Introducing our newest program – designed to help business owners plan ahead for retirement.
Sell it big or pass it down – What’s the endgame for your legacy?
Who’s next in line – Are they ready? Can the business thrive without you?
Retire or rewire – How involved will you be after handing over the torch?
Funding the dream – Is your nest egg ready to support you long-term post-business?
Knowing your worth – Will your business and it’s assets be attractive to a buyer?
Signing with confidence – Do you know your options regarding trusts, estates, ESOPs, handovers, etc.?
It’s never too early to answer these questions and get started on the road to a secure future!
Series Workshops
Workshops are open to all businesses and free of cost thanks to the generosity of the CLA Foundation. Deadline to apply for follow up consulting is 10/12 (see section below).
Part 1 – Valuing Your Business
Tuesday 10/21, 11:00-12:00 pm
If your retirement plan involves selling your business, you need to know what drives value — and what buyers are really looking for, long before you start negotiations. Let’s explore the financial and operational factors that shape your business’s market appeal. REGISTER NOW
Part 2 – Continuing Operations
Tuesday 10/28, 11:00-12:00 pm
Thinking about stepping down — but not completely out? Wondering how to maintain operational and financial stability while shifting your role or ownership? Can your business thrive without you if you do step completely away? REGISTER NOW
Part 3 – Investing for Retirement
Monday 11/3, 12:00-1:00 pm
Whether retirement is imminent or years away, it’s always a good time to plan for future financial security. We’ll explore investment fundamentals, employee stock plans (ESOPs), and other options for building long-term wealth as an entrepreneur. REGISTER NOW
Part 4 – Legal Due Diligence in Transitioning Out
Wednesday 11/12, 11:00-12:00 pm
Selling your business isn’t just a milestone — it’s a legal transaction that demands precision, protection, and professional insight. Whether you’re planning to sell to a family member or an unrelated buyer, this session offers clarity and considerations. REGISTER NOW
Part 5 – Trusts, Estates and WBENC Certification
Tuesday 11/18, 11:00-12:00 pm
Are you preparing to exit your business and wondering how to maintain your legacy? This session offers legal structures and solutions for protecting you and your business during transition, whether you’re selling, sunsetting, or passing the torch. REGISTER NOW
Apply for the Consulting Cohort
This unique opportunity will allow a select group of business owners the chance to meet 1-on-1 for follow up consulting with the speakers from our 2025 Succession Planning Series.
Deadline to apply for the consulting cohort is 10/21/25
Consulting Program FAQs:
• The live webinar series is open to any business owner. You do not need to be a part of the consulting cohort to attend the workshops.
• In order to take advantage of the 1-on-1 consulting, PARTICIPANTS MUST:
1- Have applied for and been accepted to the cohort in advance
2- Attend the live webinar session led by the expert they’ve requested
• Accepted cohort participants will receive a maximum of 6 free consulting hours total, and a maximum of 2 free consulting hours with any individual consultant.
Questions: Please email Evelyn Martinez (Program Coordinator) at emartinez@wbeceast.com and Colleen LaCoss (Director of Business Development and Certification) at clacoss@wbeceast.com.
The program is open to individuals of all genders, races, religions, abilities, etc.