ISPA and BTC Announce Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Succession Planning for Advisors Working with Business Owners

by | Our Authors, Succession Planning

Orlando, FL April 15, 2026 — The International Succession Planning Association (ISPA) and the Business Transition Council (BTC) today announced a strategic partnership focused on strengthening how advisors approach succession and transition planning with business owners.

The partnership brings together two organizations aligned around the same reality: succession conversations happen more often, but they are rarely led in a structured, integrated way.

“This is where a lot of value is either captured or missed,” said Kelly Maheu, Chief Executive Officer of ISPA. “Advisors are already in these conversations, but too often they’re happening in pieces. This partnership is about helping advisors step into a more complete role and lead across the full picture.”

ISPA and BTC will collaborate on education, content, and advisor-focused programming designed to help professionals move from conversation to execution. The focus is on giving advisors a clearer, more practical way to address succession across leadership continuity, ownership transition, financial readiness, and family dynamics.

“There’s strong alignment in how both organizations think about this work,” said Michael Valdez, Co-Founder of the Business Transition Council. “Our members are looking for ways to go deeper with clients and bring more structure to these conversations. This partnership creates a natural next step.”

The partnership will roll out through joint initiatives, including shared content, advisor education, events, and programming focused on real-world application.

As part of this partnership, BTC members have access to ISPA membership at a preferred rate.

 

You can use code BTC20 at checkout: https://ispassociation.org/courses/membership

 

About International Succession Planning Association (ISPA)

The International Succession Planning Association is the global professional association advancing the practice of succession planning. ISPA equips advisors with the structure, education, and tools to lead succession planning engagements across leadership continuity, ownership transition, financial readiness, and family dynamics. Through its framework, training, and client-facing tools, ISPA supports advisors in delivering more consistent, integrated succession planning work.

 

About Business Transition Council (BTC)

The Business Transition Council is a professional community of advisors focused on business transition planning. BTC brings together experienced professionals committed to advancing collaboration, knowledge sharing, and best practices in serving business owners through transition and succession.