Introducing ExitNavigator: Your Partner in Easier Business Transitions.
For many rural and small-town business owners across Alberta, the idea of stepping away from their business can feel complicated. Whether you're considering retirement, selling your business, or transitioning leadership to the next generation, planning your exit is essential—not just for your financial future but also for the health of your local communities. That’s where ExitNavigator comes in.
ExitNavigator is a dedicated service designed to help Alberta entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of business transitions. With tailored support for rural communities, we ensure businesses continue to thrive rather than close their doors. Here's everything you need to know about what services we offer and the why behind our mission.
Who Does ExitNavigator Serve?
ExitNavigator focuses exclusively on rural and small-town Alberta businesses, excluding major metropolitan areas like Calgary and Edmonton. These businesses are the backbone of their communities, providing jobs, essential services, and economic stability.
Whether you’re a family-owned farm in rural Alberta or a retail shop in a small town, we are here to support you. This program also assists prospective buyers looking to purchase a business in Alberta, ensuring viable businesses remain operational and continue serving their communities.
What Services Does ExitNavigator Offer?
Along with regional Community Futures offices, we offer a comprehensive suite of services to help business owners plan their exit, purchase or transition effectively:
Business Consultations: Free consultations to understand your goals and options for exiting or transitioning your business.
Business Valuations: Starting at $750, this service assesses your assets, market context, and growth opportunities to determine how to value a business fairly.
Online Business Listings: Free, self-guided access to a business listing directory. Prospective buyers can search by business type, industry, location and price.
Seller Assist: Have inquiries directed to us instead of taking time away from business operations. We will vet each buyer, focusing on those who show serious interest. The business will be presented in its best light and background information will be shared before forwarding the contact onto the seller. ($25 Per Inquiry)
Mediation Services: Facilitating negotiations between buyers and sellers with a success rate of 88% for mediated sales.
Transition Support: Custom business transitions plans, factsheets and more are available to support sellers and buyers alike.
Business Loans: Get the financial support you need to grow your business with one of our flexible business loans. We’re known for saying ‘yes’ when everyone else says ‘no’. If you can’t get a loan from traditional banks, we can help.
These services are designed with flexibility in mind—so that no matter the stage you are at, our experts can help.
How Much Does It Cost?
Your first consultation is always free, allowing you to explore your options without commitment. This pricing structure ensures affordability for small-town entrepreneurs who may not have access to high-cost corporate advisory services.
Why Is Exit Planning Important for Rural Alberta?
In rural Alberta, businesses play a unique role as pillars of their communities. Unlike larger cities where economic activity is diversified across many industries and corporations, small towns often rely heavily on local businesses for employment and essential services. When these businesses close due to lack of exit planning, the impact can be devastating—leading to job losses, reduced community resources, and economic stagnation.
Exit planning ensures that businesses don’t simply disappear when owners retire or move on. Instead, they transition smoothly—whether through selling the business outright or implementing succession planning strategies that prepare new leaders within the organization.
Effective transition planning in business also preserves legacy. For example:
A family-owned farm can pass seamlessly to the next generation.
A small-town café can continue serving loyal customers under new ownership
An independent hardware store can remain operational with employee buyouts.
By choosing strategic exits over closure, rural entrepreneurs contribute not only to their financial security but also to the sustainability of their local economy.
When Should You Start Planning Your Exit?
The best time to start thinking about an exit strategy is now—regardless of where you are at in the process. And good news - our consultation times are generally available within 1-2 business days after you reach out. Additionally, email communication with an advisor is available anytime for questions, so when we say you can get started right away, we really mean, right away!
Ready to Help
ExitNavigator is more than just an advisory service—it’s a lifeline for rural Alberta entrepreneurs facing one of the most significant decisions of their lives: exiting their business. By offering affordable consultations, valuations, mediation services, and buyer-seller matchmaking tools, ExitNavigator empowers small-town business owners to transition successfully while preserving their legacy.
For Alberta’s rural communities, these transitions are vital—not just for individual owners but for entire towns that rely on local businesses for jobs and services. Whether you’re looking to sell a business or buy one yourself, ExitNavigator ensures every step is handled thoughtfully and professionally.
Proactive planning = perfect timing! Start your planning with us today.
