Business owners thinking about selling their business and prospective entrepreneurs thinking about buying a business now have a new resource. The Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) in Missouri Western State University’s Craig School of Business recently launched a website that connects existing business owners wanting to sell their business with prospective buyers.
The Business SUCCESSion web page, csb-cfe.missouriwestern.edu/biz-opps, is essentially a bulletin board of businesses available for sale, according to Annette Weeks, director of the CFE. The website posts businesses for sale, and interested buyers can contact the CFE for more information and assistance.
“It’s part of the CFE’s mission to promote succession planning and keep small businesses open while making opportunities available for new entrepreneurs,” Weeks said. “Small businesses are integral to our region, and retaining a successful business is an important part of that.”
For those wanting to become an entrepreneur, the website provides a chance to see what businesses are for sale in the region. “Often an existing business is a great option for new entrepreneurs because they already offer existing income, clients and structure,” added Weeks.
“Going into business, buying or starting from scratch, is not for the faint of heart,” said Alyson Thompson, new owner of Fantastic Fido’s. “But I think buying an existing business is a fascinating opportunity; it gives you the unique leverage of a captive audience in the form of the current customer base, along with the task of reaching a new audience in order to grow the business.”
“We encourage folks to visit the website often to see what is available,” said Weeks.
The CFE, which opened in 2014, trains, mentors and supports business owners and entrepreneurs in the St. Joseph area and beyond. Since it opened, the CFE has provided free consulting services to more than 200 new and existing entrepreneurs.
“Whether your business is new, new to the area, or simply trying something new, we can help,” Weeks said.
To learn more or to set up a confidential, one-on-one consultation, email Weeks at aweeks@missouriwestern.edu or call the CFE at (816) 271-4283.
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.