Every January, business owners make big promises. Grow revenue. Cut costs. Expand markets. By March, most of those goals are gone, and with them, time and opportunity.
Resolutions fail because they are wishes, not commitments. They lack a compelling why, a clear how, and the right tools. How about a plan? Not so fast. A plan is static, a snapshot frozen in time. Planning is different. Planning is dynamic, a rhythm that adapts as reality changes, and that is what drives results.
If you are a business owner thinking about succession, estate planning, or gifting shares, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, brings significant changes that could affect your plans. While the bill covers a wide range of tax and spending policies, its most immediate impact for closely held businesses lies in how it reshapes the tax landscape and, by extension, business valuation and planning.
In the realm of business transactions and financial planning, understanding the nuances between different types of business valuations is crucial for the business owner. Two common methods used in determining the value of a business are calculation of value and formal valuation. While both serve the purpose of assessing a business’s value, they differ significantly in their scope, rigor, and applicability under various circumstances.
Before you can grow, protect, or sell a business, it is important to first clarify what “value” actually means. This article breaks down how business value is determined, why it often differs from what owners may assume, and how a professional valuation can empower better decisions, both now and down the line.
