Entrepreneurs who work with investment bankers for their business transition can benefit from what that key piece of growth, or the actual exit, can bring to the table. Even better: working with someone who has actually been in their shoes. “I started and sold businesses before I got into banking, so I have that perspective in my approach with clients,” said Steve Laver, managing director at Santa Monica, Calif-based investment banking firm Montminy & Co.

Is the spirit of “business transition,” from a generational perspective, best aimed at business owners in their 50s? That thinking would currently put Generation X entrepreneurs in the sweet spot. “Baby Boomers are exiting, and retiring,” said Nicolas B. Biancamano, managing partner of San Diego-based Pacifica Advisors. The market hasn’t fully transitioned into the next generation,” he said. “They don’t want to give up everything ꟷ they want to keep working.”

A few years ago, Anne Sellmer decided to follow her passion and established cōchu Chocolatier in Calgary. Today, the business has grown so much that she is looking at the next step in its evolution. “We make boutique luxury chocolates that are award-winning. Since we launched, we’ve won 87 national and international awards,” said Sellmer. Along the way, the company has also won numerous medals at the World Finals. It’s been named 6-Star Grand Master Chocolatier and one of the top 10 chocolatiers in North America.

In a recent meeting with a veteran business owner, whose company we’ll call ChangeCo, the conversation quickly turned to his vision of significantly expanding his business over the next three years. This is not an unusual topic these days, as owners of a certain age decide they have one last big push in them to grow their business beyond its current boundaries.

Elevated oil prices these days are helping lift Alberta’s economy, not just in the energy sector but by extension to many other businesses throughout the province. “And we are seeing in Alberta some really nice diversification into that tech sector,” says Todd Hirsch, Economist & Director, Energy Transition Centre. “Alberta I think is in not bad shape at all business wise and economy wise.”

Wayne Grund and his wife Debra started Surface Hair Care in 2008 and today the Saskatchewan-based company has more than 50,000 salons in the U.S, and Canada featuring its products. As it celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, it will also celebrate having sold more than 20 million bottles of hair care. And a recent partnership agreement with investors will fuel additional growth for the company.