How to Become a Business Broker and Start a High Growth Career in 2026

If you are looking for a career change that offers independence, incredible earning potential, and the chance to make a real difference in people's lives, you are looking in the right place.

Becoming a business broker is one of the best-kept secrets in the business world.

Right now, we are witnessing the "Great Wealth Transfer" where millions of Baby Boomers are retiring. They own small businesses ranging from manufacturing plants to local cafes, and they all need someone to help them sell.

There has never been a better time to enter this industry. The inventory is growing, the demand is high, and for those ready to learn, the ceiling is virtually unlimited.

Here is your positive step-by-step guide on how to become a business broker and why it might be the best decision you ever make.

Why You Should Consider Business Brokerage

Before we get into the details of how to start, let’s look at why this is such a massive opportunity. This isn't just a sales job because you are building a career with massive upside.

• Unlimited Earning Potential
  Brokers typically earn a commission of 10% to 12% of the business sale price. If you sell a business for $1 million, that is a $100,000 check from a single deal. Closing just a few deals a year puts you in a very high income bracket.
• Be Your Own Boss
  You control your schedule, your clients, and your growth. You are building your own business while helping others sell theirs.
• Meaningful Work
  You are helping an owner monetize their life's work so they can retire, and helping a buyer achieve their dream of entrepreneurship. You are the bridge to the American Dream for two people at once.
• Low Barrier to Entry
  Unlike becoming a doctor or lawyer, you don't need a decade of schooling to start. You can get up and running relatively quickly.

Step 1 is Understanding the Role of a Dealmaker

A business broker is a professional matchmaker. You are the calm, knowledgeable guide in a complex transaction.

Your day-to-day is exciting and varied. You might spend the morning valuing a construction company, lunch meeting with a potential buyer for a tech firm, and the afternoon negotiating a closing deal for a bakery.

You don’t need to be a financial wizard. You just need to be good with people, organized, and willing to learn the process.

Step 2 is Checking Your State Licensing Requirements

This is the first logistical step. In the United States, requirements vary by state.

• The Real Estate Rule
  About 17 states (like California, Florida, and Arizona) require business brokers to hold a real estate license. This is actually a good thing. Getting your real estate license is a straightforward process that gives you legal standing and credibility.
• The Open States
  In many other states, no specific license is required to sell a business that doesn't include real estate property.

Don't let the idea of a license scare you off. A real estate course can often be completed in a few weeks. It’s a small investment for a career with this much potential.

Step 3 is Getting Educated and Certified

While you can learn on the job, getting some training will accelerate your success. The faster you learn the language of business valuation, the faster you close your first deal.

We recommend looking into the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA). They offer fantastic training and the Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) designation. Having those letters next to your name instantly builds trust with sellers.

Step 4 is Leveraging Modern Tools to Lower Costs

In the past, becoming a broker was expensive because of software costs. That has changed.

Technology has lowered the barrier to entry significantly. You no longer need to spend thousands of dollars upfront to look professional. You can now reach thousands of buyers instantly and manage your leads in one place without breaking the bank.

At Venturu, we believe in supporting new brokers. That’s why we provide a completely free lead inbox to manage your clients and an AI-powered listing importer to help you build professional listings in seconds. We built these tools so you can focus on what matters which is talking to people and making deals.

Step 5 is Building Your Network

Success in this industry comes down to relationships. The best part is that you probably already have a network you can start with.

• Talk to Professionals
  Accountants, lawyers, and financial advisors are your best friends. They are the first to know when a client wants to sell a business.
• Walk the Street
  Simply walking into local businesses and introducing yourself as a resource can yield incredible results.
• Get Online
  Creating a professional profile on a marketplace like Venturu helps sellers find you.