Become a Proprietor Member
Join Proprietor’s membership community, where current and prospective business owners can find the expertise, peer connections, tools and support you need to prepare for, acquire, transfer and operate your small business.
Proprietor Membership is currently closed as we explore changes to our business model. Sign up for the interest list to stay updated.
Membership FAQs
Q. Do I have to be in Maine to join?
A. No you don’t! While our in-person events will initially take place in Maine, we will have plenty of content and community on-line and available digitally. It is likely that the business owners who choose to match with buyers will initially be in Maine or Northern New England but buyers and other community members could be anywhere.
Q. Do I have to be ready to buy a business or sell my business?
A. Not at all. This community is one that can learn and connect without being fully ready to commit to buying or selling. Many are here to learn about the process, what to think about, and even whether they ever want to buy or sell!
Q. What does “lagom" mean?
A. “Lagom” is a Swedish concept that roughly translates to “not too much, not too little” or “enough.” Our community recognizes that business transition is an emotional journey, and that balancing all the elements to benefit both buyers and sellers is why we are creating this trusted community where all the parties can work together.
Q. I don’t want to pay online, how can I join?
A. We are happy to take a check. You can mail a check to Proprietor LLC, 960 Lewiston Rd, West Gardiner, ME 04345.
Q. I own or plan to buy with my spouse/partner/significant other, do we each pay for membership?
A. No you don’t. Decide which person will be the primary contact for membership and provide that person’s information on the application. We will add your partner to our member platform when we first meet with you.
Q. I am an ecosystem partner, can I join as a member?
A. You are welcome to join as an ecosystem partner. We welcome your feedback and consider you as an individual who can add value to the community. We do not see ecosystem partners as representing their own firms but as community members co-building this trusted community with us.
Q. I am already using a business broker or real estate agent to sell my business, can I still join?
A. Yes, absolutely. Proprietor is a membership community, not a broker. You will want to be transparent with other community members that you are using a broker or agent to manage your transaction.