David Barnett,
BBA, CMEA
Professional Biography
David C. Barnett is an international speaker, author, consultant, and recognized authority on buying, selling, financing, and managing small and medium-sized businesses. With over 25 years of experience, Barnett has built a career at the intersection of entrepreneurship, finance, and education—helping thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide understand the complexities of business ownership and transactions.
A graduate of Bishop’s University’s Williams School of Business and Economics and UNBSJ’s Electronic Commerce Management Program, Barnett began his career with the Yellow Pages, where he spent seven years working closely with small business owners. This early role gave him unique insight into the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. In 2005, he launched his first small business, successfully operating and later selling it, while also building a real estate investment portfolio.
In 2006, Barnett founded Advantage Liquidity Partners Ltd., brokering commercial debt solutions for small and medium enterprises, including loans, leases, and mortgages. His work arranging financing for hundreds of businesses naturally led him into business brokerage. After joining Sunbelt Business Brokers in 2008, he earned the Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) designation and facilitated more than 35 business buy/sell transactions across Atlantic Canada. In parallel, Barnett earned the Certified Machinery & Equipment Appraiser (CMEA) designation, equipping him to serve lenders, accountants, and legal professionals with reliable valuations.
Barnett later managed American Express’s corporate mid-market credit programs in Atlantic Canada before dedicating himself fully to advising entrepreneurs, teaching, and writing. Today, he works directly with business buyers and sellers around the globe, helping them structure deals, avoid common pitfalls, and organize their companies for growth and exit.
An Amazon best-selling author, Barnett has written ten books, including How to Sell My Own Business, Invest Local, Credit Card Advantage, and Franchise Warnings. He is also the creator of the Business Buyer Advantage program, designed to guide entrepreneurs step-by-step through successful acquisitions. His YouTube channel and podcast have attracted a worldwide audience, with more than 2.9 million views and over 667,000 podcast downloads, praised for making complex deal-making concepts clear and accessible.
Barnett’s engaging keynotes, workshops, and training programs equip entrepreneurs, financial professionals, and small business stakeholders with practical, actionable insights. Whether working one-on-one or speaking to international audiences, his mission is simple: to empower people with the tools and knowledge to confidently build, buy, and exit businesses strategically and avoid bad deals.
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David Biographical Blog Posts/Videos:
