Is Your Business Your Retirement Plan?

Many small business owners invest years of hard work into building their companies—but far fewer take the time to plan for how that effort will translate into long-term financial security. This session brings together experts from business advising, banking, and financial planning to help you think strategically about your future beyond day-to-day operations.

Shelby Sweet, business advisor at the Mohawk Valley SBDC, will open the discussion by framing the challenge from her experience as a business owner as well as her experience working with entrepreneurs, highlighting common gaps in financial planning and the risks of relying solely on a business as a retirement strategy.

From there, Tina Pavlot, vice president at M&T Bank, will provide insight into business valuation—what drives the value of a company, steps owners can take to strengthen that value over time, and realistic expectations when it comes to eventually selling or transitioning a business.

Finally, David Huhtala, financial advisor at Wilmington Advisors @ M&T, will cover key considerations in retirement planning and investing, helping business owners understand how to build a financial future that extends beyond their business.

Whether you are just getting started or beginning to think about an eventual exit, this session will offer practical guidance to help you align your business success with your long-term personal financial goals.