redactedAn independent valuation can be a starting point for long-term strategic planning and objective reality check Whether your business is a start-up, established, and in growth mode, or has reached prime, it is important to understand its enterprise value. An independent business valuation can serve as a starting point for long-term strategic planning, or a much-needed objective reality check for owners with unchallenged expectations about the value of their business. A business valuation conducted by a professional third-party who inspects and analyzes the market, industry, entire business, including assets, depreciation, and other internal and external factors. From there, applies certain methodologies, depending on the industry and circumstances, to arrive at a reasonable opinion of value. Ideally, more than one valuation methodology will be applied by your independent advisors. This way, all stakeholders can get a clearer picture of how the business is valued over time. REASONS WHY YOU WOULD NEED TO KNOW WHAT YOUR BUSINESS IS WORTH: GROWTH FINANCING. Whether you need to buy new equipment, remodel, or meet payroll, you want to be fully prepared for obtaining financing. Presenting the lender with a professional business valuation, including detailed financials, will help streamline the process. SELLING A BUSINESS. A professional valuation is necessary to give you a clear, objective assessment of your business's market value based on its current condition. It will help you set a realistic asking price, give you more confidence during negotiations, and give the buyer more confidence in making the purchase. It may also be used by lenders for financing. TRANSITION PLANNING. Every person will exit their business. A business valuation will help you plan your future. It will give you a baseline assessment of your assets and the current condition of your business. It will reveal any gaps between what you currently have and what you need. It will help you choose the best option and create a plan to meet your goals. STRATEGIC PLANNING. A business valuation will uncover opportunities where your business can grow revenue, for example adding products or markets. It can help you identify areas where you can reduce or eliminate costs, identify gaps, to operate more efficiently and effectively. ATTRACTING EQUITY INVESTMENT. It is not unusual for a successful Startup or an established business to grab the attention of private equity funds, family offices, high net worth individuals, angel Investors, funds, or venture funds. A recent business valuation can offer a complete snapshot of the business, its financial health, structure, and future growth and earning potential. VALUE PROTECTION. To get your business properly insured, a detailed business valuation can help you determine the amount of coverage you need. Your business valuation could influence payouts for a co-owner life insurance agreement, as well as payouts for natural disasters. DIVORCE. During a divorce, the distribution of assets and liabilities, anything spouses buy, build, or acquire during the marriage, may also include a business. A professional, unbiased business valuation will help both you and the court make an informed decision. BUYING OUT A PARTNER. It is common for one business owner to decide he or she wants to divest ownership. the remaining partner and or shareholders retain a professional to determine the value for a buy-out of the ownership interest. MANAGEMENT BUY OUT It is common for older generation of ownership to decide he or she wants to divest ownership, the remaining management team will retain a professional to determine a value for a buy-out of the older generation. ESTATE PLANNING. If something happened to you, do you have a plan in place to protect the future of the company? Would you choose a family member to run the business, or would you prefer to leave it to your partner or a key employee? A recent business valuation with up-to-date financial records would help this person get your estate in order. SUMMARY Just like your personal health and wellness risks and opportunities., you also need to be vigilant and initiative-taking with the protection and growth of your business. Understanding the risk to your business and the drivers of valuation guide your strategic planning and provide an independent third-party assessment at regular intervals, Protecting and growing the enterprise value of your business. If this content was useful, the rest of the Selling Your Canadian Business library is one click away. Visit redacted for a monthly newsletter, audio podcast, and video interviews with Canadian advisors. Subscribe now to The Canadian Exit Briefing for exclusive articles, guides and reports written for Canadian business owners and their advisors. Pass this article along to another owner who is working through the same questions.redacted