The Institute of Business Appraisers is the oldest professional society devoted solely to the appraisal of closely-held businesses. Established in 1978, the Institute is a pioneer in business appraisal education and professional accreditation.

Business valuation is a specialized field requiring a solid foundation of experience, continuing education, and the highest level of professional integrity. As a nationally recognized organization with membership of over 3,000, we have established the following goals:

	To increase awareness of business valuation as a specialized profession.
	To ensure that the services of qualified, ethical appraisers are widely available.
	To expand the available body of knowledge regarding the theory and practice of business valuation.
	To develop and provide essential industry information, programs and services for members.
	To impact national policy and law affecting the business valuation community.

There are over 20 million small companies in the American economy, employing 2 out of every 3 taxpayers, producing 39% of the Gross National Product, and providing more than half of the nation’s technical innovations.

The business appraisal market is experiencing tremendous growth.

A number of factors are creating an increasing demand for business valuation:

	A proliferation of business start-ups.
	Downsizing of larger businesses resulting in formation of businesses by departing executives.
	Increased financing opportunities for small businesses.
	Acquisitions, mergers and sales of closely held businesses.
	Establishment of Employee Stock Ownership Plans.
	Increase of litigation involving small businesses, including shareholder disputes, divorce, business damages and taxation issues.

For accountants, business brokers, economists, and academics looking to build a revenue base or expand a practice with a value-added client service, business valuation provides a range of opportunities.

IBA offers education to members and the public in the form of seminars, media, workshops and conferences. IBA's upcoming educational offerings and schedule are described in the Education area of this web site.

Our Mission...
The Institute of Business Appraisers is committed to providing the highest quality of service to our members to assist them in a journey to professional excellence in the field of business appraisal. Our goal is to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for each member through IBA’s resources including technical support, market data, professional certification and practical education in all aspects of appraisal of small and mid-size businesses. In fulfilling this mission, IBA Headquarters staff is assisted by the generosity of the many volunteers who provide professional mentoring, report review, instruction and technical publications for the enhancement of the profession.

IBA’s status as a not-for-profit is accompanied by a commitment to spend member dollars on member resources. We are committed to keeping the cost of membership, certification and education within the reach of the solo and part-time business appraisal professional. We do not measure our success by dominating the profession, having the greatest number of members, the widest variety of programs, or the flashiest materials. Rather success is measured by our ability to engage in cooperative working relationships with other organizations for the advancement of the business appraisal profession, to establish IBA’s professional accreditations as a hallmark of achievement in business appraisal, and to contribute to the professional success of every member.

We Measure our Success By Our Ability to...

	Contribute to the professional success of every member.
	Establish IBA’s professional accreditations as a hallmark of achievement in business appraisal.
	Engage in cooperative working relationships with other organizations for the advancement of the business appraisal profession.