I’m Here to Tell You: Your Small Business Can Sell

Why You Shouldn’t Just Close the Doors and Walk Away

There’s a quiet myth circulating in the small business world—especially among solopreneurs, service providers, and micro-retail owners—and it’s one that I’m on a mission to dismantle.

It’s the idea that if your business doesn’t make millions, it isn’t sellable. That unless you have a team of employees, IP, or a tech stack worth pitching to Shark Tank, the only “exit” option is to lock the door, post a thank you on Instagram, and walk away with nothing but memories.

Here’s the truth:
Your business doesn’t have to be big to be valuable.
You don’t have to “scale” to make a successful exit.
And yes—you can sell your business.

Even if you’re the face of it.
Even if you run it solo.
Even if you think it’s “not worth that much.”

If that idea makes you pause. Good. Because this message is for you.

I Built, Grew, and Sold a Business That Was Under $1M and I Want You to Know You Can, Too

I’m not speaking from theory here. I built a brick-and-mortar outdoor gear shop that I started with my own savings and a scrappy vision. I ran it lean, grew it intentionally, and sold it for a real payout—even though I was the only employee for most of its life. Even though I didn’t hit seven figures. Even though I was burned out and almost gave up.

I want to empower other small business owners to not settle for walking away. You deserve a return on the years you put in, the late nights, the spreadsheets, the community-building, the marketing hustle, the moments when you wanted to quit but didn’t.

You built something. That something has value.
Now let’s talk about how to recognize it and why you should.

Why Small Business Owners Think They Can’t Sell (And Why They’re Wrong)

Here’s what I’ve heard again and again from clients, colleagues, and friends in the entrepreneurial space:

• “It’s just a side hustle. Who would want it?”

• “I am the business. Without me, there’s nothing.”

• “I don’t have systems or a team—it would fall apart without me.”

• “My revenue isn’t high enough to attract a buyer.”

• “It would be too hard to explain how everything works.”

What’s underneath all of this? A deeply rooted belief that small = disposable.

But here’s what buyers actually care about:

• Consistent revenue (even if modest)

• Loyal customer base or email list

• Clear offerings and marketing channels

• A brand with recognition, even locally

• Room for growth (which most buyers love)

• Processes that can be taught or documented

You don’t need to have everything perfect. You just need to be willing to clean it up, package it, and make it transferable.

The Reality: Most Small Business Owners Just Walk Away

According to biz buy/sell market data, thousands of businesses under $1 million in revenue sell every year. But even more simply shut down.

Not because they weren’t valuable.
Not because no one would buy them.
But because the owner didn’t know it was possible—or didn’t know how.

I want to change that.

I created my digital course, The Confident Exit, for exactly this reason to show small business owners how to prepare for a sale they never thought was in reach. To give them the tools, checklists, scripts, and strategy to turn what feels like “just a little business” into a sellable asset that benefits someone else, and pays you for your work.

Why Selling Is Better Than Closing

I get it. Shutting down feels easier. You can walk away quietly, without explaining anything. It’s clean. No negotiations. No documents. No letting go of something that once felt like your baby.

But here’s what you lose when you close:

• The chance to create a legacy. Someone else can continue serving your community, using your systems, and keeping the brand alive.

• The chance to get paid. Even a $10K–$100K sale can change your financial situation, fund your next dream, or give you breathing room.

• The chance to grow. By packaging your business, you learn skills in documentation, valuation, negotiation—skills you can take into whatever comes next.

Closing gives you nothing but closure. Selling gives you return.

And I want more small business owners to get that return.

Your Business Has Value—Even If It’s Not Perfect

Here’s what most business buyers understand that you might not: Imperfection creates opportunity.

Maybe your branding is dated. Your website needs an overhaul. You never built out your email list. You have SOPs… in your head.

To you, that feels like a reason not to sell.
To a buyer, that’s a to-do list that can turn into profit.

What you see as messy, they see as potential.

If your business brings in consistent sales, gets referrals, has repeat customers, or shows up on Google, it is already ahead of the curve. Most buyers aren’t looking for perfection. They’re looking for something that works—and can be made to work better.

Buyers Exist at Every Price Point

You don’t need to wait until your business is worth $500K+ to attract interest. Here’s what I’ve seen in the market:

• First-time entrepreneurs looking to skip the startup struggle

• Retirees who want a meaningful part-time gig

• Parents who want flexible income and a business that already works

• Corporate professionals looking for a lifestyle pivot

• Local competitors who want your foot traffic, assets, or customer base

You may not even realize that someone in your community—or your own audience—wants exactly what you’ve built.

The key is knowing how to prepare your business for a sale that reflects its value, not a unicorn tech company’s.

Selling Isn’t Just for Founders… It’s for You, Too

This isn’t just about valuation multiples and clean books (though we’ll get there).
It’s about believing that what you’ve built matters. That your time and energy weren’t just about keeping something afloat—they were about creating something that can outlast you.

You don’t have to sell today.
But you do have to start thinking like someone who could.

What I Want You to Take Away

If you’re burned out, overwhelmed, or feeling like your business can’t grow with you anymore—please don’t assume the only path forward is to close up shop.

Take a breath.
Take stock.
Then take action.

Because your small business?
It’s not just a job.
It’s an asset.
And you have every right to sell it - proudly, profitably, and on your terms.