Join Proprietor’s Founding 100
Become one of our first 100 members and help us build Proprietor's membership community, where current and prospective business owners can find the expertise, peer connections, tools and support they need to prepare for, acquire, transfer and operate their small businesses.
The $240 annual membership fee has a lifetime cap for Founding 100 Members.
Membership in the Founding 100 is currently closed. To be added to the waiting list for the next cohort of members, join our mailing list or click the orange button!
Founding 100 FAQs
Q. What makes the Founding 100 different from other memberships at Proprietor?
A. Our Founding 100 are our first 100 members. We need you to be active participants in the community and provide regular feedback on ideas, tools, and our platform. In exchange, your annual membership dues are locked in at $240 per year for as long as you choose to be a Proprietor community member.
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. How much time will I be required to spend on feedback?
A. We recognize that your time is valuable and appreciate any amount you will devote to building this community with the two founders and your fellow Founding 100 members.
Q. I am an ecosystem partner, can I join as a Founding 100 member?
A. You are welcome to join as an ecosystem partner during the Founding 100 phase of Proprietor. 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.