If you plan to sell your business, transfer ownership to family, or bring in new partners, you need a clear and defensible business value. Many small business owners delay this step because professional valuations are expensive. The CBDC Business Valuation and Succession Planning program helps cover that cost so you can move forward with confidence and a realistic sale price.
The CBDC Business Valuation and Succession Planning program is designed for small businesses that are actively preparing for an ownership transition. It provides repayable funding to hire a qualified third-party professional to value your business and support succession planning.
According to program details:
This means if your valuation costs $10,000, the program may cover up to $7,500, with the remaining balance paid by your business.
To qualify, your business must:
Check with your local CBDC office to see if you qualify.
The program mainly supports:
Internal work, informal estimates, or valuations completed by related parties are generally not eligible.
Applications are handled at the local level, so it’s important to prepare carefully.
Contact your local CBDC office
Applications are submitted directly through the CBDC serving your region.
Confirm your succession plan timeline
CBDCs look for businesses that are actively preparing for a sale, transfer, or ownership transition—not just exploring options.
Select a qualified valuator
The program usually requires a certified or professionally recognized third-party valuator.
Prepare financial and business documents
Expect to provide recent financial statements, ownership details, and background on your succession goals.
Review repayment terms before accepting funding
Since this is repayable funding, your CBDC will outline repayment schedules and conditions upfront.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province and business stage, so you can confirm whether this program fits your situation before reaching out.
Assuming this is a non-repayable grant
The CBDC Business Valuation and Succession Planning program provides repayable funding. Treat it like a loan in your financial planning.
Applying too early in the succession process
CBDCs want to see clear intent to transfer ownership, not just general curiosity about business value.
Hiring a valuator before approval
Starting work before receiving funding approval may make the expense ineligible.
Working with an unqualified valuator
The valuation must be completed by an independent, professional third party to meet program requirements.
Q: How much funding can I receive from the CBDC Business Valuation and Succession Planning program?
You can receive up to $7,500, covering a maximum of 75% of eligible project costs. The remaining costs must be paid by your business.
Q: Is the CBDC Business Valuation funding repayable?
Yes. This program provides repayable funding rather than a non-repayable grant. Repayment terms are set by your local CBDC.
Q: Do I need to hire a certified professional valuator?
In most cases, yes. CBDCs generally require a qualified, independent third-party professional to complete the valuation.
Q: What expenses are eligible under this program?
Eligible expenses mainly include professional fees related to producing a formal business valuation. Other succession-related costs may not be covered.
Q: Where do I submit my application?
Applications are submitted through your local CBDC office, not through a centralized federal portal.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and loan programs across Canada—see which ones match your business profile and succession timeline.
A professional valuation is often the first real step in succession planning, whether you are selling, transferring to family, or bringing in partners. The CBDC Business Valuation and Succession Planning program can reduce the financial risk of that step while giving you credible numbers to work with. Exploring related funding options and eligibility rules early can help you build a stronger transition plan and avoid delays.
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