07/13/2026
Many business owners plan to fund retirement by selling their company someday. But a profitable business and a sellable business aren’t always the same thing.
Profit doesn’t guarantee a buyer: Buyers want a company that can run without the founder. If sales, relationships, or daily decisions depend on you personally, the value may be lower than expected.
The transition window is getting crowded: Millions of small businesses are expected to change hands by 2035, which could mean more sellers competing for qualified buyers.
Start earlier than feels necessary: Strong exits usually take years of preparation, from documenting systems to building a team that can operate independently.
If your exit strategy is “sell the business someday,” here’s more about what that requires: https://bit.ly/4eiTJMa
Many business owners expect selling their company to fund retirement. Learn why business readiness is the missing piece of retirement planning.