Michael Stanford, CFP®Upstream Investment Partners

Small business 401(k) and exit planning in Denver

Your business is probably your biggest asset. Your retirement plan and your exit should be designed around it.

Book a free 20-minute call Call 303-242-6326

What I help business owners with

  • Choosing the right plan: traditional 401(k), Safe Harbor 401(k), SIMPLE IRA, or a cash balance plan for higher-earning owners
  • Plan designs that can increase what owners put away for themselves while staying fair to employees
  • Selecting a provider and recordkeeper and connecting the plan to payroll
  • Ongoing support with plan fiduciary responsibilities
  • Buy-sell agreements and succession planning
  • Exit planning that coordinates a future sale with your personal retirement plan

Who this is for

  • Owners of small and mid-sized businesses in Denver, Greenwood Village, Centennial, Lone Tree and Parker
  • Owners starting a first retirement plan or unhappy with the plan they have
  • Owners thinking about selling or passing on the business in the next five to ten years

Estimate your 2026 owner contributions with the calculator →

Common questions

Do I need an advisor to set up a small business 401(k)?

No, but plan design choices affect how much you can save, what you owe employees, and your fiduciary responsibilities. An advisor helps you compare plan types and providers and keeps the plan on track after it launches.

What is a Safe Harbor 401(k)?

A Safe Harbor 401(k) requires the employer to make a set contribution for eligible employees. In return, the plan is generally exempt from certain annual nondiscrimination tests, which can let owners and highly paid employees contribute more.

When should I start planning to sell my business?

Ideally several years before a sale. That leaves time to understand what the business is worth, put a buy-sell agreement in place, coordinate taxes with your CPA, and make sure your retirement does not depend on one sale price.

Book a free 20-minute call

No cost and no obligation. We'll see whether working together makes sense.

Schedule your free call
Phone
303-242-6326
Email
[email protected]
Office
8101 E Prentice Ave Ste 775
Greenwood Village, CO 80111