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Across Canada, a generation of business owners is getting ready to step back. For people who want to buy a business, especially entrepreneurs moving to Canada, that creates one of the largest ownership transitions in the country's history.

The numbers

In October 2026, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) published new research on small business succession. The headline findings:

• 63% of small business owners plan to exit their business within the next ten years.
• Only 6% have a formal succession plan in place.
• More than $2 trillion in business assets is at stake.
• Retirement is by far the main reason (78%), followed by burnout or stress (21%) and high operating costs (20%).

When CFIB asked owners about their biggest obstacles, 47% said finding a buyer or a suitable successor. 37% said they were too busy to plan, and another 37% said they didn't know how to value their business. More than half (54%) expect to sell to an unrelated buyer.

Put simply: there are many good businesses, many owners who want to sell, and not enough prepared buyers.

What this means for buyers

More choice, especially outside big cities. Many retiring owners run profitable, unglamorous businesses in smaller communities: daycares, motels, senior care agencies, trades, food manufacturing, convenience retail. These businesses rarely appear on national listing sites and often change hands through brokers, accountants and local networks.

Sellers care about more than price. CFIB found that 87% of owners want to protect their employees and 79% want to support their community. A buyer who shows a genuine plan to keep the team and serve the town can win a deal, or better terms, against a higher bidder.

Vendor financing is more common. Owners with no successor are often willing to finance part of the price themselves (a "vendor take-back"), which lowers the cash you need at closing.

Time pressure works both ways. Without a plan, some owners will close rather than sell. CFIB found that 13% expect to shut down entirely, rising to 17% among retailers. Buyers who can move with clear financing and advisors in place have an edge.

Where the opportunities are

Demand-driven sectors stand out:

• Child care, where expanded public funding has increased demand for licensed spaces.
• Senior and home care, driven by Canada's aging population. Almost one in five Canadians was 65 or older in 2025.
• Hospitality and tourism, with tourism spending forecast to grow again in 2026.
• Wellness and personal services, with loyal local customer bases.

We look at these sectors in more detail in our sector spotlight.

How to be the buyer sellers choose

1. Get your financing pre-qualified before you make offers.
2. Show a transition plan that keeps staff and serves existing customers.
3. Be ready to offer the owner a role during the handover.
4. Work with advisors who can move quickly through due diligence.

This article is general information only. Statistics are from the sources below as of October 2026.

Sources: CFIB — Most small business owners plan to exit their business over the next decade (October 22, 2026); Statistics Canada — Canada's population estimates: Age and gender, July 1, 2025.