Thinking about selling your business in Calgary? Whether you’re ready to retire, move on to a new venture, or simply feel it’s the right time, selling a business is a major decision. It’s not like selling a car or a house — it involves employees, contracts, financials, and sometimes, your reputation. That’s where business brokers in Calgary come in. A good broker will help you navigate the complexities, find qualified buyers, and protect your confidentiality throughout the process.
This guide walks you through the key steps involved in selling your business — from preparation to closing the deal. Whether you’re still on the fence or ready to take the first step, this will help you understand what’s ahead and how to do it right.
1. Get a Business Valuation
You need to know what your business is worth before putting it on the market. This isn’t guesswork. A proper valuation looks at your financials, assets, cash flow, industry, and market demand. Business brokers in Calgary often offer valuation services or can connect you with specialists who do. Knowing your real market value protects you from pricing too high (and scaring buyers away) or too low (and leaving money on the table).
2. Prepare Your Financials
Buyers want clean, detailed financials — ideally going back 2 to 3 years. Work with your accountant to prepare:
- Profit & loss statements
- Balance sheets
- Tax returns
- Lease agreements
- Lists of assets and liabilities
The more transparent and organized you are, the more confidence a buyer will have.
3. Make the Business Attractive to Buyers
This doesn’t mean a fresh coat of paint (although it helps). It means improving operations. Reduce reliance on you, document your systems, and make sure your team runs smoothly without your daily involvement. The more “turnkey” your business is, the easier it is to sell.
4. Find the Right Broker
Unless you’ve sold businesses before and have access to buyers, trying to go solo is risky. A broker brings buyers to the table, vets them, maintains confidentiality, and handles negotiations. Look for a licensed, local expert with a track record in your industry. Ask how they market listings, qualify buyers, and support deals after the letter of intent is signed.
5. Qualify Buyers and Negotiate
Not all buyers are serious — or financially capable. A broker will filter out tire-kickers and ask the hard questions. Once a serious buyer shows interest, expect to negotiate terms like:
- Price
- Payment structure (cash, financing, earnouts)
- Training and transition support
- Non-compete terms
6. Due Diligence and Closing
Once a letter of intent is signed, the buyer will want to inspect everything — your books, contracts, customer base, and more. Be ready. Keep documentation organized and respond quickly. This phase can make or break a deal. A lawyer and your broker will help manage expectations, timelines, and paperwork.
Final Thoughts
Selling your business isn’t just about getting a good price — it’s about making a clean exit that protects your legacy and sets the buyer up for success. The process takes time, planning, and the right team. If you’re considering a sale, start by speaking with business brokers in Calgary who understand the local market and can help you get it right from day one.
