A pilot program · presented by Raymond James
Most founders never plan the landing.
You built it. You grew it. But the biggest decisions of your ownership — when and how you step away — are too often made reactively, under pressure, on someone else's timeline. Prepare for Landing is where you plan it on your own terms.
Express your interest See the program →At a glance
- StartsSeptember 30, 2026 · runs through May 2027
- WhenLast Wednesday monthly · 12:30–2:00 PM CT
- TimeAbout 90 minutes a month
- FormatHybrid · live virtual option · never recorded
- ForEC members, alumni & partner organizations
- CostFree for EC members & alumni — pilot cohort of 30 founders
What it is
A succession-readiness program for founders.
Prepare for Landing helps you maximize the value of your business today while building a thoughtful plan for the future — whatever that future holds.
Across the program you'll strengthen your company, build the right advisory network, and create a real succession strategy: family transition, new leadership, employee ownership, a strategic partnership, or a future sale. You'll build the plan before you need it — not after.
What you'll build
Five things every founder should have — and most don't.
- 1A stronger internal leadership team and outside advisory network
- 2A real valuation model — and the levers that drive enterprise value
- 3The legal structures that protect what you've built
- 4A tax strategy that preserves it
- 5A clear, personal view of every path forward
Who it's for
You've built something real. Now protect what's next.
Prepare for Landing is open to EC members, alumni, and members of partner organizations. Not in one of those groups? You're still welcome to apply — priority goes to EC members and alumni.
It's built for established founders ready to move from "someday I'll step away" to an intentional plan — even if "next" is years away.
The program
Eight working sessions. One capstone.
Sessions meet the last Wednesday of each month, 12:30–2:00 PM CT, September 2026 through May 2027 — each led by practitioners who guide business owners through these decisions every day. November and December dates shift for the holidays.
Kickoff & Building Your Succession Team
Meet your cohort and walk the program framework — then start building the internal leadership team and outside advisory network your plan depends on: executives, board members, attorneys, CPAs, wealth advisors, bankers, and more.
Financial Statement Analysis & Business Valuation
Build a valuation model for your business, understand how enterprise value is created, and identify the drivers that impact what your company could be worth.
Legal 101
Entity structure, governance, ownership agreements, and contracts — the legal foundations that protect value and prepare your company for leadership or ownership changes.
Commercial Banking & Strategic Lending
How banking relationships and capital strategy support growth, improve financial flexibility, and create greater options for the future.
Tax Planning & Wealth Preservation
Proactive strategies to reduce unnecessary tax exposure, protect personal wealth, and create flexibility across different succession paths.
Understanding Investment Banking
When to engage an investment bank, how to select the right partner, and the value they provide — beyond a transaction.
Partnering with Private Equity
Private equity as a strategic option for growth and flexibility — what a partnership looks like, when it makes sense, and how it differs from a complete transition.
Formulating Your Succession Plan & Long-Term Goals
Define the future you want for your business and build a roadmap that aligns your business goals with your personal and family objectives.
The capstone
The Business Owner Strategy Summit
A full-day capstone bringing together successful founders, investment bankers, private equity investors, wealth advisors, attorneys, CPAs, and other trusted advisors for a deep exploration of the business ownership lifecycle — the financial, legal, tax, leadership, and strategic decisions that build lasting value.
Why it's free
Expertise founders normally pay a firm to access — free for EC members and alumni.
This is a pilot, presented by Raymond James and supported by Old National Bank, Alumni Circle Partner. The practitioners teaching each session guide business owners through these decisions every day.
In exchange, we ask that you attend at least 75% of sessions, share feedback along the way, and help us make the next cohort better. Co-founders and team members are welcome to join you.
Questions
Good things to know.
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Two ways in
Raise your hand — or talk it through first.
Express your interest
This isn't an application — it's a low-commitment way to raise your hand. Share a few details and we'll follow up with what comes next.
Fill out the interest formNot sure yet? Just ask.
Our Director of Engagement is happy to send you the details or talk the program through — no form required.
Start the conversationPrepare for Landing is a pilot program of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, presented by Raymond James and supported by Old National Bank, Alumni Circle Partner. Additional teaching partners include Baker Donelson.