Succession Ontario provides tools, training and expert support for business transitions
Kingston, Ontario – February 4, 2026 – Kingston Economic Development Corporation is proud to announce the official launch of Succession Ontario, a new provincial program designed to support small business owners with succession planning and provide training for Small Business Enterprise Centre advisors across Ontario. Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business, made the official announcement at the Economic Developers Council of Ontario Conference in Toronto.
Funded by the Ontario Government and delivered by Kingston Economic Development, the $1.9 million investment aims to protect small businesses and local jobs and create a stronger, more self-reliant economy. Ontario is home to over 500,000 small businesses employing more than 3.5 million people. It is expected that up to 76 per cent of small business owners plan to transition their businesses within the next decade, according with the study “Succession Tsunami” by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, outlining that of these owners only one in ten have a formal succession plan.
“Whether it’s a family farm in Prince Edward County or a local convenience store in Sarnia, a small business can leave a lasting positive impact in their community when smoothly bought, sold or passed to the next generation,” said Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business. “As many business owners prepare to retire over the next decade, our government is helping them plan for the future, so their business can continue to thrive under new leadership.”
In 2021 Kingston Economic Development started a dedicated program to support succession planning, offering advisory services to small business owners planning and executing transitions. The initiative’s success in supporting the transition process for owners without service interruptions led to Kingston Economic Development being selected to deliver this provincial program.
“We are honoured to have been selected by the Province to lead Succession Ontario, their first ever business succession planning hub,” said Donna Gillespie, CEO of Kingston Economic Development Corporation. “Kingston has benefitted from our work in transition planning over the past five years and we look forward to sharing our knowledge and experience with our counterparts at Small Business Enterprise Centres across Ontario. Ensuring that our small businesses and the jobs they create remain in our communities is an economic priority.”
Succession Ontario is the province’s first centralized planning hub for business transitions. The website includes modules, tools and resources to help small business owners plan their succession and provides key information about what to expect from the process. The website also includes workshops for Small Business Enterprise Centre advisors, providing them with the tools necessary to support owners through transitions. Live virtual workshops on key topics will be offered on an ongoing basis, led by industry experts.
The program features a partnership with SuccessionAI, a woman-led Toronto-based startup for business succession planning. SuccessionAI has created an automated tool that provides businesses with a valuation estimate by analyzing location, similar businesses in the area, and basic financial details. This tool is now available free for all Ontario residents through the Succession Ontario platform.
“We are honoured to partner with Kingston Economic Development to help small business owners to get exit-ready with clarity and confidence,” says Avril Sun, Founder and CEO of Succession AI. “When business owners have the right tools and insights early, they can unlock 50-70 per cent more exit value for their businesses, their families, and the economy.”
Kingston Economic Development is also partnering with the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University to deliver a micro-credential for Small Business Enterprise Centre advisors. The micro-credential will be taught by seasoned professors and professionals, combining real-world experience with academic insight to set advisors up for success in supporting business succession planning.
“Queen’s Executive Education at Smith School of Business is excited to partner with Kingston Economic Development Corporation to design and deliver succession planning training to SBEC advisors across Ontario in support of the exciting Succession Ontario programming,” said Elspeth Murray, Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Social Impact, Smith School of Business at Queen’s University.
To learn more about Succession Ontario and access succession planning resources, visit successionontario.ca
