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CEPA Certified Exit Planning Advisors

Exit Planning Done Right

The only business broker office with CEPA certified exit planners in Illinois, serving clients across Illinois and Missouri. We help business owners maximize value, assess readiness, and execute successful transitions.

Why Exit Planning Matters

70%of businesses that sell without exit planning are not positioned to maximize buyer attraction
83%have no formal transition plan in place
50%of business value can be lost without proper planning

Exit planning isn't just about selling your business—it's about ensuring the legacy you've built continues, maximizing the value you've created, and transitioning to the next chapter of your life with confidence and financial security.

What is CEPA Certification?

Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) is the gold standard in exit planning credentials. Our CEPA certified advisors have completed rigorous training in the comprehensive framework for helping business owners successfully transition out of their businesses.

Grand Business Brokers is proud to be one of the only CEPA certified teams in Illinois and Missouri, bringing world-class exit planning expertise to local business owners.

Comprehensive Exit Assessments

Our proprietary assessment framework evaluates every dimension of your exit readiness, providing actionable insights and a clear roadmap to a successful transition.

Business Readiness Assessment

Evaluate 22 key factors across financial performance, operations, marketing, and compliance to determine your business's operational readiness for a successful exit.

Personal Readiness Assessment

Assess your personal preparedness across planning goals, financial independence, estate planning, and transition readiness to ensure you're truly ready for this life change.

Business Attractiveness Assessment

Understand how potential buyers view your business by evaluating 25 factors including market position, growth forecast, and investment appeal.

Comprehensive Exit Questionnaire

Complete a thorough evaluation covering personal goals, tax planning, company operations, ownership structure, financials, and legal compliance.

Intelligent Planning Tools

Our advanced technology platform delivers personalized insights and recommendations that help you make smarter decisions about your exit strategy.

AI-Powered Insights Dashboard

Receive ROI-prioritized recommendations tailored specifically to your business situation, not generic advice.

What-If Scenario Explorer

Model different business decisions and see their potential impact on your exit value before committing.

Intelligent Action Plans

Get timeline-based roadmaps with Quick Wins, Near-Term, Strategic, and Long-Term initiatives prioritized by impact.

Professional Reports

Generate comprehensive Exit Strategy Reports, Assessment Summaries, and Exit Value Action Plans with AI-powered insights.

Your Exit Planning Timeline

The best time to start exit planning is years before you intend to sell. Here's how we help you prepare at every stage.

5+ Years Out

Strategic Foundation

  • Assess current business value
  • Identify value drivers
  • Begin long-term improvements
  • Build management team
3-5 Years Out

Value Building

  • Implement growth initiatives
  • Reduce owner dependency
  • Strengthen financial records
  • Address operational gaps
1-3 Years Out

Exit Preparation

  • Finalize exit strategy
  • Complete all assessments
  • Prepare business profile
  • Engage professional advisors
Exit Year

Transaction Execution

  • Launch to market
  • Manage buyer process
  • Navigate due diligence
  • Close successfully

What You'll Gain

Clarity on Readiness

Know exactly where your business stands with comprehensive scoring across multiple dimensions.

Strategic Direction

Receive prioritized, actionable recommendations that move the needle on your business value.

Progress Tracking

Monitor improvements over time and see tangible results from your exit planning efforts.

Professional Documentation

Access polished reports perfect for decision-making, advisor discussions, and planning sessions.

Ready to Plan Your Exit?

Don't leave your business legacy to chance. Work with one of the only CEPA certified exit planning teams in Illinois and Missouri to maximize your business value and ensure a successful transition.

Exit Planning FAQs for Illinois Business Owners

When should I start exit planning?

Ideally, exit planning should begin 3-5 years before you intend to sell. This gives you time to maximize business value, reduce owner dependency, and ensure a smooth transition. However, it's never too late to start planning.

What is a CEPA certified advisor?

CEPA (Certified Exit Planning Advisor) is the premier credential for exit planning professionals. CEPA certified advisors have completed rigorous training in helping business owners successfully transition out of their businesses while maximizing value.

How much can exit planning increase my business value?

Proper exit planning can increase business value by 20-100% or more by identifying and addressing value drivers, reducing risk factors, and positioning the business attractively for buyers. Our assessments help identify specific opportunities for your business.