Succession Planning for a Small Business Owner in Canada

When I put together the Estate Planning for Business Owners checklist, I came to the realization that I had to put together a checklist for Succession Planning for Business Owners (to deal with business assets only.)

Business owners deal with a unique set of challenges. One of these challenges includes succession planning. A succession plan is the process of the transfer of ownership, management and interest of a business. When should a business owner have a succession plan? A succession plan is required through the survival, growth and maturity stage of a business. All business owners, partners and shareholders should have a plan in place during these business stages.

We created this infographic checklist to be used as a guideline highlighting main points to be addressed when you're starting this conversation with a business owner. Keep in mind this is the start of the conversation, each item on the checklist will require an in-depth analysis- often it can take a year to create and implement a plan. The big part of this: WHY. Why have a succession plan?  Keep going back to "Why" then you can talk about the "How" and "What" after you've established a solid "Why".

Needs

• Determine the business owner's objectives- what does the business owner want? For themselves, their family and their business. (Business' financial needs)
• What's their share of the business worth? (Business value)
• What are their personal financial needs- ongoing income needs, need for capital (ex. pay off debts, capital gains, equitable estate etc.)

There are 2 sets of events that can trigger a succession plan; controllable and uncontrollable.

Controllable Events

Sale: Who do you sell the business to?

• Family member
• Manager/Employees
• Outside Party
• There are advantages and disadvantages for each- it's important to examine all channels.

Retirement: When do you want to retire?

• What are the financial and psychological needs of the business owner?
• Is there enough? Is there a need for capital to provide for retirement income, redeem or freeze shares?
• Does this fit into personal/retirement plan? Check tax, timing, corporate structures, finances and family dynamics. (if applicable)
  
  

Uncontrollable Events

Divorce: A disgruntled spouse can obtain a significant interest in the business.

• What portion of business shares are held by the spouse?
• Will the divorced spouse consider selling their shares?
• What if the divorced spouse continues to hold interest in the business without understanding or contributing to the business?
• If you have other partners/shareholders- would they consider working with your divorced spouse?

Illness/Disability: If you were disabled or critically ill, would your business survive?

• Determine your ongoing income needs for you, your spouse and family. Is there enough? If there is a shortfall, is there an insurance or savings program in place to make up for the shortfall amount?
• Will the ownership interest be retained, liquidated or sold?
• How will the business be affected? Does the business need capital to continue operating or hire a consultant or executive? Will debts be recalled? Does the business have a savings or insurance program in place to address this?

Death: In the case of your premature death, what would happen to your business?

• Determine your ongoing income needs for your dependents. Is there enough? If there is a shortfall, is there an insurance or savings program in place to make up for the shortfall amount?
• Will the ownership interest be retained, liquidated or sold by your estate? Does your will address this? Is your will consistent with your wishes? What about taxes?
• How will the business be affected? Does the business need capital to continue operating or hire a consultant or executive? Will debts be recalled? How will this affect your employees? Does the business have a savings or insurance program in place to address this?
  
  

Execution

It's good to go through this with a business owner but you need to help them get a succession plan done.  Besides having a succession plan, make sure they have an estate plan and buy-sell/shareholders' agreement.

Because a succession plan is complex, we suggest that a business owner has a professional team to help. The team should include:

• Financial Planner/Advisor (CFP)
• Succession Planning Specialist
• Insurance Specialist
• Lawyer
• Accountant/Tax Specialist
• Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)
• Chartered Executor Advisor (CEA)

There are definitely unique situations and succession planning can get complicated so please use this when you feel it's applicable.

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