Can I sell my business myself without paying anyone a commission?

Yes — nothing in Ontario law requires you to use a broker to sell your business, and finding your own buyer through your own network, direct outreach, or a marketplace listing you manage yourself means there's no broker commission to pay on that transaction. Many small business sales close this way, particularly where the seller already knows likely buyers (a competitor, a supplier, a key employee, or a family member).

The catch is what happens if you've already signed a listing agreement with a broker. Many agreements are exclusive for their term, meaning commission can still be owed even on a buyer you found yourself, unless the agreement specifically carves that out. Some sellers negotiate a lower or no commission for buyers they introduce themselves, but that has to be written into the agreement — it isn't assumed. If you haven't engaged a broker at all, you're free to sell directly, though you'll still want proper legal documents (a purchase agreement, disclosure schedule, and closing mechanics) rather than a handshake deal. A Treadstone business lawyer can prepare those documents for a self-managed sale.