The Business Transition & Succession Planning Summit
Practical Strategies for Succession, Sale, and Success
One day. Expert Insights Into Getting Your Company Ready for Transition.
Clear strategies to prepare your business—and yourself—for the future.
November 25, 2025 | S³PACE Event Venue | 205 Placer Court, North York| 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Why Attend
Every business will eventually transition—scale, step back, or sell. The question is: will you be ready?
This one-day summit equips business owners and leaders with the foresight, strategies, and expert insights needed to prepare for what’s next. From small family-owned businesses to larger enterprises, you’ll gain practical guidance on exit strategies, valuations, legal and financial planning, governance, and the human dynamics of passing the baton.
Who Should Attend
The Business Transition & Succession Planning Summit is designed for business owners and senior leaders who want to take control of what comes next. Whether you’re two years or ten years away from a transition, this event will equip you with the tools, knowledge, and strategies to:
Future-Proof your Business
Maximizing Your Exit Value
Prepare for the Personal and Financial Realities of Moving into the Next Chapter
Ideal For:
Business Owners (SMEs to Mid-Market)
Founders Preparing to Exit
Family Business Leaders
C-Suite Executives
Advisors (Legal, Financial, HR, Strategy)
Investors & Acquirers
EVENT SCHEDULE
Click on each session to view full details
Every Business Transitions – Will You Be Ready?
Speaker: Terry Mocherniak, Apex Capital Advisors
Prepare your business for the future. This keynote covers the steps every owner should take now to ensure a smooth transition and maximize value.
No matter the size or stage of your company, one certainty remains: every business will eventually transition – whether its a sale, management buyout, or succession plan for your kids. The question is whether you’ll be prepared and will you maximize your exit value.
In this keynote, Terry Mocherniak will draw on real-world experience in building and selling his own business to show why planning your exit isn’t something to leave for “someday.” From the sales process and key value drivers to the hidden costs of poor preparation, you’ll learn practical steps to position your business for a successful transition. So whether you are a small family owned business, a venture backed start-up or a more mature mid-sized business, this session will highlight both the pitfalls and best practices of succession planning.
Attendees will walk away with clarity on:
- Why every owner needs a transition plan—even years in advance
- How to get your business ready for a sale
- What buyers look for in due diligence
- The factors that most impact business valuation
- How to avoid the most common (and costly) M & A mistakes
- Most importantly, how to get a deal over the finish line
Session Sponsored By:
Enjoy light refreshments and an opportunity to connect with fellow business owners and advisors.
Financial Considerations for Transition
Explore the key financial factors that impact business value, tax considerations, and how to get your financial house ready for a sale.
Prepare your business for a successful transition by understanding the financial factors that drive value and deal readiness. This session will provide a high-level overview of the key financial considerations every business owner should address before selling or scaling:
- How businesses are generally valued and the factors that impact valuation
- Tax planning strategies and important tax considerations in a transaction
- The financial information buyers typically require during due diligence
- Steps to get your financial house in order for a smooth transition
- The role and value of a CFO or financial advisor in the sales process
Attendees will leave with practical insights to help position their business for maximum value while minimizing surprises during a transition.
Legal Considerations for Transition
Understand deal structures, legal due diligence, and common pitfalls to avoid during ownership transitions.
Successfully transitioning your business requires careful attention to legal factors that can make or break a deal. This session provides a practical overview of the key legal considerations every business owner should understand before a sale, succession, or ownership transition:
- Differences between asset and share purchases and what they mean for your business
- Typical deal structures and how they impact both buyers and sellers
- Common due diligence risks and how to prepare for them
- The top 10 legal issues to watch for during a transaction
- Steps to get your legal house in order for a smooth transition
Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the legal landscape surrounding business transitions and learn how to protect both themselves and their business during this critical stage.
Connect with peers, speakers, and sponsors while enjoying lunch.
Building a Business That Runs Without You
Learn how to transition-proof your operations, retain key talent, and ensure your business thrives even after you step back.
Creating a business that thrives beyond your daily involvement is essential for a smooth transition and long-term success. This session will provide practical guidance on designing operations and teams that can sustain the business through ownership or leadership changes:
- Transition-proofing your operations with systems and processes that outlast the founder
- Understanding how buyers evaluate your team and operations during due diligence
- Strategies to retain and incentivize key talent during ownership or leadership transitions
Attendees will learn how to position their business for continuity, maintain operational excellence, and ensure that both the company and its people remain strong through change.
Preparing Your Personal Finances Before You Exit
Get guidance on tax planning, wealth management, estate planning, and leaving a lasting legacy.
Speaker: Scott Syrja
Successfully transitioning out of your business requires careful personal financial planning to ensure you maximize the value of your exit and protect your legacy. This session will cover key considerations for business owners preparing for life after ownership:
- Tax planning strategies to minimize liabilities during and after the transition
- Wealth management and estate planning considerations for long-term security
- Planning for a financial legacy for your family or chosen causes
- Strategies to align personal and business financial goals
- Insights on managing liquidity, investments, and retirement planning during a business exit
Attendees will leave with actionable guidance on preparing their personal finances to support a smooth transition, protect their wealth, and ensure financial stability for the next chapter of life.
Session Sponsored By:
Beyond the Business – What Comes Next?
Hear real-life transition stories, explore life after ownership, and navigate the personal and emotional aspects of moving into your next chapter.
Transitioning out of your business is not just a financial or operational process—it’s a personal journey. This session explores what comes next after ownership and provides insights from real-world transition experiences:
- Navigating personal identity after exiting your business
- Adjusting to life after ownership and redefining your role
- Understanding and managing the emotional side of a business transition
- Lessons learned: what founders would do differently in hindsight
Attendees will gain perspective on the personal and emotional aspects of moving on from a business, helping them prepare for a smooth and fulfilling next chapter.
Wrap up the day with actionable insights and key lessons to take back to your business.
Thank You to Our Event Sponsors
Title Sponsor
Session Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
