What the latest Canadian research shows
63%
of Canadian small business owners plan to exit within the next 10 years. You are far from alone, and there is a real path. [1]
6%
of owners have a formal written succession plan. Starting the conversation early puts you ahead of most. [1]
86%
of owners say protecting their employees matters most. A good buyer shares what you value. [1]
National figures. Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), 2026. See References.
A natural time to think about what comes next
Many of Ontario's manufacturers were started or grown by one person or one family, who still walk the floor and know every customer by name. Across Canada, nearly two-thirds of small business owners expect to step back within ten years. [1] If that is where you are, you are in good company, and there are good buyers looking for businesses like yours. [3]
Why start early
Time protects value and choice. Owners with a formal plan feel more sure of a successful exit (86%, against 54% with none). [1] Starting the conversation early lets you decide the timing, the terms and who takes over, on your schedule.
What a good exit looks like
You sell to a buyer who respects what you built. Owners tell CFIB that protecting their employees matters most (86%). [1] That is the standard we hold ourselves to. Your team stays and your customers are looked after. You stay involved through a transition period if you want to, as agreed in the deal. It happens quietly, with no public listing and no announcement before you are ready.
What is being said
CFIB, October 22, 2026
A new national survey finds most small business owners expect to step back within ten years. [2]
BDC, January 28, 2026
A federal bank study expects thousands of small and medium businesses to change hands over the next five years. [3]