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Become a Business Broker FAQs

Do you want to be a part of a growth industry with tremendous upside potential? Consider becoming a business broker. Demographic trends in the United States, and around the world, suggest that business brokerage is just such an industry. An aging baby-boomer population, corporate downsizing/outsourcing and globalization are all augmenting the desirability of owning a small business. Most people, however, have little or no experience in buying or selling a company; they need help. Each business broker at Sunbelt provides valuable services to both business sellers and buyers, most of whom are undertaking the most significant financial and emotional transaction of their lives. If you would like to become a business broker, you will be:

  • • Working in conjunction with fellow executive decision makers.
  • • Helping business sellers transition their invested capital into new opportunities
  • • Assisting business buyers in achieving their dreams of owning and operating their own business
  • • Serving as a trusted guide to both parties during the business sale process
  • • Having significant earnings potential.

The information presented below is designed to answer many of the questions you may have about this exciting industry and becoming a business broker. Please feel free to contact any one of our 300 local offices if you need additional information on how to become a business broker.

Is there prerequisite training, licensing, education or experience needed to become a business broker?

Each Sunbelt franchised office location is independently owned and operated and the office owner is responsible for establishing the prerequisites for business brokers working in his or her office.


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Who do I contact if I would like to become a business broker with Sunbelt?

If you are interested in becoming a business broker, you should contact the Sunbelt office owner in the area where you would like to work. The contact information for each Sunbelt office can be found by clicking here. If you are interested in purchasing your own Sunbelt franchise, please click here.


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Does Sunbelt provide new broker training?

Yes, Sunbelt hosts new broker training sessions throughout the year in various major cities around the U.S and in select non-U.S. cities. Additionally, the local offices typically offer a training program which includes DVD and CD training materials which have been produced by Sunbelt’s Corporate office.


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Are there additional opportunities for professional development and training?

Yes, there are multiple opportunities for each business broker to pursue professional development and training. Sunbelt hosts an annual convention that typically features 20 or more hours of continuing professional education. Additionally, we encourage all Sunbelt brokers to participate in training programs which are sponsored by the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA). The IBBA offers a professional certification and designation program which is known as the Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) program. Lastly, there are various other forms of professional licensing, training and designations that you may elect or need to obtain (depending on the state where you work and the nature of your practice). Many business brokers are licensed real estate brokers and those that seek to work on larger business transaction may find it advantageous to obtain federal securities licenses and/or other professional designations.


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What is a typical compensation program for a Sunbelt business broker?

Broker compensation programs are designed and established by the local Sunbelt office owner. That said, the typical broker is retained by the local office owner as an independent contractor and strictly works on a commission basis. There are typically no advances or draws against future commissions. Depending on the nature of a given transaction, commissions can range from 7% to 13%. The standard business broker commission is 10% of the transaction value, with half going to the broker(s) and half going to the office owner. By way of example, if a business is sold for $400,000, typical commission would be $40,000 with half going to the broker(s) and half going to the office owner. High producing brokers may be offered a higher commission split. Obviously, if a broker does not produce, his compensation will be $0; however, a successful broker may make between $100,000 and $1,000,000 per year.


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