NOW AVAILABLE:
THE GENERATIONAL STATE OF OWNER READINESS™ REPORT
Each generation approaches exit planning differently. We’ve surveyed business owners across generations to gauge their preparedness and demonstrate the true value of the Certified Exit Planning Advisor certification.
Exit Planning Institute® (EPI) examines owner readiness from the unique perspective of generational owner preparedness with our latest Generational State of Owner Readiness Report. This report explores owner readiness across various generations, from Baby Boomer business owners to millennial entrepreneurs, and highlights how prepared each group is to exit their businesses on their own terms, without regrets.

For the last 10 years the Exit Planning Institute has been conducting the State of Owner Readiness survey across the country.
The 2023 National State of Owner Readiness Report was broken into four geographic regions.
KEY INSIGHTS
Our Generational State of Owner Readiness Report reveals that different groups approach exit planning in various ways, with some engaging more actively. Overall, business owners recognize exit planning as vital to their success and their company's future. While over half of Baby Boomer respondents plan to leave their business within five years, only 27% have completed a formal valuation, and merely 9% have an estate plan. This makes this group particularly vulnerable to regret about their exit, as they may not fully capitalize on their business's potential value and might feel uncertain about their next steps.
THE GENERATIONAL MAKEUP OF OWNERS
Over the past decade, there has been a significant shift in generational ownership lowering the average age of the business owner. Younger owners have entered the market demonstrate a greater inclination towards embracing exit planning compared to the older generations.
FORMAL EXIT PLANNING TEAM
A formal exit planning team is essential for the business owner during this process. Surprisingly, only 5% of Baby Boomer respondents report having a dedicated exit planning team, despite over half preparing for an exit within the next few years. This team is usually led by a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®), who serves as the primary contact for Value Acceleration, supported by other key advisors such as a financial advisor, lawyer, consultant, or a relevant family member. Any of these individuals can also hold a CEPA designation if qualified.
INSTANT INSIGHTS: QUICK GLANCE OF THE REPORT
How does each generation approach exit planning? Younger generations lean more proactively, while older generations might be slower to embrace value acceleration concepts. Here are some quick insights:
Strongly Agree That Exit Planning is Critical to Their Success and Their Business's Success
Sell in the Next 5 Years
What Is A Formal Exit Planning Team
Outside Board Formed
MOST TRUSTED ADVISOR
As businesses evolve and face complex financial landscapes, they're turning to professional advisors for guidance. After looking at the data from 2023, generational differences play a big role in who business owners say is their most trusted advisor.

THE GENERATIONAL STATE OF OWNER READINESS™ REPORT
Each generation approaches exit planning differently. We’ve surveyed business owners across generations to gauge their preparedness and demonstrate the true value of the Certified Exit Planning Advisor certification.
Exit Planning Institute® (EPI) examines owner readiness from the unique perspective of generational owner preparedness with our latest Generational State of Owner Readiness Report. This report explores owner readiness across various generations, from baby boomer business owners to millennial entrepreneurs, and highlights how prepared each group is to exit their businesses on their own terms, without regrets.