What is a Small Business Worth?

The decision to buy or sell a business is a major life event. Led by business sale expert Arnie Hendricks, this workshop will help anyone looking to sell – or buy – a business increase their chances of success. Taught from the perspective of the seller, Arnie will walk you through the process of business valuation, how to prepare for a successful transition, and the steps you can take to increase the value and sellability of your business.

Even if you are not planning to sell immediately, this workshop will teach savvy business owners what steps they need to take to build value in their business so that when they are ready to exit, they are clear on their business value and are positioned to get what they want from the sale.

Planning to buy a business? This workshop will give you expert insight into how to analyze a business's true value, negotiate more effectively and make an informed purchasing decision.

You will uncover several key elements that need to be considered in the business sale process, such as:

• Clarifying your objectives: why would you want to sell (or buy)?

• What is an exit strategy and why do you need one (even if you are a young business)?

• What factors go into a business’ value & what is your business worth today?

• How to identify potential buyers and understand their motivation

• Determine whether a “value gap” exists at present - i.e. is the value of the business lower than what you need to get out of it in a sale?

• Actions you can take to help increase the value of your business

• The importance of strengthening your management team - as potential buyers or to add value to your company

This session is ideal for anyone who is:

• Looking to exit out of their business with additional value beyond closing their doors

• Hoping to buy a business in the future and you want to gain a deeper understanding of how businesses are valued (so that you can be a better negotiator!)

An existing business owner who may not know their long-term exit strategy but wants to build more value in their business - so that when it comes time to sell, all that hard work is worth more than just the fire sale of inventory and assets. The earlier you have a plan in place, the better!

Clatsop Community College SBDC workshops are not eligible for continuing education credits and we will not be able to issue any certificates of completion or provide similar statements or documentation.