New Advisor Program Aims to Unlock Wealth for 34 Million Small Businesses

ATLANTA, GA – January 14, 2026 – In a move poised to reshape the financial advisory landscape, education provider CeriFi and Wake Forest University today announced the launch of the Small Business Wealth Advisor™ (SBWA™) certificate program. The initiative, powered by CeriFi’s Dalton Education brand, is the first university-accredited curriculum designed to equip financial professionals with the skills to guide private business owners through their entire entrepreneurial journey, from startup to succession.

This launch targets what industry leaders describe as a massive and critically underserved segment of the American economy. With over 34.8 million small businesses forming the backbone of U.S. commerce, the program seeks to close a significant expertise gap, as fewer than 5% of financial advisors are estimated to have the specialized training required to address the complex, interwoven financial lives of entrepreneurs.

An Untapped Multitrillion-Dollar Market

Small businesses are an undeniable economic powerhouse, accounting for 99.9% of all U.S. companies, employing nearly half of the private-sector workforce, and contributing over 43% to the nation's GDP. Despite their collective economic might, individual owners often navigate a treacherous financial landscape with inadequate professional support. Their challenges extend far beyond simple profit and loss, encompassing a complex web of issues including inconsistent cash flow, debt management, labyrinthine tax compliance, and the constant struggle to secure capital for growth.

Historically, the financial advisory industry has approached this market with a narrow focus on the final chapter: the exit strategy. "Advisors have long focused on exit strategies, but most business owners need trusted guidance long before that," stated James Dalton, Chief Academic Officer at CeriFi, in the announcement. "The SBWA™ program bridges that gap by helping advisors become indispensable partners throughout a client's entrepreneurial journey, not just at the end of it."

This reactive approach leaves significant value on the table. Experts note that key decisions made during the growth and maturity phases of a business—such as structuring employee benefits, managing real estate, integrating personal and business tax planning, and funding expansion—have a profound impact on both the company's ultimate valuation and the owner's personal wealth. The lack of holistic advice often leads to missed opportunities and suboptimal outcomes.

A New Standard in Advisor Education

Seeking to set a new benchmark, the SBWA™ program distinguishes itself through its direct partnership with a prestigious academic institution. Wake Forest University, whose business programs are consistently ranked among the nation's best, provides the university accreditation, lending a level of academic rigor not commonly found in professional designations, which are typically issued by industry bodies.

"This program represents the next evolution of financial education," said Kerry Shronts, Assistant Dean of Executive and Professional Education at Wake Forest University. "Our partnership with CeriFi ensures that participants gain not only academic credibility but also the confidence and tools to deliver measurable impact for their clients."

The curriculum is built upon the established educational framework of Dalton Education, a CeriFi company with a formidable reputation in the financial planning sector. Dalton is a dominant force in preparing candidates for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) exam, boasting that a majority of today's CFP® professionals used their materials and touting exceptionally high pass rates backed by a money-back guarantee.

This collaboration combines Wake Forest's academic oversight with Dalton's proven expertise in creating effective, accessible professional training. The 40-hour, self-paced SBWA™ curriculum is designed for the modern professional, incorporating a mix of video lessons, podcasts, and practical, revenue-ready planning tools that advisors can implement immediately in their practices.

Beyond the Exit: A Lifecycle Approach to Wealth

The core innovation of the SBWA™ program is its philosophical shift from event-driven advice to a continuous, lifecycle-based relationship. While established certifications like the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) have provided essential expertise for the complex process of selling a business, the SBWA™ aims to create a more comprehensive specialization: the "Business Owner Lifecycle Advisor."

This new breed of advisor will be trained to manage the dynamic interplay between business decisions and the owner's personal financial well-being at every stage. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics, including entity selection at startup, cash flow optimization during growth, managing concentrated wealth in a single enterprise, designing tax-efficient retirement plans, and ultimately, orchestrating a seamless succession plan that maximizes value and achieves the owner's personal goals.

By moving beyond a singular focus on exit planning, the program encourages advisors to build deeper, more resilient client relationships. This approach positions them as strategic partners who can help entrepreneurs not only build a valuable company but also translate that business success into lasting personal and generational wealth. This holistic perspective is crucial for owners whose personal balance sheets are inextricably linked to the health of their businesses.

Enrollment for the new certificate program opens in January 2026, with an introductory offer allowing interested advisors to preview the first module for free. The launch signifies a deliberate effort to professionalize and standardize the advice given to a vital, yet often overlooked, client base. By creating a clear educational pathway and a credible credential, CeriFi and Wake Forest are empowering advisors to confidently and competently serve the millions of entrepreneurs who drive the nation's economy.