News & Insights

The Costly Exit Mistake 76% of Business Owners Make — And How to Avoid It

Exiting a business is one of the most significant milestones in an entrepreneur’s journey, yet many owners reach this point unprepared, often paying a steep emotional and financial price. Research from the Exit Planning Institute reveals that 76% of business owners who sell their companies experience profound regret within 12 months of their exit. Even more concerning, between 70 to 80% of businesses listed for sale will never sell, according to Buy Then Build.  This underscores the importance of planning not only for the sale itself but also for the legacy, personal identity, and lifestyle changes that follow.

Exit Strategy or Exit Regret? Why Planning Your Business Sale from Day One Drives Higher Valuations

Neglecting to design an exit strategy from the very start can jeopardize both your company’s long-term value and your financial future. According to a report from Cassandra Smalley Wealth Management, 76% of business owners who sold their business last year regretted not planning their exit earlier. This statistic highlights a crucial point: exit strategy development is not a reactive exercise but a proactive strategy essential for sustainable business success.

Why Mental Health is the Entrepreneur's Key to Sustainable Success

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 72% of entrepreneurs report experiencing mental health concerns, compared to 48% of non-entrepreneurs. Additionally, research published by Detroit Regional Chamber, startup business owners report the highest stress levels (72%) compared to owners who have been in business for more than 6 years (58%). Given these challenges, entrepreneurs should take into consideration to prioritize mental health not only for personal well-being but also for long-term business success.

Personal Development can be the Key to Entrepreneurial Success

Many entrepreneurs feel that their businesses can only flourish if they do. While many business owners focus on external strategies like marketing, operations, and sales, those who prioritize self-improvement often achieve greater long-term success. According to Brimco, 88% of organizations believe that leadership has a significant impact on business results.

Financial Planning Tips for Widows Transitioning to Solo Entrepreneurship

Transitioning to solo entrepreneurship is a significant challenge for anyone, but for widows, this journey comes with unique financial considerations. According to a study by Bowling Green State University, approximately 29.5% of women aged 65 and older were widowed as of 2022.

What Does the SBA Announcement of $3 Million in New Grant Funding to Strengthen Cybersecurity Infrastructure for Emerging Small Businesses Mean for You?

Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), announced $3 million in new funding under the Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Pilot Program. Three grants will be awarded to state agencies to provide training, counseling, and other tailored cybersecurity services for startups and emerging entrepreneurs. “With small businesses accounting for 99.9 percent of all American businesses and employing nearly half of the private workforce, any cyber threat to our small businesses is a threat to our country’s overall economy,” said SBA Administrator Guzman.

Applications will be accepted from July 2-Aug. 2, and applicants can apply for awards ranging from $1,000,000 to $1,045,000 for a performance period of 24 months ending September 2026.

Negotiation Strategies for Profit and Customer Retention

For small business owners, pricing is a delicate balance between profitability and customer retention. Mastering the art of price negotiation can significantly impact your bottom line while maintaining strong customer relationships. Let's explore effective strategies and insights backed by data.

According to a study by McKinsey & Company, a 1% price increase can translate to an 8.7% increase in operating profits, assuming no loss of volume. This underscores the significant impact that effective pricing can have on a small business's profitability.

Integro Bank Announces Special Guest Speaker Jack Selby for May's CEO Club Event

Integro Bank announced their upcoming event for the May CEO Club: "The Secret with Capital Access & Not all Capital is Created Equal." featuring guest speaker Jack Selby, a managing partner at AZ-VC the largest Arizona venture capital fund.  CEO Club members, as well as business owners and business leaders, can learn about the importance of capital access and the differences between various types of capital available in today's market.

Navigating and Negotiating within the Venture Capital Landscape

At its core, venture capital is a form of private equity financing provided by firms or individuals to high-potential startups and early-stage companies. According to data from Pitchbook, a leading provider of private market data, venture capital investment in the United States reached a staggering $166.6 billion across 8,835 deals in 2022, highlighting the immense appetite for backing promising entrepreneurial ventures.

Trends Transforming Entrepreneurial Funding Landscape

According to a report by the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, the global alternative finance market grew by 92% in 2021, reaching $1.19 trillion in transaction volume. This growth is being driven by the increasing popularity of platforms like Lending Club, Funding Circle, and Kabbage, which have collectively facilitated over $50 billion in loans to small businesses and individuals since their inception. In the United States alone, online alternative lending to small businesses reached $25.7 billion in 2021, up from $19.6 billion in 2020, according to data from Transunion.