Business Succession Support
The Thunder Bay & District Entrepreneur Centre supports two programs, Succession Pathways and Succession Ontario, designed to help business owners navigate the process of buying, selling, or transitioning a business.
Whether you’re preparing to pass your business on to new ownership, exploring opportunities to purchase an existing business, or planning for the future, these programs offer valuable resources, tools, and guidance to help support a smooth and successful transition.
Explore the two programs below to find the support that best fits your business needs.
Succession Pathways
Succession Pathways is a confidential advisory program designed to help Northern Ontario businesses navigate the complex process of succession planning. With over 70% of Canadian businesses operating without a formal succession plan, the risk of disruption or closure is significant—especially in smaller, regional economies.
This program connects business owners with experienced advisors to support thoughtful, strategic transitions. Whether it’s understanding the value and growth potential of a business, identifying future leadership, or preparing for ownership transfer, Succession Pathways provides the tools, education, and one-on-one guidance needed to ensure long-term business continuity.
Through a discreet and coordinated approach, Succession Pathways empowers businesses to plan for the future—securely, confidently, and on their own terms.
How it works
Step 1: Book a short virtual meeting (MS Team) with our Sr. Business Development Officer by clicking the button below.
Step 2: Get matched with a subject matter expert for a free 1-hour consultation.
Step 3: Receive a report from the expert.
Optional: Business owners may schedule up to two additional follow-up meetings with the advisor. Please note: After a total of three appointments, any further meetings will not be covered by the CEDC
Access support for these services
Business valuation, accounting & financial services
Legal Services
Strategic planning and advisory services
Other areas of relevant expertise
Sucession Ontario
Succession Ontario is a free business transition planning hub that helps Ontario’s small business owners prepare for what is next. Whether selling to a third party, transferring the business to family or employees, or winding down, Succession Ontario provides practical tools, self paced modules, virtual workshops and a free business valuation estimate to help owners plan ahead with confidence.
Free Tools and Resources Built for You
Through Succession Ontario, you have access to a growing library of free, self-paced resources designed specifically for small and micro-business owners:
• Online learning modules that walk you through the succession planning process step by step, at your own pace
• A free business valuation estimates to help you understand what your business may be worth in today’s market
• Practical planning tools for building a transition roadmap, preparing your financials, and assembling your advisory team
• Guidance on your exit options, including transferring to family, selling to employees or a third party, and wind-downs
Everything is free, practical, and built to meet you wherever you are in your journey!
OSBAC programs and services are delivered by the Thunder Bay and District Entrepreneur Centre and are funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario.
