What is entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurship is the art of becoming an entrepreneur by purchasing an existing business , rather than creating a new business from scratch. It is also called business takeover .
This model is increasingly common in Quebec, where thousands of managers retire each year, leaving behind profitable, well-established SMEs ready to be taken over. In 2025, it is estimated that more than 34,000 businesses will be in a transfer situation .
Entrepreneurship vs. business creation: what are the differences?
|
Business creation |
Entrepreneurship (takeover) |
|---|---|
|
Idea to build from scratch |
Existing, structured company |
|
No income at the start |
Income generated upon purchase |
|
More risky (high failure) |
Less risky (history and clientele) |
|
Total freedom, but solitude |
Team, suppliers and customers in place |
|
Less expensive initially |
Request financing, but clear value |
👉 Entrepreneurship allows you to start a business more quickly and more solidly , provided you choose a company that is well aligned with your skills.
Why entrepreneurship will explode in 2025
1. Wave of retirements
Thousands of Quebec SMEs are owned by baby boomers. Many lack internal succession and are looking for an external buyer.
2. Less risk
Starting a business is a leap into the unknown. Taking over a company minimizes uncertainty : you know the revenue, profitability, team, customers, and so on.
3. More accessible financing
Banks, BDC and Investissement Québec finance a takeover more easily than a start-up project, especially with a balance of sale.
4. A fast track to independence
The buyer becomes his own boss immediately , without having to spend years building a business model.
Types of buyers
-
Individual buyers : often from the corporate world, they seek to create their own jobs through the acquisition of an SME.
-
Buyers in pairs or teams : friends, spouses or associates come together to buy together.
-
Growing companies : they buy competitors or suppliers to expand.
-
Family successors : children or relatives who take over the business founded by a parent.
👉 Discover businesses for sale throughout Quebec
Key steps in a takeover process
-
Define your profile and criteria
Sector of interest, size, location, budget, transferable skills.
-
Find a business for sale
Via platforms like trnsfr.ca , brokers or business networks.
-
Evaluate the company
Analyze financial statements, EBITDA, customer base, risks and dependence on the founder.
-
Write a letter of intent
Preliminary document expressing your interest, the proposed price, the financing conditions.
-
Structuring the financing
Personal down payment, bank loan, balance of sale price , BDC, Investissement Québec, etc.
-
Due diligence
Legal, tax, HR, and operational verification before signing.
-
Sign the deed of sale
Support for the seller, transition period, taking possession.
What types of businesses can be taken over?
On trnsfr, you will find a wide variety of businesses for sale in Quebec:
Advantages of entrepreneurship in Quebec
- Stability of the business model
-
Possible support from the seller (post-sales support)
-
Better banking visibility
-
Concrete local impact (jobs, services, continuity)
-
Access to regional funds (SADC, PME MTL, Evol) which support the next generation
You can also benefit from specialized support programs such as those of CTEQ , BDC or Investissement Québec .
The Challenges of Entrepreneurship (and How to Overcome Them)
-
Finding the right company
→ Specialized platforms like trnsfr and personalized support
-
Agree on the right price
→ Use our free AI assessment
-
Convincing lenders
→ Prepare a solid business plan and structure
-
Managing the human transition
→ Plan to support the transferor for 3 to 12 months
-
Change the culture if necessary
→ Involve the team quickly and communicate clearly
Frequently Asked Questions – Entrepreneurship
What skills do you need to become a buyer?
Leadership, analytical skills, people management, and basic financial understanding. You don't need to be an expert in the sector, but you do need to surround yourself with the right people.
Does it take a lot of money to become a buyer?
Not necessarily. With a down payment of 10% to 30%, a balance of sale, and a structured loan, it's possible.
How long does a recovery take?
From 3 to 9 months depending on the complexity. Good support speeds up the process.
What size business is ideal for a first-time buyer?
Between $300,000 and $1.5 million in revenue, with a simple structure and an owner with little involvement in operations.
Conclusion: Entrepreneurship, a strategic path to entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is not a fallback solution: it is a fast, structured, and realistic path to entrepreneurship . In a Quebec where thousands of SMEs are looking for buyers, the opportunities are real, tangible, and full of potential.
At trnsfr, we believe that starting a business is about building on solid foundations . Whether you're a manager, an ambitious technician, an investor, or a professional looking to make a career change, we have the tools, companies, and models to help you make the leap.
0 comments