According to an article from La Presse,¹ published on March 20, 2025, business succession is experiencing significant growth in Quebec, with more business transfers than new business startups since 2021, according to the Centre de transfert d’entreprise du Québec. Although this trend is promising, it highlights the many challenges entrepreneurs face when preparing for succession. Indeed, the business transfer process is complex and requires careful planning, as well as specific support.

Groupex, aware of the importance of this transition for its members, is launching a survey project to better understand the realities of entrepreneurial succession within its cooperative. This survey aims to identify the needs of businesses, whether they have no succession plan, are in the transition process, or already have a successor in place. By offering personalized support, such as tailored diagnostics, training, and legal advice, Groupex hopes to guide its members through this essential step to ensure the longevity of their businesses.

With the rapid rise of business succession, this survey project aligns perfectly with current challenges, as more and more entrepreneurs seek to transfer their businesses while ensuring a successful transition for the next generation.

Why Is an Entrepreneurial Succession Survey Essential for Business Sustainability?

Succession planning goes beyond simply transferring ownership—it’s a complex process that requires careful consideration of various aspects: management strategies, legal structure, tax matters, and of course, successor development. Groupex’s survey aims to better understand the realities faced by its members in the process of property transition.

This initiative is designed to identify the specific challenges encountered by each member based on their current situation, allowing Groupex to offer tailored support to address the actual needs of businesses during this critical phase.

What Are the Different Member Profiles and Their Needs for Succession Planning?

Groupex’s members find themselves in different stages of succession planning. Some may have no succession plan in place, others may already be in the midst of the transition, and some may have an established successor. Each situation requires specific support to meet the unique needs of the businesses.

1. No Succession Plan in Place: Members without a succession plan are often in a vulnerable position. They’ll need in-depth analysis and guidance to establish a solid strategy.
2. In the Midst of a Transition: For those already transferring management or ownership, support is needed to ensure the process runs smoothly while minimizing legal and tax risks.
3. With a Successor in Place: For businesses with an identified successor, the focus will be on strengthening the transition through training and tools that ensure successful integration.

Entrepreneurial Succession Support: Personalized Diagnostics, Workshops, and Legal & Tax Assistance

To assist its members, Groupex offers several types of personalized support. Each member can benefit from:

• Personalized Diagnostics: Tailored support to analyze the specific needs of the business and define the necessary steps.
• Training Workshops: Sessions covering topics like transition management, communication, and legal and tax aspects for both business owners and their successors.
• Legal and Tax Assistance: Practical guidance to ensure the transition complies with legal and tax regulations, optimizing the success of the succession process.

Groupex’s survey initiative is a crucial step in helping entrepreneurs effectively plan the succession of their businesses. By understanding the specific challenges and needs of each member, Groupex can offer customized support that strengthens business continuity and successful generational transitions. If you’re a Groupex member, participating in this survey is key to receiving personalized support and ensuring the future of your business for years to come.

1. La Presse, “Plus de transferts que de créations d’entreprises”, published on March 20, 2025.. ↩︎