Every Business Owner Will Eventually Exit Their Business. The Question Isn't If, But How.

NO-TO-Low Cost Confidential Support
Every business owner will eventually face a transition. We're here to make sure that transition is thoughtful, informed, and aligned with your goals-not driven by urgency or uncertainty. Whether you're still exploring your options or ready to take action, our program offers confidential, one-on-one support at low or no cost to help guide your next steps.

Grounded in Your Goals
As a university-based program, we don't sell financial products or take commissions. Our guidance is unbiased, mission-driven, and grounded in your goals.

More Than a Transaction
We understand that for many business owners, the business is more than just an asset – it's a source of identity, pride, and purpose – and represents a lifetime of hard work. That's why we approach succession planning with a deep respect for your goals, legacy, values, and the people behind the business.

What we help with

We support business owners across all industries and planning stages. Our team helps with:
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Clarifying your personal goals, values, and long-term vision for the business and its legacy
Exploring all available exit options (e.g., family transition, third-party sale, employee ownership)
Developing a realistic timeline for transition and a team of advisors
Talking through questions around potential successors, including family members, key employees, or outside buyers
Identifying which professional advisors may be needed
Navigating the emotional and organizational aspects of planning for change

How the process works

Initial Conversation

We begin by learning about your business, your goals and objectives, and your timeline. This conversation is complimentary, confidential and pressure-free.

Goal Setting & Exploration

We help clarify your priorities-whether it's preserving your legacy, protecting employees, ensuring community impact, or maximizing value-and walk through the full range of exit options, including family transitions, third-poarty sales, and employee ownership.

Developing a Plan & Making Referrals

Once your goals are clear, we assist in mapping out a practical succession plan. We also help you identify which types of professional advisors may be needed-then connect you to multiple trusted options from our statewide network of over 100 providers, including attorneys, accountants, estate planners, feasibility consultants, and lenders. We don't just hand you a name-we help you prepare to choose the right advisor by offering sample interview questions and guidance to ensure a good fit. These referrals are free, and our aim is to help you move forward with clarity, not sales pressure.

Ongoing Support

Even after you begin working with legal or financial professionals, we stay involved. We're here to help you prepare for meetings, interpret technical feedback, or debrief after important conversations. Our goal is to serve as a sounding board and advocate throughout you succession journey.

Support For Employee Ownership Transitions

If transitioning to employee ownership is the right path for your business, we offer additional education, training, and resources to help ensure a smooth process. Our goal is not only to support the transaction itself, but also to help the new employee-owners and company leadership succeed in the long term.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO YOU.

Video Library: Explore a curated set of short videos covering essential topics like exit options, timelines, and common challenges.

Free Guidebook: Download our business succession planning guide-written for business owners, not technical experts. It walks through five core steps: defining your goals, valuing the business, exploring exit options, developing a plan, a nd preparing for your next chapter.

Professional Service Network: We maintain a network of over 100 experienced professionals across Ohio-including attorneys, estate planners, accountants, bankers, and more-who can assist with advanced planning, feasibility studies, and transaction services.

Feasibility Study Support: In some cases, limited financial support may be available to help offset the cost of feasibility studies related to employee ownership. We're happy to discuss availability during your consultation.

Learn More

Questions Business Owners Often Ask:

"Is it to early too start succession planning?"
Not at all. In fact, succession planning is a form of strategic planning. The same steps that prepare a business for future transition-building a strong management team, diversifying your base, mitigating risks-are also the things that increase value and resilience today. Starting early gives you more control, more options, and a stronger business in the meantime.

"Is it too late to start succession planning?"
It's never too late to take action. Even if you're approaching a transition on a short timeline, we can help you focus on the most critical steps and connect you to professionals who can move quickly. While more lead time is always helpful, we've worked with many business owners who started late in the game and still found a successful path forward.

"Do I need to know what kind of exit I want?"
Not at all. We'll help you explore the options and identify the one that fits your goals and circumstances.

"What if I'm not ready to talk to a lawyer or accountant yet?"
That's exactly why we're here. We provide early-stage guidance and help prepare you before you meet with service providers.