Helping the next generation of owners buy, open, or take over an independent pharmacy, and helping today's owners plan what comes next.
Every independent pharmacy will change hands at some point. When that transition is planned well, patients keep their pharmacist, staff keep their jobs, and the pharmacy stays independent. The NCPA Foundation supports both sides of that handoff: pharmacists preparing for ownership and owners preparing to step back. Our programs are free to participants.
Find the right starting point
I am a pharmacist, P3/P4 student, or someone who is inheriting a pharmacy from a historically underrepresented group who wants to own a pharmacy and needs a structured, year-long plan
Start here with our Pathways to Pharmacy Ownership program, a year-long, free, application-based program:
I am planning to open, buy, or inherit a pharmacy in a rural community within the next 1 to 5 years
Start here with our Rural Pharmacy Ownership Accelerator program, a year-long, free, application-based program:
I am looking for one-on-one guidance from an experienced owner
Start here with our free mentorship program, where we connect you with an experienced pharmacy owner:
I am a current owner thinking about retirement, a sale, or handing the pharmacy to a successor
Start here with our Succession Planning program:
I am an owner considering bringing a pharmacist into ownership, or a pharmacist offered a partial stake
Start here with our Junior Partnership Support program:
Why we focus on transitions
Many independent owners are nearing retirement, and a pharmacy that closes without a successor can leave its community with fewer options for care. At the same time, pharmacists who want to own often lack access to the business training, financing knowledge, and owner networks needed to get there. Our programs connect those two groups so that more pharmacies change hands and remain independent.
Not sure which program fits?
Email: ncpaf@ncpafoundation.org and we will help you find the right fit.
A free, year-long program for aspiring owners who historically have not had equal opportunity to own a pharmacy. Participants are paired with an owner-mentor, complete business training, receive a scholarship to NCPA’s Ownership Workshop, and have their business plan reviewed by industry experts.
A free, 12-month virtual program for pharmacists planning to open, buy, or inherit a pharmacy in a rural community within the next 1 to 5 years. Includes monthly expert sessions, mentorship from rural owners, business plan review, and a private peer community.
Free, one-on-one mentorship for students, aspiring owners, and current owners. Applications are accepted year-round, and no program enrollment is required. Experienced owners can also apply to serve as mentors.
Resources for owners preparing to retire, sell, or transition their pharmacy to the next generation. Starting 5 to 10 years before an intended exit protects the pharmacy’s value and keeps patient care in the community.
Junior Partnership Support
Guidance for owners who want to bring a pharmacist into ownership over time, and for pharmacists considering a partial stake. A junior partnership can be a practical path to succession that keeps the pharmacy independent.
