The Exit Planning Institute (EPI) Raleigh-Durham Chapter is set to host its annual Raleigh-Durham 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 equip business owners with strategies to grow stronger, more valuable, and more transferable companies, while giving exit planning professionals direct access to the perspectives of local entrepreneurs.
According to Todd Bailey, President of EPI Raleigh-Durham, the forum is built on the principle that "good exit planning is good business strategy." The event will feature presentations from experts in exit planning, panel discussions with local business owners, and an interactive case study. Attendees will explore how growth strategy and value creation are intertwined, and they will leave with practical steps to enhance business value and prepare for leadership transitions.
For business owners, the forum offers a unique opportunity to learn from peers and advisors about accelerating business value and reducing risk. For financial advisors, business consultants, and other exit planning professionals, the event provides unfiltered insights from North Carolina business owners, helping them better serve their clients. The forum is exclusive to EPI chapter members and their business owner guests.
The Exit Planning Institute, established in 2005, serves as an educational and resource hub for professional business advisors. Its Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) credential is recognized globally, providing advisors with the tools and training needed to become trusted partners to business owners. More information about the Raleigh-Durham chapter and the Owners Forum can be found on the EPI website.
The event underscores the growing importance of exit planning as a strategic business discipline. With many business owners approaching retirement, ensuring that companies are prepared for ownership transitions is critical for economic stability and job preservation. By focusing on value creation and transferability, the forum aims to help owners maximize their company's worth while minimizing risks associated with unexpected events or planned exits.
Bailey emphasized that the event is not just about the eventual sale of a business but about improving day-to-day operations. "We want owners to see that by focusing on value drivers, they can make their businesses more resilient and profitable now, while also positioning themselves for a smoother transition later," he said.
The forum's interactive format, including a case study, allows participants to apply concepts in real time. This hands-on approach is intended to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that attendees leave with actionable strategies they can implement immediately.
As the business landscape becomes increasingly complex, the need for professional guidance in exit planning continues to grow. Events like the Raleigh-Durham Owners Forum play a vital role in fostering dialogue between owners and advisors, ultimately contributing to the long-term health of the regional economy.
