Communities thrive when their businesses do. Yet many are unaware of the looming challenge posed by the "silver tsunami"— a wave of baby boomer business owners nearing retirement without a prepared successor. In Ohio alone, over 89,000 businesses with owners aged 55+ support:
Without intentional planning, many of these locally owned companies—and the economic activity they generate—could close down or move outside the community. Surveys indicate that more than two-thirds of business owners lack a formal succession plan. Without a plan in place, communities risk losing the wealth generated by small businesses.
The "silver tsunami" is already here
Millions of business owners are approaching retirement. Proactive succession planning is one of the most effective tools communities have to preserve businesses and the jobs they support.
Existing Businesses Drive Job Growth
Research shows that more than half of all net new job creation in the U.S. comes from existing small businesses.
Community Resilience Depends on Retention
When stable, locally owned businesses close orare sold to out-of-area buyers, communities lose more than jobs—they lose leadership, relationships, and local economic value.
Business transitions aren't
just personal—they're
economic events with ripple
effects. When a local business
closes for lack of a successor,
the community loses jobs, tax
revenue, services, and
institutional knowledge.
By helping existing businesses prepare for transition, local leaders can:
In many ways, succession planning is economic development—it's just focused on keeping
what you've already built.
Community organizations know their local business landscape best. While we bring deep knowledge of succession planning and employee ownership, we know that lasting impact comes from local relationships and leadership.
That's why we see our role as supporting and expanding the work you're already doing—not to replace it—with flexible programs and practical tools that meet your needs.
If you're a chamber, SBDC, economic developer, local government, or nonprofit with a stake in local economic sustainability, let's work together. From co-branded events to long-term program design, we bring turnkey support and proven resources.
We lead virtual and in-person workshops on topics like the silver tsunami, succession readiness, local economic impact, and employee ownership—or can customize the presentation to meet your needs.
While we have deep expertise in employee ownership, we are able to cover every aspect of succession planning.
We don't offer a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you need a one-hour presentation, a focused workshop on a specific aspect of succession planning, or a multi-part series, we'll meet you where you are.
We co-design programs that align with your goals, audience, and capacity, whether it is a full-day workshop or a one hour lunch and learn.
We connect community partners and their member businesses to our suite of free resources—including our guidebook, educational videos, and early-stage advising.
When professional expertise is needed, we provide referrals from our trusted network of over 100 service providers—or work with professionals you are already connected to.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.jpeg)
.png)
%20.png)
.jpeg)
.png)
.jpeg)
-Slider%20300x200.png)
