Business Owner Resources

Exit Readiness Checklist

For Business Owners Who Want to Be Ready — Whether You Sell Soon or Someday

You don’t have to be ready to sell right now. But being prepared gives you more control, more options, and more value — whether you want to sell, take on a growth partner, or just sleep better at night.

At Georgia Oak, we work with founders across the Southeast who want to grow and eventually exit on their terms. Based on what we’ve seen work (and what we’ve seen go sideways), here’s a simple guide to getting your business exit-ready — at your pace.

1. Start Now: The “No Regrets” Moves

These steps take a bit of time — but whether you sell or not, they’ll make your business stronger and easier to run.

• Get your financial house in order.
  Clean, accurate books are a must. Buyers (as well as banks) need to trust your numbers. If your financial systems are messy, start by working with a strong controller or fractional CFO. Having good financials over a 3-5 year period is a great foundation to start from.


• Build a leadership team that doesn’t rely on you.
  Can the business run without you in the weeds every day? If not, begin training or hiring key people so you’re not the bottleneck.


• Write down a plan — even a rough one.
  You don’t need a glossy strategic plan, but you do need to know where you’re going. Create a one-page roadmap: What’s your growth goal? What’s in the way? Who needs to do what?


• Start measuring what matters.Pick a few key metrics (like margin, customer retention, or lead time) and track them monthly. You’ll spot issues faster — and buyers will appreciate it later.

2. In the Next 12–18 Months: Prep for Options

These are things to work on over time. Even if you’re not selling soon, they’ll set you up for better conversations when the time comes.

• Document your processes.
  If everything’s in your head or your GM’s head, that’s a risk. Start building simple SOPs (standard operating procedures) for how you do things — especially in finance, sales, and operations.


• Retain key people.
  Think about what keeps your best team members happy — and what would happen if they left. Consider a simple incentive plan or succession path for top performers.


• Evaluate your customer and revenue mix.
  Do you rely on a few big customers? Are any contracts weak or expiring? Buyers like recurring revenue and low customer concentration risk.


• Think about your brand and story.
  Can you clearly explain what makes you different? What you do better than competitors? You’ll need a crisp answer to that question — and so will your team.

3. When You’re Closer to Exit (Within 1–2 Years)

This is where the more formal prep begins — and where a partner like Georgia Oak can help you dig in.

• Explore your exit goals.
  Do you want to sell 100% and retire? Does your legacy matter? Want to bring in a growth partner and keep control? Take some chips off the table? There’s no right answer — but the sooner you clarify, the more options you’ll have.


• Run a “pre-diligence” checkup.
  Think of it as a dress rehearsal for buyer diligence. Are there any legal issues, lease renewals, tax risks, or loose contracts that should be cleaned up?


• Start telling your future story.
  Buyers don’t just want a strong present — they want a clear future. What’s the vision? How can someone build on what you’ve created? If M&A is part of that answer, create a list of targets and start those conversations.


• Build your advisory team early.
  Having the right attorney, CPA, and other professionals on your team can save time, stress, and money.

Final Thought

You don’t need to do all of this at once. But starting early gives you more flexibility, more leverage, and a smoother process — whenever you (or the market) decide it’s time.
At Georgia Oak, we’ve helped founders take these steps thoughtfully — whether they want to grow faster, plan for retirement, or just be ready for what’s next.

Want to talk through where you stand?

Reach out — even if it’s just to get a gut check. We’re happy to have a confidential, no-pressure conversation.