Succession Success Confidential Exit Planning Program

Building on strong interest from local business owners, the City of Belleville and Trenval are continuing their partnership to offer Succession Success: Confidential Exit Planning Program into 2026. This free and entirely confidential program supports Belleville business owners who are considering selling or transitioning their business by providing expert guidance, practical tools and a clear roadmap to help them exit on their own terms and avoid costly mistakes. 

The program includes three 90-minute virtual information workshops led by Certified Exit Planning Advisor Judith Pineault. Business owners can choose to participate in one session on Feb. 10, March 10 or April 14 with additional dates to be added throughout 2026. Each session explores key topics such as business transition options, establishing a selling price and strategies to maximize business value. Participation in the workshops is anonymous. 

Following the session, participants will receive four hours of free, confidential, one-on-one coaching (valued at $1,200). During these personalized sessions, business owners will explore their exit options, receive a customized valuation range and develop a clear plan to transition their business successfully. 

“Thinking ahead about the future of your business is about more than retirement — it’s about safeguarding the value you’ve built and supporting local jobs,” said Victoria Watts, Business Growth and Retention Specialist for the City of Belleville. “Continuing this program into 2026 allows us to support more local entrepreneurs while strengthening Belleville’s economy for the long term.” 

“Exiting your business successfully doesn’t happen by accident — it requires early, deliberate planning,” said Graham Copestake, Executive Director of Trenval. “Succession Success helps business owners protect their value, plan for continuity, and approach transition with clarity and confidence.” The program is open to all small to mid-sized business owners, regardless of where they are in their business journey. 

Registration for the information workshops is available online at https://successionsuccessbellevillecohort2.eventbrite.ca/. For more information, contact info@smallbusinessctr.com.