The Small Business Exit Plan Checklist
Useful guide for aging owners or those thinking about succession.
You’ve built something meaningful. A business that’s served your community, supported your family, and maybe even spanned generations. But now, you’re ready for a new chapter, whether that’s retirement, a new venture, or simply stepping back.
The question is: Are you ready to exit on your terms?
Exiting your small business is one of the most important, and overlooked, phases in the business lifecycle. At Venture Investments, we help New Jersey business owners plan successful exits that protect their legacy and unlock value.
Here’s a Small Business Exit Plan Checklist to get started.
1. Define Your Goals and Timeline
Every exit is different. Do you want to:
Fully retire within a year?
Transition gradually to a new owner or family member?
Sell your business to a strategic buyer or employee?
Be clear about:
Your ideal timeline
Your income needs after the sale
Any continued involvement you want (ex. consulting)
2. Get a Business Valuation
Before selling or transitioning, you need to know what your business is worth. A valuation gives you a realistic starting point for negotiations.
Key factors in valuation include:
Revenue and profit trends
Customer base and contracts
Market position and brand equity
Tangible and intangible assets
Tip: Get a professional valuation from an advisor with experience in your industry and local market.
3. Organize Your Financials and Documents
Buyers and investors want transparency. Make sure your financial house is in order:
Clean, accurate profit & loss statements (3–5 years)
Tax returns
Inventory and asset lists
Contracts, leases, and IP ownership
If your books are messy, it can lower your valuation or delay a deal.
4. Strengthen the Business Before You Exit
A buyer wants a business that runs smoothly without you. In your final months or years:
Streamline operations
Build a reliable management team
Diversify revenue streams
Strengthen customer relationships
Think of it as staging your home before selling; small improvements can raise the value significantly.
5. Plan for Taxes and Legal Considerations
Selling or passing on a business has serious tax implications. Work with:
A CPA who understands business exits
A business attorney for contracts and due diligence
An estate planner if family is involved
A good exit strategy isn’t just about the sale, it’s about protecting your wealth and legacy.
6. Choose the Right Exit Option
There are several ways to exit a small business:
Sell to an outside buyer (individual, competitor, investor)
Transfer to a family member
Sell to employees or partners
Merge with another business
Close and liquidate
We help you evaluate which path fits your financial and personal goals.
7. Partner with a Strategic Advisor or Investor
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. At Venture Investments, we work with business owners in New Jersey to:
Evaluate their readiness to exit
Structure win-win deals
Provide funding and transition support
Keep their business alive and growing beyond their involvement
We’re not just interested in buying businesses; we care about continuing their legacy in the community.
Ready to Exit with Confidence?
Whether you’re just starting to think about retirement or ready to take the next step, a well prepared exit plan makes all the difference.
Leaving your business doesn’t mean leaving your impact behind. Let’s make your transition a smart, smooth, and successful one.