Explore practical resources for Canadian business buyers, sellers and investors covering acquisitions, financing, commercial property, restaurants, franchises, retail and more.
Use this 15-point checklist before you buy a business in Ontario — financials, lease, licences, equipment and more.
Read Featured TopicPractical articles and topic briefs covering buying, selling, valuation, financing, commercial property and industry-specific opportunities.
Use this 15-point checklist before you buy a business in Ontario — financials, lease, licences, equipment and more.
What does it actually cost to buy a business in Canada? A breakdown of purchase price, working capital, fees and financing.
Learn the three main methods used to value a small business in Canada, and what buyers should watch for.
Not sure what kind of business to buy? Here's how to match a business category to your budget, skills and goals.
Should you buy an existing business or start your own? Compare the risk, cost, timeline and support of each path.
Explore the main ways to finance a business purchase in Canada, from bank loans to seller financing.
A practical due diligence checklist for anyone buying a business in Canada — financial, legal, and operational.
Which financial documents actually matter when buying a business, and what they tell you.
Asset sale or share sale? Here's how the two structures differ for Canadian buyers and sellers.
The key questions every buyer should ask a seller before making an offer.
A realistic timeline for buying a business in Canada, from search to closing.
Can a first-time buyer with no industry experience buy a business? What to know before you start.
A practical checklist to get your business ready before you list it for sale.
How to market your business for sale without alerting employees, customers or competitors.
How sellers can screen inquiries and identify serious, financially capable buyers.
Avoid these common mistakes when selling a business in Canada.
Weighing the pros and cons of using a business broker versus marketing your business yourself.
Practical steps to speed up a business sale without leaving value on the table.
What vendor (seller) financing means, and when it can help close a deal.
What to expect after you accept an offer — conditions, due diligence, and closing.
An introduction to commercial real estate in Canada — property types, uses and investment basics.
Step-by-step guide to buying commercial property in Ontario.
Key metrics and questions to evaluate before investing in commercial real estate.
A plain-language explanation of cap rate and how to use it when evaluating a commercial property.
Should your business buy or lease its commercial space? Compare the costs and trade-offs.
TMI explained — what it covers and how it affects your total occupancy cost.
Comparing triple net (NNN) leases and gross leases for commercial tenants and investors.
What to check before buying a commercial property in Canada.
An overview of financing options for buying commercial real estate in Canada.
How buying strategy differs between an investment property and a property your own business will occupy.
What buyers should know before purchasing industrial property in Ontario.
Key considerations for businesses buying a warehouse in Ontario.
What buyers should understand about mixed-use commercial/residential properties in Ontario.
A step-by-step guide to buying a restaurant in Ontario, from search to closing.
What buyers typically pay for an existing restaurant in Canada, and what drives the price.
How restaurant value is typically assessed — revenue, seller's discretionary earnings, lease, and equipment.
Everything a buyer should check before purchasing a restaurant.
What 'turnkey' means when buying a restaurant, and what to verify before assuming everything works.
How lease assignment works when buying an existing restaurant, and what buyers should confirm with the landlord.
Comparing the costs, support and risk of buying a franchise restaurant versus an independent one.
A seller's guide to preparing and marketing a restaurant for sale in Ontario.
A step-by-step guide to buying a convenience store in Canada.
How convenience store value is typically assessed for buyers and sellers.
Key items to verify before buying a convenience store.
Typical price ranges for convenience stores in Canada and what affects the cost.
Financing options for buying a convenience store in Canada.
What to know before buying a gas station in Ontario, including environmental and licensing considerations.
A due diligence checklist specific to convenience store purchases.
A step-by-step guide to buying a franchise in Canada, from choosing a brand to signing the agreement.
Comparing the pros and cons of buying a franchise versus an independent business.
What it typically costs to buy a franchise in Canada, including fees most buyers overlook.
What to review before buying a franchise, beyond the disclosure document.
Key questions to ask a franchisor before signing a franchise agreement.
A breakdown of the fees involved in buying and operating a franchise.
A framework for evaluating whether a specific franchise opportunity is a good fit.
An overview of franchise categories available in Canada and how to narrow down your options.
General information for newcomers to Canada considering buying a business or franchise.
A step-by-step guide to buying a retail business in Canada, from choosing a category to closing.
How retail store value is typically assessed, including inventory, lease and location factors.
What to check before buying a retail business — financials, inventory, lease and supplier agreements.
How to handle inventory when buying a retail store, and why it's usually priced separately from the business.
A seller's guide to preparing and marketing a retail business for sale in Canada.
What retail buyers should review in a lease before purchasing a store.
Comparing the buying considerations for an e-commerce business versus a physical retail store.
Key factors that make a retail business a strong investment for buyers.
A guide to buying a service-based business in Canada, from valuation to client transition.
How service businesses are typically valued, and why recurring revenue matters.
Why recurring revenue businesses can command higher valuations, and what buyers should verify.
What to check before buying a service business — contracts, client base, and staff.
What buyers should know before purchasing a cleaning, landscaping, or other home services business.
Key considerations when buying a professional services firm such as an accounting or law practice.
What to know before buying a manufacturing business, from equipment valuation to supply contracts.
How manufacturing businesses are typically valued, including equipment and contract considerations.
What to check before buying a manufacturing business — equipment, contracts, and compliance.
How to evaluate specialized equipment when buying a business that depends on it.
An overview of the legal steps involved in buying a business in Canada, from LOI to closing.
Why legal advice matters when selling a business, and what a lawyer typically handles.
General tax considerations Canadian business sellers should discuss with an accountant.
General tax considerations Canadian business buyers should discuss with an accountant.
What non-compete provisions typically cover in a business sale, for both buyers and sellers.
What a letter of intent is, what it typically includes, and why it matters before due diligence begins.
An overview of how BDC financing works for buyers acquiring a business in Canada.
What Canadian buyers should know about acquisition loans, from bank requirements to typical terms.
Practical tips to strengthen a loan application when financing a business purchase.
The pros, cons and risks of using home equity to help finance a business purchase.
How changes in interest rates affect the cost and structure of financing a business purchase.
Comparing a business broker to an online business-for-sale marketplace — cost, control and reach.
How buying an independent business differs from buying a franchise, and how to decide which fits you.
Common red flags to watch for in a seller's financial numbers before making an offer.
What SDE means, how it's calculated, and why it's commonly used to value small businesses.
The difference between EBITDA and SDE, and which metric fits which size of business.
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