Succession Planning | Municipality of North Perth

Succession planning is a proactive approach to preparing your business, farm, or organization for a seamless leadership or ownership transition. Whether the goal is retirement, sale, or internal leadership development, having a plan in place ensures continuity, stability, and long-term success.

In North Perth, many enterprises are family-owned or locally operated, making succession planning a critical component of sustaining our local economy and preserving community legacy.

Who Should Consider Succession Planning?

Succession planning is relevant for any individual or organization responsible for leading or operating an enterprise. This includes:

Small Business Owners — from retail and hospitality to trades and services
Farm Operators — including family-run and incorporated farms
Non-Profit Leaders — particularly those in key governance or executive roles
Family-Owned Enterprises — preparing for generational transition

Regardless of your timeline, taking steps now ensures you're well-prepared for the future while strengthening your business or organization in the present.

Why Start Now?

Effective succession planning is not just about preparing for the future — it's about strengthening your operation today. Without a clear plan, transitions can be rushed, disruptive, and financially uncertain. With one in place, you gain clarity, confidence, and control over what comes next.

For rural communities like North Perth, successful transitions help keep businesses open, farms productive, and leadership rooted in the community — all of which contribute to a resilient local economy.

Resources of Business Owners

The BDC

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is owned by the Canadian government and provides financing, venture capital, and consulting services to Canadian entrepreneurs, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized businesses. See some of the BDC's resources below ...

Transition Service Providers
Successionready.ca: Helping you to create a Succession Plan for your business – collaborating with you, your employees, your other professional service providers, and your family. Guiding you through the process of creating a Succession Plan that aligns with your values, achieves your goals, and ensures you and your team are prepared for the next steps.

Successionmatching.com: An online community of business buyers, sellers, and succession planning professionals. Browse their resources and connect with their members and partners to start planning your business future today.

Local Resources

Stratford Perth Centre for Business: The Centre offers complimentary consultation and easy access to resources to support small businesses.

Set7: Offering access to world class training in North Perth. Upcoming Succession Planning webinar to be coming soon.