sense. Much depends on the type of pen you employ.

1. StratPad

StratPad is a cloud-based business plan software solution. There are a few different versions, depending on how many business plans you want to make, but for one plan, you can get a free account. As an additional little bonus, if you happen to teach business at a high school or university, StratCloud has a free version of its Unlimited offering. Interested in products with similar features? These StratPad alternatives could be what you are looking for.

That little bonus points to what StratCoud is really all about. The company provides workshops, videos, and educational blogs for entrepreneurs. It makes the bulk of its revenue not through subscriptions, but through the introductions it provides via StratPad Connect.

There, business coaches, accountants, and other professionals can connect with new businesses. Those leads generate a small fee from the professional, paid to StratPad. You’re not paying, so you’re the product – but it’s a pretty tame version of the old adage.

StratPad comes with follow along instructions and ends up generating a very clean and classic looking business plan. I like the layout of the system and I’m apparently not the only one. StratPad claims over 100,000 businesses are currently using its service.

Enloop is another free option for those seeking a single business plan. The company attempts to bring a little bit of credibility with its offering by scoring your business plan. Once it’s been scored, bankers or investors can look to see how well you did.

The score encompasses some basics like cash flow and growth. It updates as you update the document, so you can see what metrics are having the biggest – in Enloop’s mind – impact on your business’s viability. Sharing the actual score is only available to paid users.

Enloop also makes it easy to collaborate on plans, and the free version of the service gives you one additional user. You’ll be able to forecast up to 36 months out for financials, and all of it can be dropped into a PDF. Want to find software solutions with comparable features? These Enloop alternatives are a good place to start.

3. Plan Cruncher

This is my wildcard entry into the mix. Plan Cruncher isn’t really a business plan software. Instead, it takes the information you give it and generates a sort of elevator pitch/cover letter for your business plan.

When you’ve input all the details, you’ll end up with a one-page overview of the business, including what you’re going to do, who’s involved in the project, where you are in the funding process, and what you’re looking for next.

I like this for two reasons. First, it’s kinda fun. The final product is covered in these little logos that Plan Cruncher has come up with, so you get a nice visual view of the business. Second, it makes you summarize the whole thing. You’ll be entering details in 140 character boxes and chopping your offering down into small consumable chunks. This is a great way to determine what the core parts of your business really are.

Plan Cruncher has just the one version. It’s free and you end up with a nice PDF when it’s all said and done. That being said, it is 100 percent focused on tech startups looking for cash from investors. If you roll into the bank with this thing, it better be because you’re the founder of Plan Cruncher and you brought it along to demonstrate what the service does. No banker is going to care about this.

Software doesn’t always have to be the solution. I mean, sure, you’ll need some software to make any business plan, but we’re talking about Microsoft Office style programs. These resources are excellent alternatives to software.

The Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA wants you to succeed in business and it’s got a whole host of resources to help you generate your own business plan on its website. One of the things you’ll miss out on by using software is a solid education.

By building your own plan, you’ll be forced to learn how the whole thing works, what investors are looking for, and what all the terms means. You’ll be forecasting and analyzing before you know it. The SBA has a great set of instructions on how to get up to speed before you head down to your bank.

Speaking of which…

Your bank [Wells Fargo as an example]

Many major banks have free business planning tools to help you get started. On the Wells Fargo site, for instance, you can learn about how business plans work, use some tools to bring the whole thing together, and even do some competitive analysis.

As a major benefit, you’ll be working with the company that you’re going to be asking for money, right out of the gates. If you don’t like your bank’s offering, you can always find another bank that has better tools. Most of them are available without an account.

The SCORE network

Another SBA shout out. The SCORE network hooks successful business folk up with the next crop of winners. You can reach out to knowledgeable, local, mentors who can help you craft a business plan. These people are there to help and to make business better.

That means 1) there’s not a cost associated with reaching out and 2) they’re not going to do your homework. If you show up with all your research and a good start, a mentor can help you put some finishing touches on or send you in search of more details. If you show up with nothing, expect to get nothing in return.

That’s probably a little unfair. I’m sure you can get help finding your way if you haven’t kicked things off yet. Just don’t expect to drop off your bank records and walk out with a plan that they’ve drawn up for you.

The Business Model Canvas (BMC)

We’ll end on another quirky one. The BMC was developed by Swiss business consultant Alexander Osterwalder. The BMC breaks a business into nine basic building blocks and then has you fill out all those blocks. The result is a sort of brainstorm of business planning that fits on a single page.

This is a popular framework for lean start-ups, as you can present the entirety of the plan in a single slide – with more detail than Plan Cruncher provides. If that sounds intriguing,  check out Alexander Cowan’s overview of the BMC for more details on how it actually works.

A business plan can help you understand and champion the growth of your business. Thinking through your business’s core functions and challenges can give you a better understanding of where you should be spending your time.

You’ll also be in a better position to get the funding you need, when you need it. Business planning may be the least exciting part of starting your business, but it’s one of the most important. If you’ve got any other tools or software options that you’ve used and loved, let me know in the comments.

Was this article helpful?

About the author.

Andrew Marder profile picture

Andrew Marder is a former Capterra analyst.

Related Reading

Renowned hr author shares how ai is redefining the future of work, how data analytics is changing the way accountants work, 4 risk management strategies for successful project execution, nonprofit consultant explains how leaders can reduce mission creep, how hr can help the overworked, underappreciated middle manager, how to use technology to improve the guest experience, maximize your tax refunds: 6 smart tax planning tips for small businesses, how to create a public relations strategy: enhance your brand, what is financial accounting types and examples.

Upmetrics AI Assistant: Simplifying Business Planning through AI-Powered Insights. Learn How

Upmetrics

Business Planning

  • Financial Forecasting

AI Assistance

See how upmetrics works  →, strategic planning, entrepreneurs & small business, accelerators & incubators, business consultants & advisors, educators & business schools, students & scholars.

  • Sample Plans

Business Plan Course

Small business tools.

  • Strategic Canvas Templates

E-books, Guides & More

  • WHY UPMETRICS?

Customers Success Stories

  • Business Plan Builder
  • Canvas Modeling
  • Product Tour
  • Business Consultants and Advisors
  • Entrepreneurs And Small Businesses
  • Accelerators & Incubators
  • Educators & Business Schools
  • Students & Scholars
  • Sample Business Plans
  • business plan course
  • E-Books, Guides & More
  • Success Stories

Upmetrics’ Free Business Plan Generator

Do you still spend hours writing and creating a business plan? Not after today. Upmetrics’ free business plan generator simplifies writing a business plan and helps you create a comprehensive and compelling lean plan in seconds.

Sounds exciting? Let’s learn more about getting started with our free business plan generator and using it to draft your plan.

Using Upmetrics’ Free Business Plan Generator

Need help using the free business plan generator? Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a business plan using the free generator in no time.

Creating a business plan requires filling in 4 critical fields—company overview, marketing details, competitor information, and financial overview. Let’s start with the first.

1. Enter the Company Overview

Provide a company overview in approximately 3-4 sentences, including your business’s name, service offerings, USPs, mission, goals, and target market. Here’s an example for you:

2. Add Marketing Details

The next step—provide marketing details. Start by answering how your business plans to attract new customers and what you want to achieve with your business.

You may also include details about your marketing budget and preferred marketing channels. Here’s an example for your reference:

“i.e. We will attract customers through a strong online presence, social media marketing, and in-store promotions. Offering loyalty programs and hosting community biking events will help build a loyal customer base.”

3. Enter Competitor Information

After adding the marketing details, provide the name of your primary competitor(s) and explain how you are distinct from your competitors.

Describe whether your offerings have any competitive advantages or differentiators. Here’s how it can be done:

“i.e. Our primary competitor is ‘Wheels & Gears,’ but what sets us apart is our personalized customer service and expert bike repair services. We also differentiate ourselves by focusing on eco-friendly and sustainable products.”

4. Provide Financial Overview

Finally,—provide an overview of your business financials. Include what your startup costs are, what your financial strategy would be, and your first-year sales.

We are creating a lean business plan, so it may not require a detailed description of your business financials. Here’s an example for your understanding:

“i.e. Our expected business costs are $87,000 and that includes rent, inventory, equipment, and staff salaries. Our financial strategy is to minimize overhead costs and optimize inventory turnover. We project annual sales to reach $500,000 in the first year.”

5. Click on Generate a Business Plan

You’ve filled in all the necessary fields. It’s time to click “Generate a Business Plan” and see it yourself.

Your lean business plan is ready; you may make a few changes and go ahead with it or choose an AI business plan generator for comprehensive planning.

Make detailed business & financial plans in minutes with

Upmetrics’ AI Business Plan Generator

Plans starting from $7/month

free business plan software uk

Business Plan Example that will Inspire You

We created this sample CycleWave business plan using Upmetrics’ free generator. Remember, it’s your first draft—you can always go back and re-generate or edit it later.

CycleWave Business Plan

Introduction

Welcome to the business plan for CycleWave, a bicycle retail and repair shop dedicated to providing high-quality bikes and expert maintenance services. Our mission is to promote a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle through cycling while offering exceptional customer service.

Market Overview

The cycling industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing interest in health, sustainability, and alternative transportation methods.

The target market includes cycling enthusiasts, commuters, and local community members.

Strong market potential due to growing awareness of the need for eco-friendly and sustainable products.

Competitive Analysis

Primary competitor: Wheels & Gears.

Differentiation factors

  • Personalized customer service
  • Expertise in bike repair services
  • Focus on eco-friendly and sustainable products.

Highlight the advantages of our unique offerings to attract customers away from competitors.

Marketing Plan

Utilize a solid online presence through a professional website to showcase our products, services, and promotions. Implement social media marketing strategies to engage with customers and build brand awareness.

Host community biking events to foster a sense of belonging and attract potential customers. Offer loyalty programs to incentivize repeat business and build a loyal customer base.

Operational Plan

Secure a suitable retail location with ample space for displaying bicycles and providing repair services. Employ knowledgeable staff with expertise in bike repair and customer service.

Create efficient processes for inventory management and maintenance repairs to ensure fast turnaround times. Maintain an attractive and organized store layout to enhance the customer experience.

Financial Plan

Our expected business costs are $87,000, allocated as follows:

  • Rent: $30,000
  • Inventory: $40,000
  • Equipment: $10,000
  • Staff Salaries: $7,000

We project annual sales to reach $500,000 in the first year, allowing us to gradually cover expenses and increase profitability.

Conclusion and Call to Action

In conclusion, CycleWave aims to thrive in the bicycle retail and repair industry by offering high-quality bikes, expert maintenance services, personalized customer care, and eco-friendly products. Join us in promoting a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle through cycling.

If you want to support our mission and become part of our cycling community, please contact us or visit our store today!

Upgrade to Make Comprehensive Plans in Minutes

Upmetrics’ free business plan generator is undoubtedly a better way to business plan. However, you may need an upgrade to create a comprehensive, investment-ready plan.

AI business plan generators like Upmetrics make business plan creation a breeze with their modern AI-powered features.

AI writing assistant helps you write, rewrite, edit, or translate sections of your plan, while the forecasting assistant provides revenue and expense stream suggestions for accurate projections.

You also get to access the massive library of 400+ sample business plans . So, all you need to do is export a template into the editor and start preparing your plan with AI .

What are you waiting for? Business planning starts @ $7 per month.

Build your Business Plan Faster

with step-by-step Guidance & AI Assistance.

crossline

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a free business plan generator.

The free business plan generator is a free-to-use version of Upmetrics’ business plan software. It uses AI-powered features to help users create a business plan. Since it can only create a lean business plan, you need Upmetrics’ advanced features for detailed planning.

Is it really free to use?

Yes, Upmetrics’ free business plan generator is 100% free to use, but the features that come with it are also limited. So, you may consider getting a premium subscription for advanced business planning features.

What information will I need to provide to use the tool?

You must fill in the necessary details to create a business plan using the free generator. The information required may include a company overview, marketing details, competitor information, and a financial overview.

What type of businesses should use your free business plan tool?

Startups and small businesses starting up or operating on tight budgets should consider getting a free business planning tool to create a lean business plan.

Is there a limit to how many plans I can create with your software?

No. As of now, there’s no limit to the number of business plans you can create using Upmetrics’ free business plan generator.

Is a sample plan as useful as creating my own custom version?

Using a sample business plan or template is one of the easiest ways to create your business plan. All you need to do is export a template into the editor and start preparing your plan with AI.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

crossline

Popular Templates

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser .

4 Free Business Plan Templates: Where to find them and what you get

Business Plan Templates to Download

While some people argue about whether you need a business plan to be successful, you almost certainly will need one when opening bank accounts and seeking funding. Fortunately there are some good free business plan templates and advice online. Here we will review 4 of the best covering what you get and where to find them.

1)      Gov.uk – The ‘write a business plan’ page of the UK government’s website includes advice and a selection of different business plan templates so you can select which one is best for your business.

2)      The Prince’s Trust – Although The Prince’s Trust specialise in supporting young people their business plan template is available to anyone. At 16 pages it is substantially shorter than the one from Business Link and is less formal in tone. The Prince’s Trust plan also goes into more depth on the logistics of how the company is going to work and the reasons for starting it up.

3)      Microsoft Word – Microsoft have a start-up business template which you can download. When you open it up in word it runs to 28 pages and is full of questions, advice and points to consider. Compared to The Princes Trust and Business Link plans it is a lot more text heavy and takes some reading. It is also a lot more focussed on the financials of the company than the other two plans, concentrating on accounts payable, pricing and other financial planning considerations.

4)      Your Bank – One of the main reasons people do a business plan is because their bank asks them to. If this is your motivation then it makes sense to use a template your bank will like. Our business banking partners HSBC have a business plan tool, Natwest have an online form and Barclay’s offer plenty of advice . Many of the other main UK banks also have templates or advice online. Using the bank’s own forms should mean that you tick all of the boxes and answer all of the questions they are likely to be looking at which can only help make your meeting go more smoothly.

Whichever template you choose it is important that you invest the time to get your plan right before you try to use it. Most of these plans require you to do a considerable amount of research into your target market, customers and competitors. Don’t leave it until the night before your bank meeting to get it done!

One comment on “ 4 Free Business Plan Templates: Where to find them and what you get ”

pls help me for free business plan

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

10+ years recommending software in the UK

Free Business Plan Software

Why GetApp is free

GetApp offers free software discovery and selection resources for professionals like you. Our service is free because software vendors pay us when they generate web traffic and sales leads from GetApp users. Because we’re committed to help you find the right solution for your business needs, we list all software vendors on our website, and give them the opportunity to feature their solutions and collect user reviews. At GetApp, our comprehensive software listings, verified user reviews, software evaluation scorecards, product comparison pages and articles will empower you to make confident and well-informed purchase decisions.

Here's our list of apps for Business Plan Software . Filters help you narrow down the results to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Pricing model

  • Per Feature
  • Usage Based
  • Open Source
  • Free Version

Devices supported

  • Cloud, SaaS, Web-based
  • Mac (Desktop)
  • Windows (Desktop)
  • Linux (Desktop)
  • Windows (On-Premise)
  • Linux (On-Premise)
  • Chromebook (Desktop)
  • Android (Mobile)
  • iPhone (Mobile)
  • iPad (Mobile)

Product Rating

Business size.

  • Self Employed
  • 1,001–5,000

Countries available

  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • Activity Dashboard
  • Collaboration Tools
  • Customisable Reports
  • Data Import/Export
  • Data Visualisation
  • Drag & Drop
  • Goal Setting/Tracking
  • Reporting & Statistics
  • Strategic Planning

38 Software options

Aha!

Productboard

Business Base

Business Base

ESM+Strategy

ESM+Strategy

IdeaBuddy

iPlanner.NET

Klyck

Mission Control

Lucidity

Planium Pro

Growth Forge

Growth Forge

SharpCloud Software

SharpCloud Software

Related categories.

  • Business Performance Management Software
  • Strategic Planning Software
  • Project Management Software
  • Task Management Software
  • Business Process Management Software
  • Collaboration Software
  • Idea Management Software
  • Objectives and Key Results (OKR) Software
  • Business Management Software

Options for sorting the directory

Vendors bid for placement within our listings. This option sorts the directory by those bids, highest to lowest. Vendors who bid for placement can be identified by the blue “Visit Website” button on their listing.

Highest Rated

Sorts products as a function of their overall star rating, normalized for recency and volume of reviews, from highest to lowest.

free business plan software uk

Free Business Templates and Resources

Want expert advice and business tips.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get our latest advice and free resources.

Business Plan Template

Discover the world’s #1 plan building software

free business plan software uk

Tool graphics

Unlock huge LivePlan savings!

Describe your business to unlock your offer:

New Business Idea

Startup Phase

Established Business

Enter your email address to unlock it.

Please enter a valid email address

We care about your privacy. See our Privacy Policy .

Chase Your Business Dreams With Confidence

Join over 1 million entrepreneurs who plan, fund and grow their companies.

Laptop with LivePlan

Easily think through every aspect of your business — so you’ll be twice as likely to succeed

Woman smiling and options to enhance your writing with LivePlan Assistant

Build your business plan faster and easier with AI

Say goodbye to writer’s block. Ensure your business plan is the best it can be with the AI-Powered LivePlan Assistant.

Get inspired by 550+ sample business plans

Browse hundreds of sample business plans that cover every industry imaginable. This helps you visualize what your completed plan should look like.

Collage of working people

Organize & pitch your ideas

Clarify and vet your ideas in 30 minutes by creating a One-Page Pitch. Then use it to easily explain your business opportunity to investors.

Create financials without clunky spreadsheets

No more complicated formulas. LivePlan guides you through a simple process for building financial forecasts and reports for your business plan.

Net profit forecast with headshot of man smiling

LivePlan has helped over 1 million business owners build better businesses

It’s proven, companies that plan and track against their plan grow 30% faster than those that don’t. No matter your industry, location, or size — LivePlan helps you get your business off the ground and grow

Tailored Coffee Logo

“Trying to open a new business is very time-consuming, and since I was running another business while I was trying to set up Tailored, I didn’t have a lot of time.”

Owner & Founder, Tailored Coffee

Tailored Coffee Owner & Founder, Brian Sung

“It wasn’t my intention to be an entrepreneur or a business person. My intention was to work with dogs. I kind of had to learn the rest of it in order to do what I wanted to do.”

Joanna Stanford

Founder, Trots Dogs

Trots Dogs Founder, Joanna Stanford

“That’s what it does for your business; [using LivePlan] has got us all talking and much more engaged about what we are and what we’re trying to do.”

Owner & Founder, Web Ninja

Web Ninja Owner & Founder, Bruce Carr

“Before LivePlan, I was making decisions that were poorly informed. Now I test everything through my business first, before I take it to my clients.”

Enae Jackson-Atkins

Owner & Founder, Esquire Accounting

Esquire Accounting Owner & Founder, Enae jackson-Atkins

Entrepreneurs & business owners love LivePlan

“I learned more about running my small business from a week of focused work in [LivePlan] than I have from any other single source. It has fundamentally changed the way I view my business ventures”

Capterra Review

“Using LivePlan is easy and there is so much assistance available. There are examples, templates, and videos explaining what to write. [...]. It does the math for you. It creates graphs and charts. It is amazing.”

Shawnnell B

“LivePlan was a great help to design, work out, plan and strategically organize and think about all the ideas that go into developing a new project and business plan [...] Think about it like a coach guiding you through the process.”

Shopper Approved Review

“I’ve been using LivePlan with Xero for a few months now and love it. It’s given me visibility about how we’re doing against Forecast like I’ve never had before...”

Rob Mackley

Xero App Store Review

“Before LivePlan, my team and I had no idea where or how to start [...] It helped us focus on and build every single area of our business strategy and recognize that some aspects of the company needed to be adjusted before we could launch.”

“LivePlan has eased my business planning processes and have provided me with easy access to credit from both banks and investors alike.”

“All businesses require solutions and tools [...] for control of expenses, spreadsheets were always the first option, but since the arrival of LivePlan, all work is easier and more automated.”

Trust Radius Review

“I didn’t have a business plan and using LivePlan helped give me an easy tool to build a strong business plan for myself and clients. My clients have gone on to enhance their plans and grow their businesses.”

Gabriella B

“LivePlan made us feel confident and secure in our numbers and gave us a clear view of our past, present and future!”

“LivePlan provides the balance between stating your vision, the framework to support it, and the numbers.”

Try LivePlan today

Totally risk free. 35-day money-back guarantee.

The best free small business software in 2024

Two orange people icons on a light orange background with a dotted line behind it.

Whether you find them on basic cable or on your parents' Facebook timelines, the top-rated personal finance gurus all agree: free is good. Especially if you're launching a new business venture. To get your company off the ground, you'll need to make every inch of your runway count, which is why free business software can be an attractive—even necessary—option.

It's fair to be worried about quality. Free apps for business often mean undeletable watermarks that ruin your branding or unreliable functionality that can toss a wrench into your workflows at any moment. But if you know which apps to use and how to use them, free doesn't have to mean cut-rate. 

In fact, the right free small business app can give you the power to pull off a successful launch, and then scale up as your margins allow you to grow. Or, when the time's right, you can simply jump ship to another platform that makes more sense for your expanding business needs. 

To do that, you'll first need a solid start that won't bust your bottom line. Here's a roundup of the best free small business software. Since every business has different needs, I'll introduce you to categories of apps you should consider when putting together your small business tech stack, suggest apps along the way, and link you to more top apps within that category.

The best free software for small businesses

Free email marketing services

Free website builders

Free project management software

Free survey tools and form builders

Free graphic design software

Free keyword research tools

Free timesheet software

Free invoicing software

How we evaluate and test apps

Our best apps roundups are written by humans who've spent much of their careers using, testing, and writing about software. Unless explicitly stated, we spend dozens of hours researching and testing apps, using each app as it's intended to be used and evaluating it against the criteria we set for the category. We're never paid for placement in our articles from any app or for links to any site—we value the trust readers put in us to offer authentic evaluations of the categories and apps we review. For more details on our process, read the full rundown of how we select apps to feature on the Zapier blog .

The best free software for small businesses at a glance 

Free crm software like engagebay.

EngageBay, our pick for the best free lead generation software.

Any successful business is going to need to nurture its client relationships . Some of those relationships, if you haven't noticed, can be high-maintenance. You have to update prospects, coordinate your outreach, manage sales, provide customer support—the list goes on. To help you keep all those workflows humming, you need a CRM .

Don't be fooled into thinking that the high demands of customer relationship management mean high costs, though. EngageBay , for example, gives you the power to manage up to 250 contacts at no cost. Its free tier also includes a ton of useful features like a visual sales pipeline, a full marketing suite, a customer service suite, and live chat.

You can even use Zapier to connect EngageBay with your other apps to automate your business-critical workflows. Learn more about how to automate EngageBay , or get started with one of these workflows.

Add new EngageBay Marketing contacts to Google Sheets as rows

EngageBay Marketing logo

Add new EngageBay contacts from Typeform form

Typeform logo

To get started with a Zap template—what we call our pre-made workflows—just click on the button. It only takes a few minutes to set up. You can read more about setting up Zaps here .

For more options, check out this list of the best free CRM software .

Once you've picked your free CRM software, use CRM automation to effortlessly manage leads and contacts, streamline your marketing campaigns, and support internal communications.

Free email marketing services like MailerLite

MailerLite, our pick for the best free email marketing services.

You won't have many customers to manage if you can't get your message across to your prospects. No need for billboards or skywriting—or even a fancy pay-per-click marketing platform . Instead, you can start with a free email service like MailerLite . Its free options include pre-designed content blocks that deliver dynamic, text- and image-rich content to your leads' inboxes. You can even include product details, embedded videos, blog posts, and RSS feeds—all for free.

MailerLite also integrates with Zapier, making it easy to automate your email workflows. Learn more about how to automate MailerLite , or kickstart your workflow with one of these Zap templates. 

Create/update MailerLite subscribers from new Squarespace form submissions

Squarespace logo

Create or update MailerLite subscribers from new Webflow form submissions

Webflow logo

Beyond MailerLite, here are Zapier's other picks for the best free email marketing apps . 

No matter which app you choose, automating your email marketing helps ensure the right message is always getting to the right person at the right time, taking care of the important but repetitive work of managing subscriptions, segmenting subscribers, personalizing messages, and re-engaging cold leads. 

Free website builders like Wix

Wix, our pick for the best free website builder.

Once you've attracted attention with your dazzling email marketing, you'll need a place to send all that traffic. You can try to cut corners with that friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend who builds websites on the side until their pro League of Legends career takes off. Or you can opt for a more reliable, still affordable option by going with a website building platform. 

These apps, even in their free tiers, are customizable and easy to use—no coding required—allowing you to build a dynamic web presence that won't get buried in search engine results.

Take Wix as an example. It has an intuitive, drag-and-drop interface that allows you to build a site using one of over 300 template designs that best match your business. Include a blog, live chat, forms, or even an online store. You'll also get predictive text when building your pages, as well as marketing integrations, SEO ranking assistance, and more—all for free.   

Learn more about how to automate Wix with Zapier , or get started with one of these pre-made workflows.

Add or update Mailchimp subscribers when a new Wix Form is submitted

Wix logo

Send private channel messages in Slack for new forms in Wix

Slack logo

And to explore your options, here are more of the best free website builders .

Free project management software like Trello

free business plan software uk

When looking at free software for small businesses, you need to think about your internal operations, too. For all your core processes, it's about organized projects that are planned and executed with maximum efficiency. 

To help pull that off, you can use a project management tool. Once again, free is a price point that provides you with more functionality than you might expect. An app like Trello offers a free tier that gives you up to ten Kanban boards per workspace, countless template options, and unlimited users, so you can keep using it even as your team grows.

Connect Trello to Zapier to streamline your project management workflows even more. Learn more about how to automate Trello , or use one of these workflows to get started. 

Create Trello cards from new Google Forms responses

Google Forms logo

Create Trello cards from new rows on Google Sheets

If Trello isn't right for you, check out Zapier's picks for the best free project management software .

Free survey tools and form builders like Google Forms

Google Forms, our pick for the best free survey tools and form builders.

To make your business more relevant to current and prospective customers, you need to know what they want in the first place—or, at the very least, who they are. Once you have a budget, you can invest in complex market research surveys and customer feedback software. Until then, free survey tools and form builders will get the job done. These powerful platforms can help you register subscribers, segment audiences, collect lead data, and much more—again, for free.

Google Forms is unique in that it's all free. If you have a Google account, you can use all its features , including unlimited forms, questions, and submissions—not to mention collaboration options, customizable templates, and visualized data in the form of lists, charts, and graphs. 

Learn more about how to automate Google Forms with Zapier . These pre-made workflows are also a good place to start. 

Send new Google Forms responses to Notion databases

Notion logo

Share Google Forms responses in a Slack channel

And here are your other options for the best survey tools and form builders .

Once you've picked your app, gathering form responses is one thing—doing something about it is another. Follow up with respondents faster , add customers to your CRM, and track user feedback with automation. 

Free graphic design and photo editing software like Canva

Canva, our pick for the best free graphic design and photo editing software.

You're likely already thinking about (or using) social media as a way to keep in touch and nurture customer relationships. More than just collecting likes and hearts, the right social media presence can boost customer engagement and drive traffic to your door. 

That kind of dynamic profile doesn't just happen, though. It takes creative vision and savvy planning. One thing it doesn't have to take: money. As you're getting started, take inspiration from others who've been able to make the most of social media without a budget .    

The main thing that can drain your budget is visuals. But there are plenty of apps that help you get brand-aligned graphics for free. Canva , for example, is a powerful design tool that gives you the power to create brand visuals for free . Craft logos, website banners, profile pics, and headers to create a consistent and eye-catching brand identity. It also offers a limited selection of high-quality free stock photos. If those aren't cutting it, though, consider taking advantage of free stock photo sites . 

If Canva doesn't fit the bill, here's Zapier's list of the best free graphic design software . Or, if you have original images that you want to tweak and share instead, check out this list of the best free photo editors .

Then, equipped with a library of beautifully designed graphics, use automation to share your content across social media , keep your followers in the loop, and track your profile performance.  

Free keyword research tools like Moz Keyword Explorer

Moz Keyword Explorer, our pick for the best free keyword research tool.

Another way to make sure your business is doing all it can to attract leads is keyword research. Finding out exactly how your prospects are searching for you (or your competitors) will help you make the most of your search engine ranking and keep you off that dreaded second page of results.

There are a number of free keyword research tools that can take that work off your plate. Moz Keyword Explorer is one, providing you with easy-to-grasp metrics that will help you fine-tune your web presence for maximum exposure. Generate a priority score that lets you know whether or not a keyword is worth including in your content. You'll also get a keyword gap feature that shows you all the keywords your competitors rank for that you don't.

For more options, check out the best free keyword research tools . 

F ree timesheet software like Toggl Track

Toggl Track, our pick for the best free timesheet software.

If you're employing others, timesheet apps are an indispensable tool for equitable resource allocation, transparent invoicing, budgeting, and oversight. To track time effectively, however, you need user-friendly software that integrates into your workflows. 

Take Toggl Track . For the free plan, you get quite a few premium perks that other free plans tend to exclude, like a Pomodoro timer , idle time detection, automated time tracking triggers, team access level management, and exportable reports. Users can also track their time on the go from a browser, desktop, mobile app, or within over 100 third-party applications via browser extensions—or just by typing it into the timesheet or timer module manually, the way our ancestors did. Toggl doesn't give it all away, though. You'll have to pay if you want to change billable rates, save reports, use pre-populated project templates, and—notably—divide projects into tasks.

Connect Toggl Track with Zapier to streamline your timesheet workflows even more. Here are a few Zap templates to get you started. 

Create new Toggl Track entries for every new Google Calendar event start

Google Calendar logo

Create new Toggl Track projects from new rows in Google Sheets

And if you're looking for more options, here are Zapier's picks for the best free timesheet software .

Free invoicing software like Wave

Wave, our pick for the best free invoicing software.

At the end of the day, you need to get paid for the goods and services you provide—hence the whole "business" aspect of launching a business. You can bring that money in the door faster, and with less effort, by using invoicing software.

Wave , for instance, saves you from manual accounting chores by tracking your expenses, relaying invoices, generating reports, and even reconciling accounts. Its free tier also handles payroll and tax filing, giving you all the benefits of an in-house accountant without any of the costs (and you also won't need to feed them at the holiday office party). 

Plus, you can connect Wave to Zapier , so you can automate even more of your invoicing workflows. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Create Wave customers from new Pipedrive deals

Pipedrive logo

Create Wave customers from new changes to properties of HubSpot contacts

HubSpot logo

If you decide Wave isn't a good fit, here are your other choices for the best free invoicing software .

Once you've made your pick, you can make your free invoicing app even more dynamic by automating your payment processes . Manage contacts, log invoices, and stay on top of paydays effortlessly simply by activating a few well-placed integrations.

Connect your free small business apps with automation

The best free apps for small business owners can be a boost on their own. But to really move the needle, your apps need to talk to each other.

By connecting your software and automating your workflows, you'll have smoother operations early on and more opportunities for growth. And as your business grows, you'll be able to make more of an investment in automation to reap an even higher ROI. 

For now, though, it's free to get started with Zapier .

Zapier is a no-code automation tool that lets you connect your apps into automated workflows, so that every person and every business can move forward at growth speed. Learn more about how it works .

Related reading:

When is it time to start paying for software?

How to start a business with no money: 22 low-cost business ideas

Free business plan template—and how to write your own

Free small business budget templates

This article was originally published in February 2023. The most recent update, with contributions from Jessica Lau, was in February 2024.

Get productivity tips delivered straight to your inbox

We’ll email you 1-3 times per week—and never share your information.

Toby Peterson picture

Toby Peterson

Toby Peterson is an educator, writer, and editor living in Portland, Oregon. He enjoys unironically British food and the Oxford comma. Visit him at tobiaspeterson.com.

  • Small business
  • Google Forms

Related articles

Hero image with the logos of the best AI image generator tools

The best AI image generators in 2024

Hero image with logos of the best competitor analysis tools

The 9 best competitor analysis tools in 2024

Hero image with the logos of the best AI photo editors

The best AI photo editors in 2024

Hero image with the logos of ActiveCampaign and tinyEmail

ActiveCampaign vs. tinyEmail: Which email marketing tool is best? [2024]

ActiveCampaign vs. tinyEmail: Which email...

Improve your productivity automatically. Use Zapier to get your apps working together.

A Zap with the trigger 'When I get a new lead from Facebook,' and the action 'Notify my team in Slack'

15 years helping British businesses choose better software

  • Software Categories
  • Are you a vendor?

Why Capterra is free

Business plan software.

Business Plan software helps entrepreneurs, startups, and business developers write detailed business plans. Business Plan software includes financial budgeting and investor tools to help you secure investment capital or business loans. Often you can create reports, graphs, and other visuals to illustrate your business' current and forecasted growth. Business Plan software is related to Business Management software and Business Performance Management software. Read more Read less

  • Highest Rated

Sorting details

Related categories.

  • Budgeting Software
  • Business Management Software
  • Business Performance Management Software
  • Dashboard Software
  • Financial Reporting Software
  • Objectives and Key Results (OKR) Software
  • Project Management Software
  • Project Planning Software
  • Strategic Planning Software

105 results

LivePlan

  • Step-by-Step Wizard
  • Business Plan Templates
  • Financial Templates
  • Pitch Presentation
  • Financial Modeling
  • Investor Management
  • Budgeting/Forecasting
  • Goal Setting/Tracking
  • Financial Reporting

Aha!

Productboard

STRATWs ONE

STRATWs ONE

Business Base

Business Base

ClearPoint Strategy

ClearPoint Strategy

ESM+Strategy

ESM+Strategy

IdeaBuddy

Businessorter

Rhythm

  • Sponsored Vendors bid for placement within our listings. This option sorts the directory by those bids, highest to lowest. Vendors who bid for placement can be identified by the orange “Visit Website” button on their listing.
  • Highest Rated Sorts products as a function of their overall star rating, normalised for recency and volume of reviews, from highest to lowest.

Select your country:

Capterra is free for users because vendors pay us when they receive web traffic and sales opportunities. Capterra directories list all vendors—not just those that pay us—so that you can make the best-informed purchase decision possible.

free business plan software uk

  • Credit cards
  • View all credit cards
  • Banking guide
  • Loans guide
  • Insurance guide
  • Personal finance
  • View all personal finance
  • Small business
  • View all small business
  • View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

5 Best Business Plan Software in 2022

Sally Lauckner

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

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.

on Nerdwallet's secure site

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.

On a similar note...

Best free accounting software for UK small businesses 2024

free business plan software uk

Our Research

Written and reviewed by:.

Our independent reviews are funded in part by affiliate commissions, at no extra cost to our readers.

Our expert researchers found that the best free accounting software in 2024 is Zoho Books . For zero charge, you're able to access professional features including automated workflows, customised invoices, and the ability to make your own customised VAT returns at the end of each tax year.

As April 2024 approaches, so does the turn of the tax year . This juncture is about making strategic choices for the financial health of your business – which means that now is the opportune moment to set up, or evaluate, your accounting software.

With the current cost of living crisis driving an increase in overhead costs for small businesses, opting for free accounting software is sometimes a smart way to save. In the event that your small business is ready to move on to more powerful software however, you might want to check out our best accounting software picks overall.

While Zoho Books is our favourite , we've also picked 5 other free accounting software platforms to help you find the right solution for your small business.

  • QuickBooks – best overall & 90% off for 6 months
  • Zoho Books   – best free accounting software
  • Quickfile – great range of features
  • FreeAgent – award-winning accounting software
  • Wave Accounting – powerful cloud-based software
  • GnuCash – open-source, desktop-based accounting software
  • VT Cashbook – simple accounting software

In this article, we will cover:

What is accounting software.

  • 1. Zoho Books
  • 2. Quickfile

3. FreeAgent

4. wave accounting, 6. vt cashbook, best accounting software with a free trial, how does accounting software work, what types of businesses should use free accounting software, buying guide: how to choose the right free accounting software.

  • How we test accounting software

Final thoughts

Accounting software is a computer-run program or application designed to manage and streamline financial processes within a business, and used to track financial transactions and generate financial statements, among other accounting-related tasks.

The software can automate many tasks that were originally manual and time-consuming, such as recording sales and purchases, managing accounts payable and receivable, payroll processing, inventory management, budgeting, and generating financial reports.

With accounting software, you should be able to maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, improve efficiency, reduce errors, and obtain valuable insights into the financial health of your business.

1. 🥇 Best free accounting software – Zoho Books

Zoho Books accounting software for small businesses

Zoho Books' cash flow dashboard

  • Compliant with Making Tax Digital for VAT
  • Powerful features (though the best ones are paid for)
  • Cloud-based, works on web browser, mobile and tablet
  • Colourful, intuitive interface
  • Limited to 1,000 invoices per year
  • Lacks key features
  • Only free for businesses with annual turnover under £35k

What is Zoho Books?

Zoho made its name with its CRM systems (check out our Zoho CRM review to learn more) but it has offered accounting software since 2011. Zoho Books’ free plan is the best overall choice for free accounting software, though things improve further if you pay out for a premium tier.

It combines a simple and intuitive interface with powerful features that means, even on the free tier, Zoho Books effortlessly handles all the basics.

In short, it’s a great choice for businesses just starting out.

What can Zoho Books do?

On the free tier, Zoho Books offers all this:

  • Create, customise and send invoices (up to 1,000 per year)
  • MTD VAT filing
  • Automated payment reminders
  • Expenses & mileage tracking
  • Create business reports
  • Run an audit trail
  • Produce recurring invoices
  • Integrate with other Zoho apps and other apps like GSuite, Office 365 and Dropbox
  • Email support

What support does Zoho Books offer?

On the Free plan, Zoho gives support via email, while its paid plans add assistance via email, phone, and live chat.

QuickFile on the other hand, which we'll be reviewing next, primarily offers customer support through email and a community forum. Zoho Books provides a wider range of support options, including live chat and phone support, while QuickFile primarily relies on the forums to provide you with any help you need.

Why is Zoho Books free?

Zoho offers a free plan, but of course, there are drawbacks. For one, it’s limited to 1,000 invoices per year, and lacks a number of features that can make a huge difference to the level of debt in which accounting software can help your small business.

You'll also be automatically upgraded to a paid plan if your annual turnover exceeds £35,000.

We’ve taken a closer look at how Zoho’s free plan matches up to its £12 per month (+VAT) Standard plan below.

Zoho Books Free vs Standard

While Zoho’s free plan is very useful for businesses just starting out, there are some big reasons you should consider signing up for the Standard plan.

Most notably, the Standard plan lets you  create up to 5,000 invoices per year , as opposed to just 1,000 for the Free plan. This means that Zoho Free won’t be suitable for businesses with high transaction volumes, and SMEs with serious growth plans should go for a paid plan.

Another key point is that Zoho Standard comes with  bank feed integration – meaning once you’ve linked your business bank account, any transactions you make will automatically appear in Zoho Books. This is opposed to Zoho Free, where you have to download and import bank transactions manually: an annoying and time-consuming task when you’re busy running your business.

On a paid tier, you’ll also be able to create recurring expenses, add up to three users, track project expenses, use a larger number of payment gateways, integrate with other services including Uber and Zendesk, and get support via voice and chat.

So, while the Free plan definitely has its plus points, the extra features and higher limits of Zoho Standard make it a very persuasive option for UK small businesses.

If your business has more complex needs or requires higher limits, Zoho also offers the Professional (£24 per month +VAT) and Premium (£30 per month +VAT) plans.

You can see how all four Zoho Books plans stack up below:

Zoho Books Verdict

With loads of powerful features and a great interface, Zoho Books Free is the perfect free accounting software for businesses just starting out. The integrations with Zoho’s other leading business apps are the icing on the cake, but SMEs who are serious about growth should consider going for a paid Zoho plan.

2. QuickFile

Quickfile dashboard (best free accounting software)

Quickfile's dashboard for invoicing, banking and important notes

  • Great range of features
  • Responsive support community
  • Fee applies for larger accounts
  • Free version is supported by ads
  • Fairly basic visuals

What is QuickFile?

Founded in 2010, QuickFile is accounting software that’s specifically aimed at freelancers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. It’s a simple and intuitive cloud-based solution that helps any small business owner with little accounting knowledge to easily keep track of their finances.

It’s also got great reviews on Trustpilot, amassing an average score of 4.7 out of 5 from over 1,100 reviews, with reviewers praising its ease of use and range of features.

What can QuickFile do?

QuickFile boasts an enviable range of features, including:

  • Integration with over 50 automated bank feeds
  • Easily manage invoices through a branded portal, which your clients can use to view and pay invoices through a range of online payment providers like PayPal and Stripe
  • Track and file VAT returns – QuickFile is fully compatible with Making Tax Digital
  • Generate a range of reports that give insight into your business
  • Full multi-currency support
  • Tools to create estimates, purchase orders, and delivery notes
  • A mobile app that allows you to create invoices/estimates and snap expenses receipts on the go
  • A seamless ‘click to print’ service if you need to post hard copies of your invoices, estimates, or statements

QuickFile offers a good range of accounting features, however, compared to other software there are differences in the depth and extent when it comes to certain features, so it all depends on what you need.

FreeAgent, for example, includes features specifically designed for freelancers, such as time tracking, project management, and self-assessment tax return filing.

QuickFile focuses on core accounting functionalities – but does also offer additional features like automated bank feeds and additional file storage for a small extra fee if you were looking to enhance your experience.

What support does QuickFile offer?

While there is no phone support available, QuickFile has a very active online community forum, and promises to answer most questions posted there within a few hours. You can also email their support team directly, but you’re likely to get a quicker response by posting a question in the forum.

Why is QuickFile free?

QuickFile is only free for accounts of a certain size. This is slightly technical, but you’re limited to 1,000 ledger entries (this includes all invoices, purchases and bank transactions). Once you go over this limit, you pay a set fee of £45+VAT per year (approximately £54 in total at current rates).  Moreover, this fee grants you access to some advanced features, such as enhanced bulk invoice entry and VAT bridging tools.

The free version is also supported by ads.

This pricing structure makes it perfect for startups – who can upgrade as their business grows – and means that you can easily try QuickFile for free to see if it’s the right fit for your business.

QuickFile Verdict

QuickFile is the ideal free solution for very small businesses that can stay under the ledger entry limit. Its highly competitive pricing and great range of features means it should also be strongly considered by larger businesses, too.

FreeAgent screengrab (best free accounting software)

FreeAgent's cash flow dashboard

  • Powerful cloud-based accounting software with a huge range of features
  • Free for Natwest/Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) business banking customers
  • Dedicated phone and email assistance from UK-based support accountants
  • Your bank will have access to your detailed financial data

What is FreeAgent?

Set up in 2007, FreeAgent is now used by over 90,000 small businesses across the UK, who use it to keep track of their finances, expenses, invoices, estimates, and more. It boasts some great advanced features, like automatically generated VAT returns, corporation tax forecasts, and self-assessment tools that automatically fill in up to 90% of the self employment tax return form.

It has also won awards (it was named the Small Business Accounting Software of the Year at the 2018 Accounting Excellence Awards, for example), and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 (from nearly 1,000 reviews) on Trustpilot.

What can FreeAgent do?

FreeAgent’s huge range of features includes:

  • Tools to create and send professional estimates and invoices
  • Time tracking tools so you can easily create smart timesheets
  • Powerful HMRC integration that makes doing your tax return a doddle
  • Automatic creation of VAT returns
  • Corporation tax forecasting
  • A dashboard that lets you easily monitor your cash flow
  • Automatic importation of bank transactions
  • A projects view that clearly shows the income, time, and expenses associated with each project, and whether it’s making a profit or loss
  • A fully featured mobile app that allows you to snap receipts, create invoices, track time, manage payments, and see your accounts on the go

What support does FreeAgent offer?

FreeAgent offers excellent customer service, with help available from UK-based support accountants via phone and email during business hours (9am-5pm Monday to Friday). The website also has lots of resources that explain things like expenses, invoices, and VAT filing.

Why is FreeAgent free?

FreeAgent is only free for RBS/Natwest business banking customers .

For everyone else, the standard pricing is as follows:

  • Sole trader – £19+VAT per month – includes self-assessment filing tool
  • Partnership/LLP – £24+VAT per month – includes profit share calculation tool
  • Limited company – £29+VAT per month – includes self-assessment filing, dividend vouchers, and corporation tax forecasting tools

All plans have a 30-day free trial.

If you are an RBS/Natwest business banking customer, then you can get FreeAgent for free. However, remember that you are giving up something valuable in exchange – your financial data. Quite what your bank intends to do with this is not yet clear, but make sure you consider how this might affect you before signing up, and discuss this decision with your accountant if you have one.

This is one big prerequisite that the other software such as Zoho Books, Wave Accounting and GnuCash for example do not have – instead, anyone can sign up for their software instantly without any similar barriers to entry.

FreeAgent Verdict

As a product, FreeAgent is a great solution for small businesses – it’s got loads of powerful features, and responsive customer support if you get stuck. Getting all this for free as an RBS/Natwest business banking customer is very tempting, but make sure you consider the potential consequences of giving up access to your detailed financial data in return.

Wave (best free accounting software)

Wave's accounting features including dashboard and invoices

  • Powerful accounting software that's completely free
  • Handy mobile app
  • Not compatible with Making Tax Digital - you will need to use bridging software to submit VAT returns to HMRC
  • US/Canada focus limits UK functionality
  • No MTD support

What is Wave Accounting?

Founded in 2010 in Toronto, Canada, Wave Accounting is powerful, free, cloud-based accounting software that has a great UI and a slick marine design scheme. It makes its money by selling payroll and payments services (alongside display ads), which means its free accounting software is pretty much unlimited in terms of account size etc. All this means Wave Accounting is beloved by US startups, but its US/Canada focus means it’s not an ideal fit for UK small businesses – and some may find it a non-starter for this reason.

What can Wave Accounting do?

Wave Accounting has a great range of features which include:

  • Tools to create and send professional invoices, even on the go
  • Unlimited income and expense tracking
  • Keep digital copies of your receipts via an iPhone/Android mobile app
  • Create and export a range of accounting reports
  • Multi-currency support with automatic exchange rate calculations
  • A smart dashboard that organises income, expenses, payments, and invoices
  • As well as receipt snapping and invoice creation, the mobile app allows you to easily keep track of your accounts on the move

Wave Accounting is cloud-based and operates online, requiring an internet connection for access. It offers the convenience of accessing your accounting data from anywhere, but it relies on an internet connection to function, whereas GnuCash is a desktop-based accounting software that needs to be installed on a computer and can then work offline.

What support does Wave Accounting offer?

Wave offers expert help via its community forum, and you can also ask for technical support via a help function built into the platform. There is no phone support available, however.

Why is Wave Accounting free?

As mentioned above, Wave Accounting makes its money by displaying ads, and most importantly, by selling payments and payroll services. These services are targeted at US/Canadian customers, with the payroll service being exclusive to those customers. This focus means that, for UK small businesses, Wave Accounting has some significant deficiencies.

Most notably, Wave Accounting does not support the new Making Tax Digital (MTD) protocol for VAT, and so it will be of only limited use to businesses that need to register for VAT and file VAT tax returns digitally. Unlike some of the other providers discussed here, it also does not support the automatic importation of bank transactions via open banking, making keeping track of your financial activity a more time-consuming process.

Wave Accounting Verdict

Wave Accounting boasts a great range of features, has a stylish look, and there are virtually no usage limits. However, the US/Canadian focus means it won’t suit the needs of all UK small businesses.

GnuCash homepage (best free accounting software)

GnuCash's accounts dashboard

  • Completely free
  • Open-source desktop accounting software
  • Basic features
  • Only works on Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs

What is GnuCash?

GnuCash began life in 2001, and is a desktop open-source accounting software. If you’re confused by any of that; desktop means you need to actually download and install it, while open-source means that anyone can download and edit the actual code that makes up the program, in order to add extra functionality and fix errors.

This means it’s completely free forever, but it won’t win any awards for its UI, and it’s not particularly tailored to the needs of small businesses (there’s no open banking integration or mobile app, for example). There’s also a bit of a learning curve, and doing your accounts is a more manual and fiddly process than with some of the other software discussed in this piece.

VT Cashbook, with its simplified interface and streamlined features, is specifically designed for small businesses, self-employed individuals, and startups who are looking for an easy-to-use accounting solution without the need for the more advanced functionalities GnuCash offers.

What can GnuCash do?

GnuCash offers a basic range of accounting features. This includes:

  • A checkbook-style interface that allows you to record transactions via double entry accounting
  • Support for recurring transactions
  • Generated reports that show balance sheets, profit and loss etc.
  • Customer and vendor tracking tools
  • Multiple currency support
  • Compatible with QIF files used by some other accounting software

What support does GnuCash offer?

GnuCash supports its users through its forums (called Mailing Lists), and an extensive manual and FAQ. There’s also a part of the GnuCash wiki called Using GnuCash, which gives solutions to common issues encountered by real-world GnuCash users. This probably goes without saying, but there’s no phone or email support for GnuCash.

Why is GnuCash free?

Essentially, GnuCash is made on an entirely voluntary basis, so no one who makes it gets paid at all. The product is then provided free of charge to anyone who wants to use it, and keeps being updated by a dedicated army of volunteer developers. In other words, GnuCash is free because it’s not trying to make money at all – it just wants to help people who can’t afford professional accounting software. If you want to help them out, then you can donate via the GnuCash website, or even volunteer to test new updates.

GnuCash Verdict

Comparing GnuCash to some of the other providers on this list feels like weighing up the relative benefits of apples and oranges. They have different objectives, business models, and hugely different functionality. However, if you don’t mind the dated visuals and sometimes fiddly interface, then GnuCash is a great option for no-frills accounting software. It’s also not reliant on an internet connection, so ideal if you often work in remote areas with patchy internet coverage.

VT Cashbook (best free accounting software)

VT Cashbook's accounts dashboard

  • Basic desktop accounting software
  • Easy to use
  • Paid upgrade required for MTD VAT returns
  • Only works on Windows PCs

What is VT Cashbook?

VT Cashbook was released in 2019, but it’s from a company with a strong track record in accounting software. VT Software was founded in 1997, and its professional products (VT Accounts and VT Transaction+) are beloved by accountants, especially small firms that work with small businesses. Cashbook is the starter product – straightforward, easy-to-use desktop accounting software that’s perfect for anyone looking for a simple way to keep track of their accounts.

What can VT Cashbook do?

VT Cashbook offers the following:

  • Fast data entry with autocomplete
  • Keep track of multiple bank/cash accounts
  • Bank reconciliations (check your accounts against your bank statements)
  • Produce VAT returns (with paid upgrade)
  • Easily correct mistakes
  • Produce profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, and ledger reports

What support does VT Cashbook offer?

VT Software doesn’t offer any dedicated support for its free Cashbook program, with the only assistance given is a user guide, available on its website. For the Transaction+ and Accounts programs, support is available by both phone and email, with the requirement that the user is either a current subscriber or purchased the software in the last 12 months.

This may not be a huge problem for most business owners however as VT Cashbook was designed with user experience in mind. GnuCash for example has a comprehensive interface that may have a steeper learning curve for users who are not familiar with accounting principles. It offers a more technical interface with a focus on customization and advanced functionality. VT Cashbook, on the other hand, provides a simpler and more user-friendly interface, making it easier for individuals with limited accounting knowledge to navigate and use the software.

Why is VT Cashbook free?

As with some of the other software on this list, VT Cashbook is free software with basic functionality that is designed to encourage business owners to upgrade to a more advanced paid version.

In this case, VT Software offers two paid options.

The cheaper option is VT Transaction+, which costs £75+VAT a year for a single user. This allows users to create and file Making Tax Digital VAT returns, as well as maintain customer and supplier ledgers.

The full VT Accounts suite costs £150+VAT per year, and allows users to easily create professional reports for their companies, as well as quickly calculate corporation tax. It also works as a Microsoft Excel plugin, making it attractive for any Excel users that don’t want to learn the nuances of a new program.

All VT products come with a 60-day free trial.

VT Cashbook Verdict

There’s a reason professional accountants love VT Software products – they’re simple, they’re easy to use, and you’re not reliant on an internet connection. VT Cashbook is a great way to get started with maintaining company accounts, especially if you don’t want or need the bells, whistles and added complexity associated with some of the cloud-based accounting software services on this list. It also has no usage limits, so you won’t have to pay anything until you need to file VAT returns.

While completely free-for-life software can seem appealing, their heavy functional limitations mean they ultimately won't be a good long-term solution for your business.

All free accounting software comes with caveats and drawbacks, which is why it might be worth the extra few pounds to find the perfect accounting software for your firm.

That's why as well as free software, we'll also be looking at paid accounting systems (the best self-employed accounting software as well) and the top contenders in both categories, so you can be certain about which you want to download.

Here are three of the most popular paid accountancy software programs on the market:

Quickbooks online (best free accounting software)

QuickBooks comes from another company with a long history in accounting software – Intuit software was founded in 1983, and has grown from its US origins to satisfy users all over the world. QuickBooks is cloud-based accounting software that has been specifically designed for UK small businesses, and our researchers tested it as the best accounting software overall (however, FreshBooks is never too far behind – check out our QuickBooks vs FreshBooks review for more information).

It ticks all the standard boxes – track income and expenses, produce and submit Making Tax Digital VAT returns, create and send invoices, and connect multiple bank accounts – but also has great features like a cash flow planner, and built-in integration for Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) deductions. All plans also come with reporting capabilities and 24/7 customer support.

When it comes to QuickBooks' prices , there are three small business plans:

At the time of writing, QuickBooks is offering these plans for 90% off for 6 months . All plans have a 60-day free trial, so you can try it for yourself with no obligation.

Take a look at our full QuickBooks review to find out more about it.

According to  a report by ClearBooks , the size of the online accounting software market was estimated to be around 200,000 paying users in the UK.

FreshBooks started in 2004, and has been cloud-based since the beginning. From its Toronto home, it has gradually spread worldwide, and has a tailored offering for the UK. All FreshBooks plans include unlimited customised invoices , unlimited expense entries, a tool that helps you create and send Making Tax Digital VAT returns, the ability to accept credit card payments online, open banking integration, unlimited time tracking , unlimited estimates, and specialised tax time reports.

There are two FreshBooks plans designed for small businesses, as well as a Lite plan for sole traders:

The Plus plan costs £19+VAT per month and offers all the features discussed above, plus automated recurring invoices, scheduled late fees, automated late payment reminders, and the ability to create client retainers.

There’s also a handy feature called ‘Proposals', which helps creative professionals to produce company documents that explain their services or clearly explain their creative plans and associated fees.

This plan is limited to 50 billable clients, but FreshBooks makes clear that this limit applies to active and archived clients, and that old clients can be deleted to make space. You will also still see the info for deleted clients, and deleted clients can be undeleted later.

If you have more than 50 clients, then you’ll need the Premium plan. This costs £30+VAT per month, and supports up to 500 billable clients.

If you have more than 500 billable clients, then you’ll need to contact FreshBooks directly for a custom solution, with a personal account manager and customised training.

On both the plans discussed in detail above, extra users can be added for £7+VAT per person per month, while advanced payments (so you can process cards in person or over the phone) can be added for £15+VAT per month.

At the time of writing, FreshBooks is offering 50% off these plans for the first three months , and all plans have a 30-day free trial so you can try FreshBooks for yourself.

Check out our full review of FreshBooks' costs .

Sage Business Cloud Accounting

Sage Business Cloud Accounting (best free accounting software)

Sage is a UK company that has been producing accounting software for the best part of four decades. Founded in 1981, its latest offering – Sage Business Cloud Accounting – is a cloud-based accounting solution that’s perfect for businesses large, small, and anywhere in between.

Alongside everything you’d expect from cloud-based accounting software in 2024 – including open banking integration, invoice creation, and Making Tax Digital VAT returns – Sage Business Cloud Accounting includes award-winning customer service. This is available 24/7 via phone and live chat, and vital for all those small business owners whose working hours frequently stretch beyond the standard 9 to 5 (and that’s most of you, in our experience).

The price depends on which Sage Business Cloud Accounting package you select:

Sage is also offering 3 months free on all its Business Cloud Accounting packages, as well as a 30-day free trial so you can see if it’s right for your business.

You can check out our full Sage Business review to find out more about it.

Accounting software is user-friendly, as most offer intuitive interfaces that are easy to navigate, which makes it accessible to beginners or more experienced users alike.

It simplifies financial tasks, improves reporting accuracy, facilitates integration with other systems, and enables businesses to efficiently manage their finances so they can make better-informed decisions.

Many software providers offer customer support and training resources to assist users in getting the most out of their accounting software.

You can also rest assured that while managing all these large financial processes, accounting software also offers features like user access controls, data encryption, and regular backups to safeguard sensitive financial data.

Accounting software is suitable for a wide range of businesses, regardless of their size or industry – for example, businesses involved in retail, e-commerce, professional services, consulting, hospitality, construction, and many other sectors. It can definitely be utilised by small startups, freelancers, sole proprietors and mid-sized companies as well as larger enterprises.

The software's features are flexible, allowing it to adapt to various business models and structures. It can handle different types of transactions, such as sales, purchases, expenses, payroll, and inventory management.

Accounting software provides benefits to businesses with different levels of financial expertise. The software's easy and customisable features make it accessible to users with varying levels of accounting knowledge and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of many different industries.

Here are some key things you should consider when comparing providers:

  • Check with your accountant (if you have one): If you do already work with an accountant, then it may be useful to get their input on what software is likely to work best for your business, and which works best with their systems.
  • Choose your compromise: Every piece of free accounting software discussed in this article has benefits and drawbacks. To work out which one is right for you, you need to decide which of the bad points you can live with. Do you want a basic solution that has no usage limits? A slick cloud-based service that you’ll have to pay for once your business reaches a certain size? Regardless of which you choose, chances are you will have to compromise on something – there's a reason this software is free, after all.
  • Take them for a spin: With free accounting software, you can simply sign up/download, put your data in, and see how each feels. Many of the top paid accounting software providers also offer free trials, so you can see exactly what the extra outlay will give you in return.

For a more comprehensive overview of the different paid accounting packages available, check out our page on the best accounting software for small UK businesses .

What should I look for in a free accounting software?

When seeking free accounting software, consider these vital features:

  • Bookkeeping: Look for software that simplifies recording financial transactions, managing invoices, and categorising expenses. It should offer an intuitive interface for easy navigation through accounts.
  • Accounts payable: the software should streamline tracking and managing outgoing payments, ensuring timely vendor payments and accurate cash flow management.
  • Accounts receivable: seek tools that facilitate creating and tracking invoices, sending reminders for overdue payments, and managing incoming cash flow efficiently.
  • Financial reporting: opt for software that generates clear and comprehensive reports, enabling you to understand your business's financial health at a glance.
  • More advanced features: while free software has limitations, functionalities like budgeting tools, inventory management, or project tracking might prove very beneficial as your business grows. Be aware that you'll likely need to pay for accounting software in order to get features like these.
  • Integrations: ensure compatibility with other essential tools your business relies on, such as CRM systems, payment gateways, or ecommerce platforms.
  • Mobile capability: accessing and managing financial data on the go can be crucial. Look for software that comes with a mobile app or responsive mobile site for convenient access.
  • Help and support: check for available resources like tutorials, FAQs, and responsive customer support to assist you in case of queries or issues.
  • A report by Intuit (Quickbooks) found that 89% of small businesses that use accounting software say it is essential for their business , while 63% say it has helped them  save time and be more productive.

How we test accounting software for UK small businesses

At Startups, it's important to us that the product recommendations we make to small UK businesses are useful, accurate, and based on thorough product testing.

We tested ten market-leading accounting software platforms across four main categories of investigation and 24 subcategories – all in all, we covered 111 areas of investigation . Next, we gave a ‘relevance weighting' to the final product category scores - this ensures the products' final ratings perfectly reflect the specific needs and requirements of Startups readers.

Our main testing categories for accounting software are:

Help and Support: Help and support refer to the assistance and resources available to users when they encounter issues or need guidance while using the accounting software.

Pricing: Pricing refers to the cost associated with using the accounting software. It includes factors such as licensing fees and subscription plans.

Main functions: This represents the key areas of accounting that the software focuses on. This includes functionalities such as financial statement preparation, income and expense tracking, and managing vendor and customer accounts.

Software Functionality: Refers to the software capabilities such as integrations, mobile capability, and confirming any additional features outside of accounting.

The Startups product testing process

The Startups product testing process diagram

As we edge closer to the tax year flip in April 2024, setting up accounting software, or upgrading or changing your current software, might just be the smartest move you make. These decisions can help shape the coming year's financial success, so think of this transition as your opportunity to embark on a more efficient, accurate, and ultimately more successful financial future.

Free accounting software is hugely attractive to UK small businesses, especially those that are just starting out.

But you don’t want your small business to stay small forever.

As this piece has explained, all free accounting software comes with compromises. If you can afford it, finding a paid solution that will grow with your business like QuickBooks or FreshBooks could make this whole process much easier.

All the options discussed on this page are either free or offer a 30-day free trial, so be sure to make use of these options. It’s only by actually using the software that you’ll be able to work out which is right for you, which compromises are tolerable, and which extra features are really worth paying for.

  • Is it ever worth paying for accounting software? It's definitely advisable to upgrade to paid accounting software in line with your business's growth and needs. Paid software often offers more features, better support, and scalability.
  • What's the cheapest paid accounting software? The cheapest paid accounting software for you will vary depending on which features you want, and the subscription plan you need. Popular affordable options include QuickBooks, FreshBooks, and Wave.
  • Why should I choose accounting software in time for the new financial year? Starting the new financial year with accounting software ensures better organisation, accurate financial records, and easier tax preparation. Getting set up before the financial year starts means you won't have to transfer records from partway through the year later on. In short, it sets you up for smoother operations.
  • What's the difference between accounting and bookkeeping? Accounting involves interpreting, analysing, and summarising financial data to make business decisions. Bookkeeping is more about recording day-to-day financial transactions, laying the foundation for accounting.
  • What is the easiest bookkeeping software? FreshBooks is the easiest accounting software to use, thanks to its simple interface and smooth user experience.
  • Can you get Xero for free? Xero doesn't have a free plan. However, it does offer a 30-day free trial, so you can sign up risk-free to see exactly what it has to offer.
  • Is QuickBooks free to use? QuickBooks doesn't have a free package, but it does offer a 60-day free trial so you can see if it's the right fit for your business.
  • What is Making Tax Digital? Making Tax Digital (MTD) is a UK initiative to digitise tax reporting. It requires businesses to maintain digital records and submit tax returns using compatible software, making the process more efficient and accurate. Making Tax Digital for VAT has been in place since April 2022, while Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, which is relevant tax reporting for self-employed people, will become a requirement from April 2026.

Startups.co.uk is reader-supported. If you make a purchase through the links on our site, we may earn a commission from the retailers of the products we have reviewed. This helps Startups.co.uk to provide free reviews for our readers. It has no additional cost to you, and never affects the editorial independence of our reviews.

  • Business software guide
  • Topic spotlight

Written by:

Related articles.

free business plan software uk

Existing Clients

Opening times, powerful & free online accounting software.

Easy-to-use free accounting software designed for self employed individuals and small businesses. Free forever. No hidden fees and no trials. Upgrade at any time.

free business plan software uk

Free Invoices

Super slick quotes, online payments.

free business plan software uk

Unlimited Free Expenses

Receipt scanning.

free business plan software uk

Free Open Banking

Bank reconciliation, csv statement upload.

free business plan software uk

Self Assessment Filing

Vat submission.

free business plan software uk

Ask An Accountant

Crunch chorus community.

free business plan software uk

It just adds up

We figure that Crunch is unique within the UK accountancy software market. We built Crunch Free to self-employed help professionals grow their business, without the high costs of accounting software and accountancy fees. We deliver features and functions to allow you to take maximum control of your business finances.

Crunch is the only online UK accounting company with a free accounting software app

Crunch delivers many features and functions that our rivals cannot provide, only crunch offers free uk accounting software for limited and small businesses, we are unique in the uk by supplying qualified accountants in-house, count on crunch for free software, integrations - easily connect to a range of helpful business.

Financial forecasting, reporting for cash flow, business planning and budgeting for your business. Get the free plan with all Crunch subscriptions.

Stripe logo

Coming soon! Accept payments, send payouts, and manage your business online. Free for all Crunch paid subscription users.

free business plan software uk

Take a photo of your expense receipt, show how you paid for it and then submit it to Snap to process it. It’s as easy as that. Snap Lite is free to use for all Crunch users.

free business plan software uk

If you’re VAT registered on the standard rate scheme, Tripcatcher will calculate your VAT on your fuel costs so that you can claim the right amount of expenses.

free business plan software uk

Open banking will pull through your transactions from your business bank account to your Crunch account.

Compare Crunch with the competition. We have secured the best deal for you

Take the stress out of your personal tax return.

Unlimited support from Chartered Certified Accountants at your fingertips.

No one else provides a completely free-of-charge platform like Crunch.

Our competitors do offer a free short-term trial before a monthly fee is required to use their software as well as find and pay for a separate accountant.Crunch Free accounting software for the self-employed will forever equip professionals for free. Support from real accountants we’re a simple, affordable upgrade away.

Loved by many businesses in the UK

free business plan software uk

Who We Help

Construction workers, contractors, creative freelancers, freelancers, it consultants, interior designers, online retailers, recruitment consultants, small businesses, switching accountants.

Whatever your passion is...

Related Articles

free business plan software uk

How Can I Check if My Tax Return Has Been Processed by HMRC? (UK Guide)

free business plan software uk

How Long Does A Tax Return Take?

free business plan software uk

What Are The Benefits of Being Self Employed?

free business plan software uk

Can a Sole Trader Employ Staff?

free business plan software uk

Is Freelance the Same as Being Self-Employed? Understanding the Differences

free business plan software uk

Top 10 Most Profitable Self-employed Jobs in the UK

Helpful resources.

Looking for accounting software advice and guidance before paying for our service? We've got you covered.

free business plan software uk

Crunch Free - the perfect UK replacement for Wave Accounting software

We wanted to let people know that there’s an even better replacement for Wave Accounting for the UK’s self-employed heroes.

Crunch Free vs Xero Go

When looking for accounting software and support, think of Crunch Free.

Crunch Free vs FreshBooks Lite

The numerous features only available in our free online accounting software

free business plan software uk

What are the benefits of a sophisticated online accounting system?

If you’re running a business, you’ll want to have the right tools with you at all times.

Crunch VS FreeAgent

Our celebrated add-on services, and award-winning support team are all proof that we make accounting simple and easy.

Crunch VS Traditional accountant

We can be your traditional accountant alternative. It’s free and you can only win from here.

Software & service in one

We actively support your business by managing deadlines, advising on tax relief, assisting with registrations, and liaising with HMRC. Our commitment extends beyond tasks, focusing on delivering quality work and proactive accounting advice tailored to your needs.

Software Features

Create & send invoices.

Create invoices and send on the go. Send custom and unlimited invoices from your laptop, smartphone or tablet in just a few clicks.

Expense Management

Say goodbye to inputting data manually. Save time by automating and tracking your expenses. Scan receipts and claim straight away.

Keep your financials up to date by easily matching up your expenses and invoice payments through bank reconciliation.

Open Banking

Connect your bank and import your statements to reconcile transactions. Transactions go straight to Crunch each week.

Get custom reports and insights in real time with Brixx, to help you keep on top of your cash flow and support you on future business decisions.

Upload Bank Statement

Streamline your financial tracking and analysis by effortlessly importing your financial data for a comprehensive overview of your accounts.

Discover our accounting software, designed to intuitively fit into your daily financial routines. Experience the harmony of efficiency and simplicity on your financial journey.

Service Features

Ask an accountant.

Qualified accountants providing users with instant access to accounting expertise for financial clarity and informed decision-making

Easily submit & file your VAT return to HMRC. Crunch files returns through HMRC compatible software (Making Tax Digital) every quarter.

Year End Accounts

Effortlessly finalise your fiscal year with our expert year-end accounting solutions, guaranteeing precision and punctuality in every submission.

Crunch Live

Our live video service, where you can speak to our friendly client managers or accountants at a time that works for you.

Streamline your payroll process with our efficient solutions, guaranteeing timely payments and complete compliance every pay cycle

Bookkeeping

Our bookkeeping service keeps your accounts up to date and free up your time to do what you do best - managing your business with our Certified Chartered Accountants on hand.

Free Company Formations

Investments & pensions, corporation tax filing, legal support, virtual offices, accounting packages.

Delve into our accounting services where meticulous care meets a touch of warmth. We're here to illuminate your businesses path with financial precision.

Take control of your accounts, today

IMAGES

  1. The 3 Ultimate Free Business Plan Software

    free business plan software uk

  2. 6 Free Business Plan Templates

    free business plan software uk

  3. Business plan software: a selection of the best

    free business plan software uk

  4. The 10 Best Business Plan Software

    free business plan software uk

  5. What the best business plan software

    free business plan software uk

  6. Best free business plan software windows

    free business plan software uk

VIDEO

  1. How to Start a Record Label

  2. New Business Plan

  3. how to show business plan

  4. business plan

  5. How to Start a Recycling Business

  6. What makes your business plans so special ? #businessplaninhindi #businesstips

COMMENTS

  1. Free Business Plan Template & How to Write Your Plan

    Click here to download your free Business Plan template PDF - you can fill in your own details and those of your business, its target market, your customers, competitors and your vision for growth. Download PDF (240KB) Work through your business plan, step-by-step

  2. Business plan software: a selection of the best

    12/09/2023 Get Started Business plan software - the top picks for your business Starting a company will present you with a number of tasks that require a great deal of effort and patience. First and foremost, you have to come up with and plan your business concept, where you can set yourself both short-term and long-term goals.

  3. Bplans: Business Planning Resources and Free Business Plan Samples

    Popular Downloads See More SWOT Analysis Easily evaluate your competitive position and develop effective growth strategies. Cash Flow Forecast Improve the health of your business by easily estimating your business's financial future. Lean Business Plan Template Fast, simple, and shareable. Start with a one-page plan to grow alongside your business.

  4. Free template: How to write a business plan

    Advice Get the Sage Advice newsletter Blog Strategy, Legal & Operations Free template: How to write a business plan Free template: How to write a business plan A business plan is essential for reaching financial success. Download our business plan template and use it to help you achieve your goals. Keir Thomas-Bryant

  5. 5 Best Business Plan Software and Tools 2023

    There's a lot to like about LivePlan. It has pretty much all the features you could want from your business plan software. LivePlan gives you step-by-step instructions for writing your plan, helps you create financial reports, lets you compare your business's actual financials to your plan's goals, and much more.

  6. Best business plan software of 2024

    1. Best overall 2. Best budget 3. Best basic 4. Best established 5. Best for speed 6. Other business plan software to consider 7. FAQs 8. How we test

  7. Write a business plan

    Download free business plan templates and find help and advice on how to write your business plan. Learn the basics of business planning, the benefits of a business plan and the finance options available for businesses.

  8. 6 Best Business Plan Software Platforms (2024)

    6 Best Business Plan Software Platforms (2024) Read on for a list of our favorite software platforms for writing a business plan, plus advice on how to choose the right business plan software for your needs. by Alexandra Sheehan 28 Jan 2023 Start your online business today. For free. Start free trial

  9. Business Plan Templates

    Start using Xero for free. Access Xero features for 30 days, then decide which plan best suits your business. Safe and secure. Cancel any time. 24/7 online support. Get the ball rolling with our free business plan templates and tips. Choose from a multi-page template, or a one-pager to help flesh out your idea.

  10. Free Business Plan Software

    Free Business Plan Software Why Capterra is free Clear all Show local products Sort by: Jira 4.4 (13,644) View Profile Jira is the #1 software development tool used by agile teams. Teams of 2 to 20,000 rely on Jira to manage every stage of their workflow, from planning to shipping and releasing. With native roadmaps, ... Read more Features

  11. The 3 Ultimate Free Business Plan Software

    Free business plan software options 1. StratPad. StratPad is a cloud-based business plan software solution. There are a few different versions, depending on how many business plans you want to make, but for one plan, you can get a free account. As an additional little bonus, if you happen to teach business at a high school or university ...

  12. Upmetrics' Free Business Plan Generator

    Upmetrics' free business plan generator simplifies writing a business plan and helps you create a comprehensive and compelling lean plan in seconds. Sounds exciting? Let's learn more about getting started with our free business plan generator and using it to draft your plan. Using Upmetrics' Free Business Plan Generator

  13. 4 Free Business Plan Templates to download

    By: Richard Jobling While some people argue about whether you need a business plan to be successful, you almost certainly will need one when opening bank accounts and seeking funding. Fortunately there are some good free business plan templates and advice online. Here we will review 4 of the best covering what you get and where to find them.

  14. Free Business Plan Software

    Free Business Plan Software Here's our list of apps for Business Plan Software. Filters help you narrow down the results to find exactly what you're looking for. Filter by Pricing model Flat Rate Per User Per Feature Usage Based Other Free Trial Open Source Free Version Devices supported Cloud, SaaS, Web-based Mac (Desktop) Windows (Desktop)

  15. Free Business Templates and Resources

    Start your business plan with our free business plan template. It will show you the general layout of a standard business plan and keep you from getting… Library Sample Business Plans View our gallery of over 550 free sample business plans, and get inspired to write your own! 173,227 Downloads Planning Template Lean Business Plan Template

  16. Business Plan Software With Performance Tracking

    LivePlan has helped over 1 million business owners build better businesses. It's proven, companies that plan and track against their plan grow 30% faster than those that don't. No matter your industry, location, or size — LivePlan helps you get your business off the ground and grow. "It wasn't my intention to be an entrepreneur or a ...

  17. Business Plan Software in the UK

    Empiraa Empiraa is a business planning execution tool that allows you to feel good about business. We make it simple to keep your business game plans top of mind and help break down those big pillars/goals into achievable objectives that can be shared amongst the team. No longer does the business plan sit with the executive team or Founder.

  18. The best free small business software in 2024

    The best free software for small businesses at a glance. Category. Best for. EngageBay. Free CRM software. Managing up to 250 unique leads with sales, marketing, chat, and customer service features for free. MailerLite. Free email marketing services. Delivering dynamic, text- and image-rich content to inboxes.

  19. Business Plan Software

    LivePlan 4.5 (133) Visit Website The #1 rated business planning and management software created to support the success of small businesses and entrepreneurs. Just starting your business? Easily create a polished, professional ... Read more Features Step-by-Step Wizard Business Plan Templates Financial Templates Pitch Presentation Financial Modeling

  20. 10 Best Business Plan Software In 2024

    The Best Business Plan Software of 2024. Wrike: Best overall. Smartsheet: Best for goal management. LivePlan: Best for financial forecasting. Aha!: Best for roadmapping. Bizplan: Best for ...

  21. 5 Best Business Plan Software in 2022

    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 ...

  22. Top 6 Free Accounting Software for Small Businesses 2024

    1. Zoho Books 2. Quickfile 3. FreeAgent 4. Wave Accounting 5. GnuCash 6. VT Cashbook

  23. Free Accounting Software for UK Small Businesses & Self-Employed

    It just adds up. We figure that Crunch is unique within the UK accountancy software market. We built Crunch Free to self-employed help professionals grow their business, without the high costs of accounting software and accountancy fees. We deliver features and functions to allow you to take maximum control of your business finances.

  24. Best Simple CRM (February 2024)

    The lowest-priced plan is full of basic tools you need to manage leads and deals, so it could be worth it to start on Pipedrive if you plan to upgrade as your business grows. The Essential plan ...