Plan Your Exit Strategy

Whether you're preparing for retirement, selling your business, or transitioning ownership to employees or family, having a clear exit strategy is essential for long-term success. We’ve gathered trusted resources to help small business owners develop thoughtful, sustainable transition plans.

What Is an Exit Strategy?

An exit strategy is a plan for how a business owner will leave their business while maximizing the value of the business and ensuring continuity. Common exit strategies include:

• Selling the business
• Succession planning (passing to a family member or employee)
• Employee ownership transitions
• Business closure

Resources to Help You Plan

DAWI (Democracy at Work Institute)
Focus: Employee ownership transitions
Support Offered: Business succession planning, feasibility assessments, and technical assistance for converting businesses to worker cooperatives or employee ownership trusts.

NCEOC (North Carolina Employee Ownership Center)
Focus: Employee ownership education and support in North Carolina
Support Offered: Outreach, training, and referrals for businesses interested in employee ownership transitions.