The Silver Tsunami

Minnesota’s small business ecosystem is at a turning point. Baby boomers own half of all small businesses, and as they retire in record numbers—the so-called "Silver Tsunami"—the need for smart and thoughtful succession planning has never been greater.

Nearly 60% of business owners will try to sell their companies in the next decade, yet many will struggle to find buyers. Without a plan, some may be forced to close, disrupting local economies and jobs across Minnesota. That’s where you come in.

As a banker, CPA, financial advisor, or exit planner, you play a key role in guiding business owners through this critical transition. Our Advisors' Edge Workshops equip you with the knowledge and tools to help clients explore employee ownership—a proven strategy that keeps businesses thriving, preserves jobs, and ensures long-term stability

Employee Ownership is the Answer

Employee ownership models—Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), Worker-Owned Cooperatives, and Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs)—provide innovative solutions that:

Keep businesses locally owned and operating in Minnesota.

Reward employees who have helped build the company.

Ensure a smooth transition without relying on external buyers.

Through our in-person and virtual Advisors' Edge Workshops, you’ll dive deep into these structures, gaining practical insights, real-world case studies, and continuing education (CE) credits

to strengthen your expertise.

Workshop Benefits: Elevate Your Practice

Attending an Advisors' Edge Workshop isn’t just about learning—

it’s about growing your impact and expanding your business.

Attendees will earn CE credit (1 hour for NASBA and CFP, 1 hour for EPI-CEPA and BEI),

enhancing their professional expertise. In addition, you will have an opportunity to:

Stand Out in Your Field – Offer succession planning solutions your competitors don’t.

Grow Your Client Base – Position yourself as a go-to expert for business transitions.

Increase Assets Under Management – Help business owners transition wealth efficiently.

Expand Your Network – Connect with like-minded professionals shaping Minnesota’s economic future.

Two Ways to Get Involved

Attend a Workshop

Join an upcoming session or schedule a private workshop for your team.

Get the knowledge you need to guide clients

through the Silver Tsunami.

Ready to get started?

Contact us today to sign up for a workshop!

Attend a Workshop

Sponsor a Workshop

Gain visibility among Minnesota’s top business advisors. Sponsoring an Advisors' Edge Workshop puts you in front of professionals driving business transitions statewide.

Ready to get started?

Contact us today to explore sponsorship opportunities!