Let’s face it — today’s economic landscape is anything but predictable. Inflation, interest rate
fluctuations, geopolitical tensions, and shifting consumer behaviours have all left Canadian
business owners wondering what the future holds. For many entrepreneurs in Alberta, the
question isn't just how to grow their business in this climate — it's whether now might actually
be the best time to exit.
At Alberta Business Sales, we’re seeing a noticeable uptick in qualified buyers actively
searching for well-established, Alberta-based businesses. If you’ve been on the fence about
selling, 2025 might be the window of opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
Here are the top 5 reasons why now is the time to consider selling your business:
1.High Buyer Demand in Alberta
There’s never been a better time to capitalize on the market interest. Alberta Business Sales has
seen a 28% increase in buyer inquiries in Q1 2025 alone compared to the same period last year.
Why? Alberta’s lower corporate tax rate, strong resource sector, and diversified economy are
attracting investors from across Canada — and beyond.
From oil & gas services to manufacturing and professional services, buyers are eyeing Alberta as
a growth-friendly, business-positive environment. If you own a stable, cash-flow-positive
business, the pool of potential buyers is deeper than ever.
2. Boomers Are Exiting — And That Creates Opportunity
Canada is in the midst of a generational business shift. According to BDC, over 60% of small
business owners in Canada are over the age of 50, and many are preparing to retire. As a
result, the market is becoming saturated with businesses for sale — but timing is everything.
Selling before the market becomes oversupplied gives you a competitive edge and the
opportunity to command a premium valuation.
3. Favorable Capital Gains Tax Environment Maintained
Recent developments have solidified a more favorable tax environment for business sellers. On
March 21, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the cancellation of a proposed increase in the capital gains inclusion rate, which was set to rise from 50% to 66%. This decision ensures
that business owners will continue to benefit from the existing lower tax rate on capital gains.
Additionally, the federal government has maintained the increased lifetime capital gains
exemption limit of C$1.25 million for the sale of small business shares, as well as farming and
fishing properties. This exemption allows sellers to shield a significant portion of their gains
from taxation, potentially increasing the net proceeds from the sale.
With these favorable tax conditions preserved, 2025 presents an opportune time for Alberta
business owners to consider selling, maximizing after-tax returns while the current policies
remain in effect.
4. Alberta’s Resilience Stands Out
Despite global uncertainty, Alberta has shown remarkable economic resilience. The province’s
GDP growth is projected at 2.5% in 2025, outpacing the national average. With strong
population growth, increased interprovincial migration, and a surge in entrepreneurial activity,
Alberta remains a top province for small business success.
Selling in a province with positive forward momentum gives buyers more confidence — and that
can translate to stronger offers.
5. Peace of Mind & Freedom to Explore What's Next
Let’s not forget: selling your business isn’t just a financial decision — it’s a lifestyle one. Many
Alberta business owners are looking to de-risk, rebalance, or pursue new ventures after years of
grinding through unpredictable market cycles.
Exiting now, while your business is strong and buyers are motivated, gives you the chance to
maximize your return and start your next chapter with confidence.
Is 2025 Your Year to Exit?
Selling a business is never an easy decision — but it can be the smartest one you make. With strong buyer demand, potential tax advantages, and Alberta’s economic outlook, this year offers a unique blend of opportunity and urgency.
At Alberta Business Sales, we specialize in helping owners navigate every step of the sale process — from valuation to closing — with confidentiality and care.
Let’s talk about whether now is your time to sell.
Looking for a free, no-obligation market assessment? Let’s talk about how your business might
look through the eyes of a potential buyer — and whether 2025 could be the right time to make
your next move.
Heather Miller General Manager, Alberta Business Sales and Commercial Ventures
Buying or selling a business? Congrats! Now comes the fun part—due diligence. Alright, maybe "fun" isn't the right word, but it’s absolutely necessary. Think of it as inspecting a used car before you buy it—except instead of kicking the tires, you’re kicking the financials, legal contracts, and operational risks. Let’s break it down.
1.Have a Game Plan
Due diligence isn’t a race—it’s a marathon. Expect it to take one to three months, during which the buyer will scrutinize every detail of the business. The Letter of Intent (LOI) sets the stage, outlining what’s being reviewed and granting access to records, key employees, and even the office coffee machine (maybe).
Before diving in, buyers should ask:
Raising concerns early avoids last-minute drama (and trust me, no one likes last-minute drama in business deals).
2. Assemble the A-Team
You wouldn’t fix your own plumbing unless you’re a pro, right? The same logic applies to business deals. Surround yourself with experts:
Having pros on board saves you from headaches (and expensive mistakes).
3. Dig Into the Details
Due diligence comes in three flavors:
a. Commercial Due Diligence (a.k.a. “How Does This Business Actually Make Money?”)
b. Financial Due Diligence (a.k.a. “Show Me the Money”)
c. Legal Due Diligence (a.k.a. “Avoiding Lawsuits 101”)
4. Why Sellers Should Be Ready
Sellers, don’t get caught off guard! Having everything organized can:
And just like buyers are assembling their team of experts, sellers need to rally their own crew. That means getting your accountant, lawyer, and any other key advisors prepped and ready for action.
Not sure when to bring them into the mix? That’s where a business broker comes in handy. They can loop in your team at the right time and help ensure a smooth transition. Think of them as the quarterback calling the plays—so you can focus on selling your business instead of fumbling through paperwork.
A business broker can help get your ducks in a row before buyers start asking the tough questions.
5. Close Smart and Minimize Surprises
No deal is 100% risk-free, but good due diligence minimizes “uh-oh” moments after closing. Buyers can negotiate seller guarantees, while sellers can use organized records to justify pricing and keep the process moving smoothly.
At the end of the day, due diligence is about making smart, informed decisions—not just crossing fingers and hoping for the best. With the right team, preparation, and a bit of patience, you’ll be on your way to a successful business transition (and hopefully, some well-earned champagne afterward).
Heather Miller General Manager, Alberta Business Sales and Commercial Ventures
When it comes to selling a business in rural Alberta, business owners face a unique set of challenges. Smaller communities present different market dynamics that require careful planning, strategy, and expertise. At Alberta Business Sales, we specialize in helping business owners navigate these complexities to ensure a successful and rewarding sale.
Let’s explore the distinct challenges of selling your business in smaller markets:
How Alberta Business Sales Adds Value and Solutions
At Alberta Business Sales, we understand the unique dynamics of smaller communities and offer tailored solutions to overcome these challenges. Here’s how we help:
Smaller cities offer distinct advantages for buyers:
Selling your business in a smaller city does not have to be an uphill battle. With the right partner, you can navigate the challenges, unlock hidden opportunities, and secure the best possible outcome for your hard-earned investment. Alberta Business Sales works with you to craft a compelling story that highlights these benefits and attracts the right buyer.
Andrew Earle Broker, Alberta Business Sales and Commercial Ventures
Client Overview
Alberta Business Sales (ABS) worked with a small digital marketing company that specialized in providing SEO, social media management, and content marketing services. With a well-established client base and a reputation for delivering results, the business was positioned for growth but required new ownership to reach the next level.
The Buyer
The buyer was an entrepreneur in the same industry, running a business that offered complementary services such as web development and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. They saw the acquisition as an opportunity to expand their offerings and provide a one-stop solution to clients of both businesses.
The Challenge
Although the business had strong financials and a loyal client base, the buyer market in the digital marketing space is often price-sensitive. Securing the seller’s asking price required careful negotiation and a deal structure that would appeal to the buyer. As a service-based business with limited tangible assets, securing bank financing for this purchase presented a significant challenge. Currently, most financial institutions show limited appetite for businesses of this nature or size.
The Solution
ABS identified early in the process that flexibility in deal structure could be a key factor in securing the asking price. Working closely with the seller, ABS proposed incorporating a seller financing arrangement to support the goodwill portion of the business. This demonstrated the seller's confidence in the business's continued success under new ownership and reduced the buyer's upfront financial burden. The transaction was structured with a combination of cash at closing and seller financing, accounting for 100% of the deal. This approach provided the seller with a more secure position, as they were not subordinate to any senior debt that might have otherwise been involved.
The Outcome
The deal closed with the seller receiving their full asking price, thanks to the balanced structure that included seller financing for a portion of the goodwill. Both parties benefited from the arrangement:
Key Takeaways
Conclusion
This case highlights the importance of flexibility and strategic alignment in successful business sales. Alberta Business Sales is proud to have facilitated this win-win transaction, enabling both buyer and seller to achieve their objectives while ensuring the business’s continued growth.
Heather Miller General Manager, Alberta Business Sales and Commercial Ventures
Jay Barrett Broker, Alberta Business Sales and Commercial Ventures
Working as a business broker has given me the chance to witness firsthand the intricate, emotional, and multifaceted world of business ownership transitions. Every deal is unique, and every client has left an impression on how I approach this profession. Here are some key lessons I’ve learned, based on real-world experiences.
1. The Importance of Flexibility: Navigating the Emotional and Practical Aspects
Selling a business is not just a financial transaction—it’s deeply personal. Business owners often view their companies as extensions of themselves, having invested countless hours, resources, and emotional energy into building them. Therefore, when it comes time to sell, there is often a natural resistance to certain changes or suggestions, particularly regarding price or business valuation. Fear of the unknown can lead to rigid stances on key elements of the deal.
For instance, I’ve learned that many sellers start out with a strong belief in a fixed sale price, largely influenced by their emotional attachment to the business or preconceived ideas about its worth. While confidence in your business is important, so is flexibility. Market conditions, buyer perceptions, and deal structure flexibility can all play a significant role in closing a successful transaction. In one deal, for example, the buyer proposed an earn-out structure—where part of the payment is contingent on the business’s future performance. While this initially seemed risky to the seller, it ultimately provided a solution that aligned with both parties’ goals. Flexibility in deal structures such as this can bridge gaps in price expectations and ease concerns about business continuity post-sale.
Another area where flexibility is crucial is in receiving and accepting feedback. A buyer may perceive the business differently than the seller, identifying areas of improvement or potential risks that hadn’t been previously considered. For the seller, hearing critiques about something they’ve built can be difficult, but it’s essential to separate emotions from business. What may seem like harsh criticism is often an opportunity to better position the business for sale and may reveal aspects that enhance the value in ways previously overlooked. Being open to this type of feedback is often the difference between a prolonged listing and a successful sale.
2. Documentation and Organization: Preparing for Buyer Scrutiny
One of the most common challenges I’ve encountered is the lack of organized, clear financial records and essential business documents. Business owners are often so focused on the daily operations—keeping clients happy, managing staff, and handling the never-ending stream of tasks—that administrative duties like organizing financials or updating legal documents take a backseat. While understandable, this can create significant barriers when it’s time to sell.
Buyers often make decisions based on clear and easily digestible financial data. In many instances, however, sellers are unprepared to present up-to-date financials, corporate minute books, or accurate asset and inventory lists. A buyer’s due diligence process hinges on having access to this type of data to validate the seller’s claims about the business’s profitability and future prospects.
To give an example, I’ve seen potential deals slow to a crawl simply because the business’s financial statements were disorganized, or worse, incomplete. It’s not just about having a profit and loss statement; it’s about ensuring these numbers are consistent and verifiable. Buyers want to see stability over time, and discrepancies or missing information create doubt. An ounce of preparation truly does go a long way in expediting the process and increasing a buyer’s confidence.
Statistically, businesses that present organized financial data can reduce the time spent on due diligence by nearly 50%. In a market where many buyers are looking for quick, clean acquisitions, the readiness of these documents can be the difference between closing a deal in three months or losing buyer interest altogether.
3. Business Owners Want a Partner: More Than Just a Transaction
Selling a business can often feel like stepping into uncharted territory for most owners. The uncertainty around valuation, deal structure, and the future of their business post-sale creates stress and anxiety. Many owners I’ve worked with aren’t just looking for a transaction—they’re looking for someone to be there with them, to help guide and reassure them through the process.
This is one of the reasons why, at Alberta Business Sales, we pride ourselves on truly being in the trenches with our clients. Selling a business is a complex, multi-step process, and business owners appreciate having someone to turn to when obstacles arise. A business broker's role isn’t just to find buyers; it’s to stand by the seller, helping navigate negotiations, identifying potential pitfalls, and providing clarity in what can often feel like a sea of confusion.
I’ve seen many instances where sellers initially feel overwhelmed by the sale process but later find relief in knowing they have a team guiding them step-by-step. Whether it’s explaining market trends, walking through deal structures, or simply providing emotional support during those tough conversations, being in the trenches with our clients is what ultimately builds trust and gets deals done. According to industry data, businesses sold through brokers that offer comprehensive support are 2-3 times more likely to close compared to businesses sold without professional assistance.
In conclusion, selling a business is never just about numbers. It’s a deeply personal process, and every client has taught me the importance of flexibility, preparation, and partnership. If you’re considering selling your business and don’t know where to begin, know that you don’t have to do it alone. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get in the trenches together. After all, you’ve already done the hard part of building your business—now, let’s make sure you get the reward for all that hard work.
Heather Miller General Manager, Alberta Business Sales and Commercial Ventures
When selling a business, owners can often feel defensive about how potential buyers assess and value the company. This is understandable, as many owners have spent years—sometimes their entire careers—building a business that supports them. Receiving an offer that seems lower than expected can be difficult for an owner to accept, as it doesn’t always align with their personal sense of the business’s worth. So, how do buyers and sellers come together to agree on a fair price?
Key Factors in Determining Business Value:
Many factors play a role in determining a company's value, but one of the most critical metrics is EBITDA, which stands for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization. EBITDA focuses on a company’s primary earnings by excluding debt costs, taxes, and non-cash items like depreciation and amortization. Essentially, it measures how much money a company makes from its regular operations, without considering external financial factors.
Not only is EBITDA a useful tool for buyers in determining a business’s profitability, but lenders also rely on it to gauge whether the company can meet future debt obligations.
Why Owners Should Understand EBITDA Adjustments:
It’s essential for business owners to know how to calculate EBITDA and account for any necessary adjustments. Adjustments are typically made for non-recurring, non-operational, or unusual expenses, allowing owners to present a clearer picture of the company’s financial health. These adjustments, known as normalizations, help showcase the business's true operating performance.
For example, normalizations could include:
Determining a company’s adjusted EBITDA is crucial for showing potential buyers the company’s core profitability. Buyers often base their offers on a multiple of these earnings, so the more accurately an owner can present and justify their adjusted EBITDA, the better their chances of securing a higher offer.
How EBITDA Differs from Cash Flow:
While EBITDA is a useful measure of operational performance, it’s important to understand how it differs from cash flow. It provides a snapshot of how well a company is doing from an operational standpoint, but it doesn’t account for actual cash moving in and out of the business.
Cash flow, on the other hand, reflects the actual cash generated or consumed by the business over a specific period. It includes operational earnings, but also factors in:
In other words, cash flow provides a more comprehensive picture of the financial health of a company because it considers both operational and non-operational cash movements. While EBITDA may show profitability, strong cash flow is necessary to ensure that a business can meet its financial obligations, reinvest, or return capital to shareholders.
In summary, EBITDA gives an owner and potential buyer insight into a business's profitability, while cash flow offers a broader understanding of the company’s financial flexibility. Both are important in the negotiation process, but it’s essential not to confuse one for the other when assessing value. Determining a business's value is complex and requires evaluating multiple factors, including EBITDA, industry trends, the financial landscape, and the business's location.
For expert guidance on valuing your business, contact Alberta Business Sales today.
Jay Barrett Broker, Alberta Business Sales and Commercial Ventures
In 2023 Calgary has seen a large influx in population growth. This growth is not just from foreign immigration, but mainly inter-provincially with the most popular migrants coming from Vancouver and Toronto. In 2023 Calgary grew by 6%, or 96,000 new citizens; this outpaces all other cities in Canada. So why is Calgary the most popular destination in Canada and what does this mean in the Business Acquisition Industry?
Calgary is known as a major center for the energy industry, providing a stable foundation for the local economy. However, Calgary has diversified beyond energy, and now has an economy encompassing sectors like technology, healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing. Further, as of 2023, Calgary saw a record-high of 15,393 new homes built. This has created ample opportunities in new-home construction and residential targeted industries. The city's continued economic growth and development create ample opportunities for businesses to thrive.
So, what does this mean if you are looking to sell or purchase a business? Quite frankly, it means now is a great time to sell. There are many purchasers with their eyes on Alberta and Calgary and this includes a wide range of types of buyers. From individual and family buyers to private equity groups to strategic buyers who are looking to expand their current operations into a new market. About half of the buyers I work with are Albertans, with the other half coming out of country and out of province. This means many options for you as a seller and a much greater chance to find the right fit to continue your business and legacy.
For a purchaser it’s also great news. A growing market means more options available for purchase. A growing and diversified Calgary means many strong industries to choose from as well as many growth opportunities. Almost all of my current listings that are located in the Calgary greater area are either experiencing single month revenue highs, 5-10% revenue growth year over year and increased profitability as well. There are many long-standing Calgary businesses that are ready for a new owner to take them to new heights. Calgary is a very exciting place to be right now.
If you have been considering selling your business in the Calgary area and need help to navigate the process, reach out today!
Craig Panek Broker, Alberta Business Sales and Commercial Ventures
Selling a business is a significant milestone for any business owner. It can be the peak years of hard work and dedication, but the process can also be challenging. Understanding the common pain points can help business owners prepare better and navigate the complexities of a sale.
Here are some of the most common issues business owners encounter when selling their business:
Buyers also consider non-financial criteria, such as:
5. Transition Planning: Post-sale transition is often overlooked. Ensuring a smooth handover to a new owner is critical for the business’s continuity. This involves training, transferring key relationships, and many times staying on for a period to aid the transition.
A Cautionary Tale: The Importance of Proper Financial Preparation
Over the past 16 years, Alberta Business Sales has seen every type of business, and we can help owners address their concerns as they move to sell their business. One particular case stands out, illustrating the importance of meticulous financial preparation.
John, the owner of a successful manufacturing company, decided it was time to sell. Alberta Business Sales worked with John to find a suitable buyer, and both parties were eager to close the deal. However, when the buyer sought financing, the bank encountered significant issues.
Upon reviewing John's financial statements, the bank found them to be incomplete and somewhat disorganized. Cash flow was not clearly delineated, making it difficult to ascertain the true profitability of the business. There were discrepancies in reported earnings, and some expenses seemed to be missing or inaccurately categorized. Due to these financial irregularities, the bank could not confidently assess the value of the business or project future earnings. This uncertainty led the bank to deny the financing request, as the risk was too high without a clear understanding of the business's financial health.
This setback caused the deal to fall through, leaving both John and the buyer frustrated. This situation could have been avoided with better financial preparation and organization.
Selling a business can be a complex process. Being aware of these common pain points allows business owners to better prepare and address potential challenges. Seeking professional advice and planning thoroughly can help ensure a smoother, more successful sale. By navigating these pain points effectively, business owners can achieve a favorable outcome that honors their hard work. If you have been considering selling your business and need help to navigate the process, reach out today!
Heather Miller General Manager, Alberta Business Sales and Commercial Ventures
In most of the transactions we do here at Alberta Business Sales, there’s a bank involved. Financial Institutions such as ATB, RBC, BMO, and BDC are oftentimes integral in the ability to fund the purchase of a business. But when in a transaction is the right time to approach the bank? What documents will you need to get funding? Are some banks better than others to work with? Let’s take a look at some of the best practices we’ve learned in our 16 years of business at Alberta Business Sales.
When Should I Talk To The Bank?
The best time for you to begin talking to lenders is as early as possible. It’s good to have an idea where you stand in terms of your ability to acquire lending on a business early in the process. However, before reaching out to a lender, it is likely worth talking to the broker who is taking care of your file. They can help you understand the structure of a deal that might be acceptable to a buyer, which will be important information for the bank. As well, brokers often have relationships with lenders that can help make sure you are approaching the right people, who are not only capable of funding the deal, but are also able to do so in a timely manner.
What Documents Will I Need?
Different banks will have different requirements for what documents are going to be needed, and when in the process they will be required, but in general you should make sure your able to show a bank:
Different lenders will have different requirements, but here is an overview of some of the documents you may be asking to provide throughout the process:
If you’re working with Alberta Business Sales and planning to buy one of the businesses we have listed, often times a number of the documents required are covered by our Overview and Confidential Business Profile, which provides comprehensive information on the business that is for sale, their financial status, and what structures may be appropriate for the transaction.
Are Some Financial Institution’s Better Than Others?
Different financial institutions are willing to lend on business purchases in different ways. Each bank will have rules on how they do cash flow and asset lending. Some banks are more willing to provide cash flow lending, and some will almost only provide capital for asset purchases. If one bank turns you down, it is still likely worth your time to try out multiple places, as their different criteria is part of what differentiates them in the marketplace.
If you’re not quite sure who the best bank to start with would be, or if you don’t know who to talk to at those banks, reach out to us today. One of our brokers would be happy to help guide you through the process.
Getting your deal funded is an essential part of any acquisition. If you’re looking at purchasing a business, but have questions about the process, or want to know who you should approach in order to get funding, talking with one of our brokers would be a great place to start.
Rob Schaeffer Broker, Alberta Business Sales and Commercial Ventures
Working in a family business can be a rewarding yet complex experience, blending professional roles with personal relationships. From shared history and values to conflicting interests and dynamics, the challenges and benefits of family businesses create a distinctive work environment that requires careful navigation.
Those that are involved in a family business need to be mindful of a number of challenges that may arise. One of the most significant challenges in family business is managing the emotional dynamics. Personal disagreements or family issues can spill over into professional decisions, leading to conflicts that may not present themselves in non-family businesses. Other challenges such as balancing roles and conflict resolution can create tension, affect productivity, and potentially hinder business growth. Distinguishing between what's best for the business and what's best for the family can prove to be difficult. Decisions that prioritize family harmony may not always align with what is optimal for business strategies.
Being a part of a family business also comes with its own set of benefits, such as shared values and a different level of trust and loyalty. Working in a family business often comes with a sense of pride in carrying forward a legacy. They also often prioritize long-term relationships with employees, customers, and stakeholders. All of this can lead to sustainable growth and enduring success.
There are several strategies that can help family businesses mitigate challenges and lean into the benefits presented:
At Alberta Business Sales and Commercial Ventures, we are currently seeing a trend of a decline in the number of businesses that are transitioning to younger generations, which can be a tricky situation for a family to navigate. Balancing the desire to preserve a family legacy with the reality that not everyone may share that same interest. Operating with open communication and understanding the different perspectives of all parties involved will allow the entire family to navigate the challenges of passing on a legacy when the next generation isn't interested.
Working in a family business offers a unique blend of challenges and benefits. By navigating emotional dynamics, fostering trust, and embracing strategic planning, family businesses can harness their strengths and build a legacy of enduring success.
Our team at Commercial Ventures and Alberta Business Sales have expertise in navigating the specific scenarios that can present themselves to family business, and we can provide support throughout the entire transition whether you are in the planning stage, actively selling to a family member or employee, or if you would like to explore your other options for a sale.
Madison Sloan Chief Operations Officer, Alberta Business Sales and Commercial Ventures
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