According to a study released by the CIBC, 500, 000 Canadian small business owners are planning to retire over the next five years. Another 750, 000 are expected to retire by 2020. This guide addresses the unique transition needs of small business owners and independent professionals. This group cannot simply attend a retirement dinner and leave work, there is a business to manage and a business to sell, and there are no systems in place for deferred consumption such as a pension plan. In addition, increased cash flow and asset sales create more complexity in tax planning and cash flow management. In 2004, nearly 2.5 million Canadians were self-employed, making up more than 15% of the overall workforce, yet these professionals are on their own when it comes to planning and managing the transition process. This book puts them in the driver's seat, allowing them to take control and create the transition they want, on their terms.