CBDC Business Valuation and Succession Planning

For many small business owners, planning an eventual exit can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding what the business is actually worth. The CBDC Business Valuation and Succession Planning program is designed to ease that uncertainty by helping owners obtain a professional, third-party valuation that can support informed decisions around selling or transferring a business. Delivered through Community Business Development Corporations, this initiative is particularly relevant for owner-operated businesses in rural and smaller communities that are beginning to think seriously about succession.

Through the program, eligible small and medium-sized businesses can receive non-repayable funding of up to about $7,500 to cover a significant portion of the cost of hiring a qualified business valuator. Rather than relying on informal estimates, owners receive a structured assessment of their company’s economic value, which can be used to set a realistic sale price and prepare the business for transition. In some cases, CBDCs also help raise awareness of the opportunity by showcasing the business to potential buyers at the provincial or national level. While the program is offered through CBDCs across Canada, it has been actively piloted in Newfoundland and Labrador, where succession planning is seen as a key part of sustaining local economies.

For business owners who want clarity, credibility, and support as they plan their next chapter, this valuation funding can be a practical first step. Learning more about how the program works can help determine whether it fits your succession goals.