Business Exit Planning Checklist for Owner-Run Companies

Know the owner's number

The business sale or transition has to connect to what the owner needs financially and personally.

Know the business gap

Compare where the business is today with what a buyer, successor, or manager would need to trust it.

Coordinate advisors early

CPA, attorney, wealth advisor, insurance, banker, broker, and operator advice may all matter at different points.

Field note

Exit planning is not one meeting near the finish line

A real exit touches value, taxes, owner income, family expectations, management depth, legal documents, customer risk, and timing.

The sooner the business gap is visible, the more options the owner has.

Make the problem measurable

A vague business problem becomes easier to fix when the owner can see its money, time, risk, or value impact.

Related questions

Who is this best for?

An established owner-run company where the owner still carries too many decisions and wants a clearer view of profit, cash, systems, tax questions, value, or exit readiness.

Can I use the findings with my advisors?

Yes. The goal is to give the owner cleaner questions for CPAs, attorneys, bankers, brokers, managers, or internal team members.

Is the result a formal valuation or tax plan?

No. Formal valuation, legal, tax, and accounting advice should come from qualified professionals. The Checkup helps identify what should be reviewed.

Tell us about the business.

We work with established owner-run businesses and only take one on when we believe the Checkup can create value. The form takes about 30 seconds.

Fit call before any on-site visit.

Written findings after the Checkup.

NDA, proof of insurance, and bonding before we visit.