Palo Alto Software Ltd today announced that on July 15th they will be offering €50,000* worth of their award-winning business planning software to help encourage business startups in Ireland.

Business Plan Pro Premier 11 Edition is a best-selling business planning software product which helps entrepreneurs and small businesses to write business plans. The software is ideal for entrepreneurs and new start-ups looking to set up a new business.

"We are delighted to be able to help the next generation of Irish entrepreneurs in these tough times," said Alan Gleeson, General Manager of Palo Alto Software. "Business planning is a prerequisite for all startups, but it can often act as an obstacle to many entrepreneurs unsure of what their business plan should contain. We believe our software is ideal for those thinking of going out on their own and those who need help getting over that initial hurdle."

Gleeson decided to help Irish entrepreneurs after witnessing growing dole queues in his native Cork.

"I decided that if we at Palo Alto Software could make a small difference, we should. My hope is that many of the recipients of the software will use it as an impetus to start up their dream business."

Gleeson also believes that despite the current economic downturn this is an excellent time to start a business. "Vacant offices are at an all-time high and as a result office space is now available at more competitive rates. Similarly, there are a number of very talented people out of work at the moment, with more realistic salary expectations, than a few years ago," he argues.

The software will be available on the company's Irish website (www.paloalto.ie) on Wednesday, July 15th, 2009 for one day only. A full copy of Business Plan Pro Premier Edition will be sent to the first 345 qualifying applicants.

People will need to go to www.paloalto.ie on July 15th and fill in a short form with their basic details along with some short background information regarding their business idea. Gleeson says, "We’ll be reviewing these and looking to ensure that we get the software into the hands of newly unemployed people, and those who will genuinely use the business planning software to get their idea off the ground."

Read more information on the offer here

Read the terms and conditions here

About Palo Alto Software Ltd: Palo Alto Software Limited produces planning software, including the world's best-selling business plan software, Business Plan Pro, as well as Marketing Plan Pro and Email Center Pro. For more information, visit the company's website.

Alan Gleeson, General Manager of Palo Alto Software.

**The €50,000 worth of software equates to 345 copies at an RRP of €145.