The Freedom For Founders blog

Clear answers for owners thinking about a sale.

Guides on selling a business in Canada, from your first valuation to closing day. Written for founders, in plain language.

12
Articles and guides

Updated September 2026

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Selling process01

How to Sell a Business in Canada: The 12-Month Playbook for Founders

Selling a business in Canada takes about 12 months, and tax planning should start 24 months out. See every step, from preparing the business to closing.

20 min read
Valuation02

What Buyers Check Before Buying a Business in Canada (and How Sellers Should Prepare)

The steps buyers take and the eight things they check, plus how sellers can prepare for each one before going to market.

7 min read
Selling process03

Why Deals Lose Value in Due Diligence (and How to Prevent It)

Why prices drop and new terms appear after the letter of intent, and how finding problems before going to market prevents it.

4 min read
Selling process04

Business Broker vs M&A Advisor vs Commercial Real Estate Broker: Who Should Sell Your Business?

All three offer to sell businesses. See how they differ and what to check before you hire one.

7 min read
Tax & structure05

Selling a Business in Ontario: A Guide for Toronto, GTA and Kitchener-Waterloo Owners

Tax rates, HST, employee rules and local buyers: what is different about selling a business in Ontario.

7 min read
Valuation06

What Is EBITDA? A Simple Guide for Business Owners

How to calculate it, what normalized EBITDA is, and why buyers use it to price your business.

2 min read
Valuation07

What Are Add-Backs When Selling a Business?

The adjustments that show what your business would earn under a new owner, and which ones buyers reject.

2 min read
Deal terms08

What Is a CIM (Confidential Information Memorandum)?

The detailed document buyers review before making an offer: when they see it and what goes in it.

2 min read
Deal terms09

What Is a Letter of Intent (LOI) When Selling a Business?

A buyer's proposed price and key terms, and why the exclusivity clause matters so much.

2 min read
Deal terms10

What Is an Earn-Out When Selling a Business?

Part of the price paid after closing, only if targets are hit. How it works and how sellers protect themselves.

2 min read
Deal terms11

What Is Vendor Take-Back Financing?

When the seller lends the buyer part of the price. How a VTB works, the risks, and how it is taxed in Canada.

2 min read
Tax & structure12

What Is a Holding Company? A Guide for Canadian Business Owners

Why Canadian owners use one, whether you need one, and how it affects selling your business.

2 min read

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