10 Tips to Get Your Business Ready to Sell in 2026
January is a natural reset for business owners—a time to review performance, set new goals, and think strategically about the future. For owners considering selling a business in 2026 or the years ahead, early preparation can significantly impact valuation, buyer interest, and deal outcomes. Selling a business is not a last-minute decision; it is a structured process that rewards planning and discipline. The following ten tips outline practical steps business owners can take now to improve exit readiness and position their company for a smoother, more successful sale.
1. Review Your Year-End Financials With Fresh Eyes
Clean, accurate financial statements are the foundation of any business sale. Buyers closely scrutinize historical performance, and inconsistencies often surface during due diligence.
Tip: Have your CPA prepare accrual-based financial statements and review unusual expenses, add-backs, and margin trends early.
2. Update or Create a Seller Preparation Checklist
January planning is an ideal time to organize the materials buyers will request during the sale process, including:
- Customer and vendor contracts
- Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Corporate documents
- Customer concentration analysis
Starting early gives you time to fix gaps before buyers uncover them.
3. Set Revenue and Margin Goals That Increase Business Value
Buyers pay a premium for predictable growth and strong margins. Align your 2026 operating plan with factors that increase enterprise value, such as:
- Recurring revenue
- Long-term contracts
- Margin improvement
- Revenue diversification
Even modest improvements can materially impact valuation.
4. Reduce Owner Dependence
Businesses that rely heavily on the owner are harder to sell and typically receive lower offers.
January Tip: Identify one critical responsibility to delegate by mid-year—such as sales oversight, operations, or key customer relationships—to demonstrate that the business can run without you.
5. Strengthen Your Management Team
Buyers look for capable leadership that can support a transition after closing. The beginning of the year is a natural time to evaluate performance, roles, and incentives.
A strong management team reduces risk and increases buyer confidence.
6. Refresh Your Business Valuation
Market conditions change quickly. Updating your valuation helps you:
- Set realistic expectations
- Understand value drivers and risks
- Plan tax strategies with your CPA
Knowing where you stand early in the year allows you to adjust strategy before going to market.
7. Begin Your 2026 Exit Planning Process
Many owners underestimate how long it takes to prepare a business for sale. Even if selling is one to three years away, now is the time to start:
- Cleaning up financials
- Organizing documentation
- Identifying deal risks
- Meeting with an M&A advisor
Preparation increases optionality.
8. Review Customer Concentration Risk
If one customer accounts for more than 20–30% of revenue, buyers will discount your business.
A January review of customer mix allows time to diversify revenue and reduce risk before entering the market.
9. Update Technology and Cybersecurity Practices
Technology and cybersecurity are now standard components of M&A due diligence. Buyers evaluate:
- Data security
- Software compliance
- IT redundancy
- Business continuity planning
Addressing these issues early prevents delays and re-trades later.
10. Assess Your Personal Readiness to Sell
Selling a business is both a financial and emotional decision. January is a reflective time to ask:
- Am I energized or burned out?
- What does life after the sale look like?
- Is selling part of my 2–3 year plan?
Your mindset plays a critical role in deal success.
Getting your business ready to sell doesn’t happen overnight. The most successful exits are the result of thoughtful preparation, realistic expectations, and early action. Even if a sale is still a few years away, addressing these areas in 2026 can strengthen your business, reduce future risk, and give you more options when the time is right.