Skip to Content
Invest WindsorEssexEvents CalendarContact Us

Windsor Essex Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Logo Windsor Essex Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Logo

Contact Us
  • How We Can Help
    • Advice and Consultation
    • Become a Client
    • Business Regulations and Licensing
    • COVID-19 Support
    • Legal Support
    • Marketing
    • Mentoring and Networking Opportunities
    • Programs and Financial Support
    • Training and Seminars
    • Women Entrepreneurship Strategy
  • Start Your Business
    • Become a Client
    • Business Finance and Taxes
    • Business Regulations and Licensing
    • Business Plan Support
    • Buying a Business
    • Commercial Real Estate
    • Cyber Security
    • Government Tools and Support
    • Hiring Employees
    • Importing and Exporting
    • Local Workforce
    • Marketing
    • Managing Your Business
    • Programs and Financial Support
    • Property Search and Community Data
  • Grow Your Business
    • Become a Client
    • Commercial Real Estate
    • Cyber Security
    • Marketing
    • Government Tools and Support
    • Hiring Employees
    • Importing and Exporting
    • Programs and Financial Support
    • Selling Your Business
    • Succession Planning
    • Wealth Management and Investment
    • Property Search and Community Data
  • News and Events
    • Events Calendar
    • In the News
    • W.E. Shop Local Show
  • Who We Are
    • Accessibility
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reports
Business owner reviewing business performance on technology

Buying a Business

HomeStart Your BusinessBuying a Business
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email

Starting a new business can be overwhelming. If you want to avoid some of the common challenges of starting a business, you may want to consider buying an existing business or a successful franchise. The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre can help you through this process.

Talk with a lawyer before buying

According to the Government of Canada, if you decide to buy an existing business or franchise, you should consult with a lawyer to help draw up a buy and sell agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the sale.

A lawyer can also help you develop legal contracts. Some potential contracts include, but are not limited to:

  • Licensing agreements
  • Franchise agreements
  • Employment contracts
  • Subcontractor agreements
  • Partnership, incorporation or shareholder agreements
  • Lease agreements
  • Mortgage and purchase agreements

Find a lawyer

Find a local lawyer who can help provide you with legal advice and support.

Determine the business value before you buy

Before you purchase a business, it is important that you assess the current value of the business. This will help you decide how much money you're willing to pay for the business. The following organizations can provide items to consider before you purchase a business:

  • Government of Canada
  • Business Development Canada

The Canadian Business Valuation Institute can provide you with a list of valuators located in Windsor who can assess the value of a business before you buy.

Benefits and challenges of buying a business or franchise

The Government of Canada provides a list of potential benefits and challenges for buying a business or franchise. Check out these recommendations to help you decide if this is the best option for you.

Start Your Business
    • Become a Client
    • Business Finance and Taxes
    • Business Regulations and Licensing
    • Business Plan Support
    • Buying a Business
    • Commercial Real Estate
    • Cyber Security
    • Government Tools and Support
    • Hiring Employees
    • Importing and Exporting
    • Local Workforce
    • Marketing
    • Managing Your Business
    • Programs and Financial Support
      Toggle Section Programs and Financial Support Menu
      • Digital Main Street
      • Growing Creative Careers
      • Foodpreneur Advantage
      • Starter Company PLUS
      • Summer Company
      • RE3: Rebuild, Reopen, Revive
      • Regional Programs and Supports
    • Property Search and Community Data

Let's Talk

Windsor Essex Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre footer logo

Windsor Office:

119 Chatham St. W, Unit 100
Windsor, ON N9A 5M7

519-253-6900
Email Us

Essex Office:

39 Maidstone Ave East, Unit 5
Essex, ON N8M 2J3

519-253-6900
Email Us

AccessibilitySitemapWebsite FeedbackContact UsPrivacy Policy
Follow Us: View our Facebook Page View our Twitter Page View our LinkedIn Page View our Instagram Page

© Copyright 2022 Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre

Browser Compatibility Notification

It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.