The Exit Planning Institute (EPI) Raleigh-Durham Chapter is set to host its annual Owners Forum on September 16 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel in Durham, North Carolina. The half-day event is designed to bring together business owners and exit planning professionals to explore strategies that increase business value and prepare for future leadership transitions.
According to Todd Bailey, President of EPI Raleigh-Durham, the forum is built around the principle that good exit planning is synonymous with good business strategy. He notes that the event provides a unique opportunity for local advisors to gain unfiltered insights from business owners in the community, while owners themselves can learn how to accelerate value and mitigate risks.
The agenda includes presentations from industry experts on exit planning topics, panels featuring local business owners sharing their experiences, and an interactive case study that allows attendees to apply concepts in real-world scenarios. Attendees will leave with practical steps to improve business value and prepare for eventual ownership transfer.
For exit planning professionals—such as financial advisors, business consultants, and attorneys—the forum offers a chance to hear directly from owners about their challenges and priorities. This exchange is intended to foster better advisory relationships and more effective planning outcomes.
The event is exclusive to EPI Raleigh-Durham chapter members and their business owner guests, ensuring a focused and collaborative environment. More information about the forum and the chapter can be found on the EPI website.
The Exit Planning Institute, established in 2005, serves as an educational resource for professional advisors. Its Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) credential is widely recognized, equipping advisors with the tools and training to become trusted partners for business owners. The institute's mission is to elevate the standard of exit planning, ultimately helping owners build more valuable and transferable businesses.
In an era where many business owners are approaching retirement, the importance of exit planning cannot be overstated. By focusing on value creation and risk reduction, the forum aims to ensure that businesses are not only successful today but are also prepared for a smooth transition tomorrow. This proactive approach not only benefits the owners but also their employees, families, and the broader economic community.
The Raleigh-Durham Owners Forum underscores a growing recognition that exit planning is not a final act but a strategic process integrated throughout the business lifecycle. It encourages owners to think beyond the sale and consider the long-term health of their enterprise.
