As the new year approaches, many business owners find themselves asking a big question: Do I want to grow in 2026, or is it time to plan an exit? There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on your goals, your business fundamentals, and what you want your life to look like over the next 12–36 months.
If you’re weighing expansion versus selling, here are practical questions to help you decide, plus how a business broker can help you map either path.
1. Do You Still Have the Energy for the Next Level?
Growth usually means more complexity: more employees, more customers, more operational decisions, and more risk. Ask yourself:
- Do I feel motivated when I think about scaling?
- Am I excited to solve bigger problems, or tired of the day-to-day?
- If I commit to growth, can I sustain the pace for 1–3 years?
If your energy is low, it does not mean the business is failing. It may mean your goals have changed, and an exit plan could be the smarter move.
2. Is Market Demand Strong Enough to Support Growth?
A growth plan needs momentum. Consider:
- Is demand rising, stable, or shrinking in my area?
- Are competitors expanding, discounting, or closing?
- Do I have room to increase prices, expand services, or add locations?
If demand is strong and your brand is well-positioned, growth may be a great next step. If demand is uncertain, selling while the business is healthy can be a strategic decision.
3. Are Your Margins Healthy and Repeatable?
Profitability is more important than revenue. Look at:
- Are margins consistent over the last 12–24 months?
- Are there clear “leaks” such as labor overruns, waste, or rising vendor costs?
- Is profitability tied to you personally, or does the business run profitably without you?
Strong, repeatable margins can support growth. They also make your business more attractive to buyers if you decide to sell.
4. How Stable Is Your Staffing Situation?
For many owners, staffing is the deciding factor.
- Do I have reliable managers or key employees in place?
- Is my turnover manageable?
- Could the business operate if I stepped away for two weeks?
If staffing is stable, scaling may be realistic. If staffing is fragile and you are the glue holding everything together, an exit plan may bring relief and reduce long-term risk.
5. What Capital Will Growth Require?
Growth often requires investment: equipment, vehicles, marketing, leases, technology, or hiring.
- Do I have cash reserves or access to financing?
- Will growth increase profits enough to justify the investment?
- What is the downside if the expansion takes longer than expected?
If capital needs are high and risk tolerance is low, selling might better match your priorities.
6. How Involved Do You Want to Be in 2026?
This is a lifestyle question as much as a business question.
- Do I want to work “in” the business or “on” the business?
- Am I willing to delegate and build systems?
- Do I want a business that depends on me less, or am I ready to step away entirely?
Growth and exit both require planning. The difference is where you want the plan to lead.
How Hallmark Business Brokers Helps You Map Either Path
Whether you choose growth or exit, you do not have to guess. Hallmark Business Brokers can help you evaluate your business objectively and build a strategy based on real numbers and real market conditions.
A broker can help by:
- Providing a valuation and market perspective so you understand what your business could sell for today
- Identifying value drivers and value blockers that affect both growth and sale readiness
- Creating a roadmap to reduce owner dependency, strengthen operations, and improve attractiveness to buyers
- Advising on timing, positioning, and next steps if you decide to prepare for sale in 2026
Sometimes the best plan is growth first, then exit. Sometimes the best plan is to list while performance is strong. Either way, clarity comes from data, not guesswork.
Ready to Decide What 2026 Looks Like?
If you’re considering scaling or selling, start with a conversation and a clear evaluation. Hallmark Business Brokers can help you understand your options and build a plan that fits your goals for the new year. Contact us today to get started.
