Exit Readiness Checklist | The Maven Co.

Is Your Business Ready for Exit?

Take this quick 5-minute quiz to find out how prepared your SME is for a successful exit. We'll email you a personalised readiness summary — and if you'd like, we can also offer a confidential valuation assessment.

Start Your Exit-Readiness Review

How This Works

1

Answer the checklist questions honestly

2

Submit your email to receive a summary

3

Use the results to prioritise your exit-readiness actions

Score yourself objectively across the five pillars buyers evaluate.
Rate each item: 0 = Not in place | 1 = Partially | 2 = Fully in place

Strategic Readiness

Documented business model & revenue drivers

Clear growth narrative or strategic direction

Defined value proposition vs competitors

Identified exit goals (value, timing, buyer type)

Succession or leadership continuity plan

Financial Readiness

Accurate P&L for last 2–3 years

Clean balance sheet & cash flow statements

Normalised EBITDA calculations available

Separation of personal & business expenses

Clear financial forecasting for next 12–24 months

Operational Readiness

SOPs documented across functions

Delegated responsibilities across a stable team

Centralised data & file management

Supplier/customer contracts formalised

Demonstrated ability to operate without founder

Market & Commercial Readiness

Defined ideal customer profile & acquisition channels

Consistent revenue growth or stability

Strong customer retention metrics

Clear competitive positioning

Diversified customer base (no single-client reliance)

Legal & Compliance Readiness

All licenses, filings, and regulatory requirements met

Up-to-date contracts & employment agreements

IP ownership clear and documented

No outstanding disputes or contingencies

Data privacy & operational risk controls in place

Your Total Score

0 / 50
Complete the quiz above to see your rating

Exit-Readiness Rating Guide

40–50 Strongly exit-ready
30–39 Sale possible, but improvement recommended
20–29 Not yet ready; preparation needed
0–19 High risk; start with a readiness consultation
Start Your Exit-Readiness Review

Get a personalised summary by email.

Frequently Asked Questions

The full quiz takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. You can also save your progress and return later if needed.

This checklist is designed for SME founders and business owners who are considering selling their business within the next 1-5 years, or who simply want to understand how prepared their business is for a potential exit.

No. Your information is kept strictly confidential. We will never share your data with third parties without your explicit consent.

You'll receive a personalised readiness summary via email within 24 hours. If you've opted in, one of our advisors may reach out to discuss your results and potential next steps.