Launching the ExitNavigator Program
Supporting Business Owners with Community Futures Highwood
We’re passionate about supporting local businesses and empowering entrepreneurs to thrive. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our collaboration with Community Futures Highwood (CFH) on an exciting new initiative: ExitNavigator. This program is designed to help rural business owners navigate the complex process of succession planning or exiting their businesses while also connecting buyers with sellers to ensure smooth transitions.
Not only did we have the privilege of taking on the brand strategy, website, messaging, and a digital marketing campaign for ExitNavigator, but we're also honored to be among the program's sponsors. We wholeheartedly believe in CFH’s mission to support business owners and strengthen our local economy. As the program launches this week, we’re excited to share more about why this initiative matters and how it will make a difference for entrepreneurs in our community.
Why Succession or Exit Planning is Crucial
For many business owners, their company represents years—if not decades—of hard work, dedication, and passion. However, when it comes time to move on, whether due to retirement, a career change, or other life circumstances, many are unprepared for the complexities of transitioning out of their business.
In fact, studies show that a large percentage of small business owners lack a formal exit strategy. This can lead to rushed decisions, undervalued sales, or even closures that could have been avoided with proper planning. For rural communities in Alberta and beyond, this can have a ripple effect on local economies—impacting jobs, services, and overall economic health.
That’s where ExitNavigator comes in. The program is designed to provide business owners with the tools and support they need to plan their exit effectively while also helping buyers find opportunities to step into established businesses. Buying an existing business offers a strategic shortcut to entrepreneurship, providing instant cash flow, established customer relationships, and a proven operational model—dramatically reducing risks compared to starting from scratch. It’s a win-win for everyone involved—and for our community as a whole.
What is ExitNavigator?
ExitNavigator is more than just a program—it’s a lifeline for business owners who want to ensure their hard work lives on after they step away.
Here’s what it offers:
Support for Sellers: Business owners gain access to resources that help them prepare their business for sale, from valuations to marketing strategies. They can also connect confidentially with qualified buyers who are ready to invest in their vision.
Opportunities for Buyers: Aspiring entrepreneurs can explore numerous opportunities to purchase established businesses and receive guidance throughout the process.
Expert Guidance: The program provides advisory support every step of the way, ensuring both buyers and sellers feel confident in their decisions.
By bridging the gap between buyers and sellers, ExitNavigator helps preserve businesses that might otherwise close their doors—and ensures they have the opportunity to continue their legacy in their local communities.
Freshly Pressed’s Role in ExitNavigator
Our team has been honoured to play a key role in bringing ExitNavigator to life. From crafting its brand strategy and building its website to developing its messaging and campaign strategy, we worked closely with Community Futures Highwood to create a program identity that resonates with business owners and reflects its mission of empowerment and sustainability.
But our involvement didn’t stop there—we also chose to join the sponsors of the initiative because we believe so strongly in its purpose. As advocates for local businesses ourselves, we understand how vital programs like ExitNavigator are in helping entrepreneurs succeed at every stage of their journey—including when it’s time to pass the torch.
The creative process behind this project continues to be incredibly rewarding for our team. We wanted every element—whether it was the website UI/UX or the tone of the messaging—to convey trust, professionalism, and hope for the future. Seeing it all come together as the program launches this week is a proud moment for us.
Strengthening Our Community Together
The launch of ExitNavigator marks an important milestone for our province. By providing business owners with the resources they need to plan successful transitions—and by connecting them with motivated buyers—it ensures that established businesses remain vibrant contributors to our local economy long after their founders move on.
We’ve seen firsthand how programs like this can make a difference—not just for individual entrepreneurs but for entire communities. Whether it’s preserving jobs, maintaining essential services, or fostering new opportunities for growth, initiatives like ExitNavigator are critical in sustaining thriving local economies in rural Alberta.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re a business owner considering your next chapter—or an aspiring entrepreneur looking for your perfect opportunity—ExitNavigator is there to help you every step of the way. Visit www.exitnavigator.ca or contact Community Futures Highwood today to learn more about how this program can support you.
At Freshly Pressed, we’re proud to stand alongside the team at CFH in launching this impactful initiative—and we can’t wait to see how it transforms our community for years to come.
Let’s work together to build a brighter future for local businesses!
ABOUT FRESHLY PRESSED
For over 17 years, Freshly has been a leader in scaling and growing client brands through impactful marketing campaigns, websites, and brand strategies that deliver measurable results. As an award-winning agency, we have demonstrated success across diverse industries, from local community initiatives to high-profile provincial and federal projects. Our portfolio includes collaborations with municipalities and organizations to create tailored campaigns addressing unique community needs.This breadth of experience enables us to deeply understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing businesses and organizations in every sector, allowing us to develop tailored strategies that deliver exceptional outcomes.Curious about how Freshly can help your brand or initiative grow? Book a Discovery session today!
