Exit Factor

West Palm Beach – October 15, 2026 -- Fifty-seven percent of U.S. small business owners say they are very or completely reliant on their business to reach their next stage of life, yet only 15% hold a formal, written exit plan, according to a Researchscape International survey commissioned by Exit Factor.

Sixty-four percent of respondents report that at least half of their personal net worth is tied up in the business. The survey covered 1,104 owners and was fielded between August 24 and September 11, 2026. Respondents were sole owners/founders or co-owners with significant decision-making authority at companies with 1-99 employees. Responses were not weighted.

Confidence in exit readiness outstrips concrete preparation among owners

Fifty-two percent say they are very or completely confident they could exit successfully if they started the process tomorrow. One-third (33%) have taken no steps toward exit planning.