I own a business
Understand how much the business depends on you and what choices you want for its future.
Explore the owner pathKeeping local business local
A local mission. A practical first step.
BEAM is a nonprofit based in Western Pennsylvania.
We help owners begin preparing someone to step in, buyers consider ownership thoughtfully, and organizations support the local businesses their communities depend on.
Why BEAM exists
What happens to a local business affects more than its owner.
An ownership decision affects more than a buyer or seller. It reaches employees, families, customers, suppliers, and neighborhoods.
Owners may want more freedom today, a stronger team, or a plan for an eventual transition. Buyers need to know whether ownership fits their lives and whether a particular business is right for them. Organizations depend on healthy local businesses too.
BEAM helps people understand their choices before making a major commitment. You choose the direction: buying, preparing someone to step in, considering a sale, or deciding to wait.
Who we serve
Find the path that fits you.
I want to buy a business
Get clearer about your goals, readiness and the work involved before pursuing an opportunity.
Explore the buyer pathI represent an organization
See how local business continuity connects to the people and communities your organization serves.
Explore the organization pathPeople behind the work
Our staff.
Joel Burstein
CEO and cofounder
Leads BEAM’s strategy, institutional relationships, and community mission.
James Myers
Business development
Connects people and organizations with BEAM and its programming.
Jayme Holloway
Operations
Supports operations and the delivery of events and programs.
Micah Arnold
Technology and operations
Supports BEAM’s technology and Anchor Insights workflow.
Education leadership
Guiding the learning.
Bill Ilgenfritz
Head of Education Program
Leads BEAM’s education program for owners and prospective buyers.
Leadership and oversight
Board of Directors.
Blayre Britton
Chris McElroy
David Malone
John Lewis
Majestic Lane
Rob Cherry
Tricia Warrick
Will Allen
How we work
Prepare for the decision. Connect for the next step.
BEAM is a first step in an ownership decision, not the last.
We help you understand where you stand, learn what you need and decide what makes sense next. Sometimes the right answer is to prepare, wait, or choose a different path.
BEAM does not broker a transaction or promise a purchase, sale, or loan approval. Attorneys, accountants, lenders, and other qualified specialists handle the professional work their expertise requires. We help you understand which questions to bring to them.
Start a conversation
You do not need to have the answer yet.
Tell us what you are weighing. We will help you find a useful first step.