Start It Up

As a start-up business owner, you may need software to help with everything from business planning to legal matters. You could buy these programs one by one, but that's not the only way.

Start-up software suites offer several programs designed specifically for launching your start-up, all in one box. These software suites generally include documents, forms, templates, worksheets, checklists and more, and the prices are no more than one of the programs would cost if you purchased it separately.

The tools in these software suites aren't as full-featured as the versions sold in stand-alone packages--but in many cases, they may be all you need. Here's a closer look at several start-up suites.

Robert Schmidt is a computer and business writer in Culver City, California.

This article was originally published in the May 1998 print edition of Entrepreneur with the headline: Start It Up.