Many business owners believe: “If a buyer needs financing or asks for a seller note, it means they can’t afford my business—or worse, that the deal isn’t safe.”

Most business owners understand: They will eventually leave the business someday Yet despite knowing this, many still postpone: Exit planning Succession conversations Valuation analysis Leadership development And long-term transition preparation Some delay planning for: Years Others avoid it entirely until: Burnout Health issues Or unexpected life events force urgency

One of the biggest misconceptions business owners have about exit planning is: “That’s something large corporations do—not small businesses.” Many small business owners assume: Exit planning only matters when companies are worth millions upon millions of dollars There are private equity buyers involved Or large executive teams are managing the business As a result, many owners delay planning because they believe: Their business is “too small” to need a