Starting a small business is hard. Exiting can be even harder, but planning early is the key

AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Figuring out what to do with a small business when an owner is ready to retire can be difficult, but it’s best to have a plan well in advance of making a big change. Most people in the U.S. retire in their 60s, and about 51% of small business owners over the age of 55, according to the U.S. Census. The most common options include creating a succession plan for a family member or someone already involved in the business, selling the business to an outsider or simply winding down the business and shuttering it.