Is 2026 the Year To Sell Your Business? Start Preparing Now
The New Year brings fresh possibilities for business owners. While many are setting goals and planning growth, some of you are thinking bigger: What if 2026 is the year I exit?
If selling your business is on your radar, the start of 2026 is the ideal time to begin laying the groundwork. Owners who start early gain leverage, attract serious buyers, and ultimately close better deals.
Here’s what you need to know to get started.
Preparation Starts Now
The biggest mistake first-time sellers make? Underestimating how long the sales process actually takes and how thoroughly buyers will scrutinize the business.
Most business owners are exceptional at running their companies. But selling a business requires a different skill set entirely. That’s why preparation is critical.
What should you prepare?
- Your numbers: Understand your financials inside and out
- Your goals: Know what success looks like for you personally
- Your deal preferences: What type of buyer, structure, and timeline work best for you?
- Your team: Begin assembling the advisors who will guide you through the process
The more you plan in advance, the easier it becomes for buyers to make serious offers, and the more leverage you’ll have when negotiations get real.
Assemble Your Deal Team Early
Running a successful business doesn’t automatically make you qualified to sell it. The right deal team fills knowledge gaps and provides trusted advocates throughout the entire process.
If you’re considering an exit in 2026, now is the perfect time to start conversations with a trusted M&A Advisor. Even if you don’t engage someone immediately, being proactive allows you to build relationships before you need them. When the time comes to move forward, you’ll already have trusted advisors in your corner.
Know Your Numbers
The sales process involves significant accounting and financial review. But to get started, focus on two critical numbers:
- What is your business worth today? A strategic estimate from a qualified M&A Advisory Firm can provide clarity without requiring a formal valuation at this stage.
- What do you need to live comfortably after the sale? This personal financial goal is essential—your business value needs to align with your life goals.
Understanding how your business valuation compares to your post-sale financial needs is foundational to planning a successful exit.
Your Guide To Planning Your Exit
Know, Fix, Plan
If you’re in the early stages of planning an exit, don’t overthink it. This simple three-step model breaks the process into manageable pieces:
- Know where you stand: What’s your business worth? What’s your post-sale number? Where are your blind spots?
- Fix what buyers will flag: Common issues include owner dependency, customer concentration, unclear books, or undocumented systems. Addressing these now—while stakes are low—makes your business more attractive to buyers.
- Plan the path forward: What’s your ideal timing? Who needs to be on your team? How will you prepare the business (and yourself) for a clean transition?
This ensures you build a strong foundation before going to market.
The “Life 2.0” Lens
It’s easy to get tunnel vision on valuation and deal structure. But the most successful exits are anchored to something bigger: your life after the business.
This flips the focus from the company to you—the person behind it. What does your next chapter look like? Will you fully retire, launch a new venture, stay on as an advisor, or spend more time with family?
When you have a clear picture of what you want next, structuring a deal that supports that future becomes straightforward. Your post-sale life becomes the North Star that guides your exit strategy.
The Bottom Line
2026 may be your year to exit. If it is, the time to prepare is now. Whether you’re seriously considering a sale or simply exploring the possibility, the beginning of the year is the perfect time to take the first step.
Ready to explore your options? Contact Marsh Creek Advisors and learn how to sell your business in today’s market. Their team has closed hundreds of transactions and has helped business owners like you achieve exits on their terms.