Frequently Asked Questions

Start with a confidential conversation about timing, buyer fit, and documentation. Clearway Advisory helps Chicago owners prepare financials, clarify the story behind the numbers, and position the business for our marketplace or a targeted process. There is no obligation to list—you can use the conversation to understand options before you commit to a full sale process.

You start by submitting your details through our Seller Intake form. Our team will contact you to verify financials and draft a prospectus. Once approved, your listing is shared with our network of investors.

Valuation is not a single number pulled from a generic multiple. We review historical performance, owner add-backs, market comps where available, and risk factors that buyers actually care about. The goal is a credible range you can defend in conversation with serious buyers—not a glossy brochure number that falls apart in diligence.

The timeline varies significantly depending on the industry, market conditions, and the initial state of the business. On average, a well-prepared business takes between 6 to 9 months from the initial listing to closing. We focus heavily on the preparation phase to minimize friction once a buyer is at the table.

We understand that a public sale can disrupt operations, employees, and customer relationships. We use blind profiles (teasers) that highlight financial performance without revealing your exact identity. Interested buyers must sign a strict Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (MNDA) before receiving your confidential Information Memorandum.

Every listing on our marketplace undergoes an initial review by our advisory team. We look at financial performance, operational transparency, and scalability.

Most engagements follow a structured path: discovery and goals, preparation of materials and data room basics, buyer outreach or marketplace listing, qualified buyer screening, LOI and diligence support, and closing coordination. Steps flex based on deal size.

To protect our sellers, all potential buyers must undergo a verification process. This includes proof of funds or financing pre-approval, a signed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), and a background review to ensure they have the operational capacity to manage the acquisition.

Unlike traditional firms that offer generalized advice, Clearway is operator-led. Our strategies are built on firsthand experience managing diverse business portfolios. We don't just provide a roadmap; we provide the technical infrastructure, AI operations, and branding support to execute that roadmap under one roof.

While our core advisory is specialized for the U.S. market, our foundational services including entity setup, operational frameworks, and growth strategies are designed for global application. Whether you are launching a new venture or preparing a business for our Marketplace, our systems are built to scale across borders.

Our tiered packages (Launch, Scale, Executive) are productized to offer the best value for common growth stages. However, we offer bespoke support for specific needs like branding kits, bookkeeping setup, or marketing audits.

We act as your operational partner. While your immigration attorney handles the legal filings, Clearway handles the business side: identifying EB-5 eligible assets, drafting the comprehensive 30+ page business plans required by USCIS, and ensuring the business structure meets job-creation requirements.

No. Clearway Advisory is a business consultancy. We work alongside your legal counsel to provide the necessary business documentation and operational vetting required for a successful application.

Yes, purchasing an existing business or franchise can qualify for the EB-5 program, provided it meets specific restructuring or job-creation requirements. We frequently work with investors to source, vet, and structure these acquisitions to align with USCIS guidelines.

It means replacing manual, repetitive tasks with automated workflows. This includes AI-driven customer service handling, automated inventory forecasting, and smart marketing analytics that tell you exactly where your leads are coming from, allowing you to scale without hiring a massive team.