Backed by Community Futures
Your Business Matters to More Than Just You
We get it. Exit planning isn't exciting. But waiting too long could cost you (and your community) more than you think.
Is Exit Navigator Right for You?
Not sure if we're right for you? Here's exactly who Exit Navigator is designed to help.
This is for you if:
✓ You know you should be planning your exit, but you keep putting it off
✓ You own a business in rural Alberta and don't know if anyone would actually buy it
✓ You can't justify spending $40,000+ on advisors when that could contribute to your retirement fund
✓ You'd rather sell than close, if the process wasn't so complicated and expensive
Our Core Services
1. Free Consultations
No-pressure conversations to assess your situation and explore your options, whether you're ready to sell now or planning 5 years out.
2. Business Valuations
Honest, market-based valuations that tell you what your business is actually worth, not inflated numbers to win your listing.
3. Business Owner Workbook
Strategic roadmap for exiting your business in a way that maximizes value, protects your legacy, and keeps your community thriving.
Plus: Online business listings • Sale mediation • Business factsheets• Seller assist • Advisory services
Still not sure if we're a fit?
That's okay. Download the free guide or book a no-pressure call. We'll tell you honestly if we can help.
Why Sell Instead of Just Closing?
We get it. Closing seems simpler. But selling does more than put money in your pocket. It protects what you've built and keeps your community strong.
Keeps Business Open
Your business is part of the fabric of your town. When you close instead of selling, your customers may lose a vital service, your employees have to look for other work, and your community loses economic activity.
The Reality:
Rural communities need established businesses. Your customers still need what you provide. Your employees still need their paychecks. Selling can keep all of that intact.
Carries on Your Legacy
You've spent decades building something more than just a business. Selling means your name and reputation have the opportunity to live through the business's continued success.
The Truth:
You built something meaningful that serves your community. The transition you create defines your legacy in the community, not just the years you were there.
Extra Money in Your Pocket
Closing means potentially selling equipment piece by piece for pennies on the dollar. Selling the business means having the opportunity to be paid for the customer relationships, reputation, and systems you built.
The Numbers:
With our flat-fee approach (vs. $0-12% commissions), almost all the sale price goes to you, not to brokers or advisors. That's real money you've earned and we don't want you to leave it behind.
The Traditional Broker Reality (And Why We Exist)
High commission fees make selling small businesses financially questionable. We are changing that.
Traditional Broker
10-12%
Commission on Sale
❌ $50K-$60K fees on a $500K sale
❌ Selling may not feel worth it
❌ You lose control of the process
Result: Many owners just close instead—leaving money on the table, employees without jobs, and communities without vital businesses.
ExitNavigator Approach
Flat Fee
Affordable & Transparent
✔ Fixed fee structure (As little at $750)
✔ Selling becomes financially worth it (More profit in your pocket)
✔ You stay in control: we guide, you decide
Bottom line: Without Exit Navigator, closing might make financial sense. With us, you can sell and find pathways to selling that will keep a majority of profit in your pocket.
How We Support You (On Your Timeline)
We're not going to sugarcoat it: selling your business takes work. But you don't have to figure it out alone. We exist specifically to help Alberta business owners through this transition.
1. Download the Business Seller Workbook
Assess your business privately; no calls, no pressure. Explore what exit planning looks like, what your business might be worth, and whether selling makes sense for you.
2. Book a Free Consultation
Whether you're thinking about selling next year or in 10 years, we'll have an honest conversation about your situation. Call to get clarity on what your options are.
3. Explore Your Options
Business valuations help you start planning what the future might look like. Understand what your business could sell for, explore different exit scenarios, and make informed decisions about timing.
4. We're Here When You Need Us
Exit planning happens on your schedule, not ours. When you're ready to list, negotiate, or transition, we'll be there to guide you—but you stay in control of the timeline and decisions.
From Business Owners Who’ve Been There
Real people, real Alberta businesses, real results.
100+ Communities
Served Across Alberta
30+ Years
Supporting Rural Alberta Entrepreneurs
$0 Consultation Fee
Professional Guidance at No Cost
25+ Local Offices
Find Support Near You
The Exit Planning Guide You've Been Avoiding
No sales pitch, no pressure. Just practical guidance on what selling actually involves, what your business might be worth, and how to plan an exit that protects what you've built.
What's inside:
Honest business valuation framework - What your business is actually worth, not inflated numbers
Exit timeline planning - When to start (hint: earlier than you think)
Real cost comparison - Closing vs. selling: the actual financial difference
Finding the right buyer - How to ensure your business serves your community after you're gone
Tax and legal essentials - What you need to know before you start
Transition planning checklist - Step-by-step guide to handing off successfully
Let’s Have an
Honest Conversation
Whether you're 6 months away from selling or 6 years away, we're here to answer questions honestly. No pressure, no sales pitch—just real guidance from people who understand rural Alberta business.
Get in Touch
Call Us
(403) 995-4151
Email Us
exit@cfhighwood.net
Office
26 local offices
Serving All of Rural Alberta
Why Choose Us
✔ Designed for Rural Alberta
Built specifically for small-town business buyers
✔ Small Business Focused
Guidance tailored for first-time buyers and owner-operator businesses
✔ 40+ Years of Experience
Backed by Community Futures' proven track record
✔ 25+ Partner Offices Across Alberta
Local advisors in your region who understand rural communities
✔ Save $5,000-$15,000
Professional guidance at affordable rates vs. traditional advisory services