All eyes were on Jackson Hole today as Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell addressed how the Fed is weighing the current economic landscape in anticipation of the next Federal Reserve meeting in September. His remarks signaled that interest rate cuts may be on the horizon, citing [...]

BizBuySell’s latest Insight Report reveals how Main Street businesses are navigating a complex economic environment. In Q2, 2,342 businesses changed hands — a 4% decline year over year and 1% dip from Q1 — as buyers paused to assess new tariffs and changes in SBA financing [...]

On August 1st, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate ticked up 0.1% to 4.2% in July. While July’s modest uptick drew some attention, it was the substantial downward revisions to May and June job gains that truly captured headlines, signaling a more pronounced softening in the labor market. Despite the slowdown, wage growth (3.9%) continues to outpace inflation (2.6%), suggesting a resilient consumer base that may still be propping up the broader economy. [...]

As of June 1, recent SBA loan policy updates may already be influencing how small business transactions are structured – especially when it comes to seller financing. Under the new rules, sellers who offer financing may now be required to personally guarantee the loan, depending on the terms[...]

On July 4, the Trump administration’s Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law, setting the stage for change across the small business landscape. Many of the bill’s provisions are aimed at helping businesses grow, increase their market value, and create a more competitive environment for both buyers and sellers[...]

While venture capitalists chase unicorns, a quieter wealth-building movement is happening on Main Street. BizBuySell’s breakdown of seller's discretionary earnings (SDE) across traditional business sectors shows that some of the most profitable opportunities are found in so-called “boring businesses” [...]

With trade policy dominating the news cycle since the beginning of the second Trump administration, the business-for-sale market has seen a surge in manufacturing business sale prices. As reported in BizBuySell's most recent Quarterly Insight Report [...]

BizBuySell's Q1 2025 Insight Report reveals that 91% of business buyers plan on purchasing a business within the next two years. What does this mean for Main Street businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs? This surge in buyer interest has the potential to create [...]

On April 22, 2025, the Small Business Administration (SBA) announced an updated Standard Operating Procedure for Lender and Development Company Loan Programs – SOP 50.10.8. As the SBA prepares to roll out these important updates to its loan programs—7(a) and 504—in June 2025, the small business community will see a return to lending policies and criteria that were in place during the first Trump [...]

With the stock market flirting with bear-market territory and the dollar approaching a four-year low, small business owners are navigating a climate filled with economic uncertainty. Adding to concerns, U.S. Treasuries are experiencing a selloff, driven in part by rising interest rates and calls from the Federal Reserve to be patient while gauging tariff and policy impacts. For small businesses [...]

With the Trump Administration doubling down on tariffs to achieve its goals of rebuilding the economy and restoring national and economic security, small businesses are finding themselves in the crosshairs. While many small business owners initially welcomed the incoming Trump administration—67% of small business owners surveyed by BizBuySell in the fall of 2024 [...]

Amid uncertainty in the economy—from stock market declines to inflation and tariff worries—the franchise industry remains poised for growth in 2025 according to the latest economic projections from industry leaders IFA (International Franchise Association) and FRANdata. Despite ongoing market fluctuations, franchising options remain appealing to entrepreneurs and business buyers [...]

At the March Federal Reserve meeting this week, the Fed left interest rates unchanged at 5.25-5.50% for the second straight meeting and reiterated their plan for two rate cuts later this year. They acknowledged that economic growth for the year may be slower than forecasted and inflation might trend higher than anticipated, despite cooling to 2.9%. Notably, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell mentioned "uncertainty" five times[...]

According to recent data from the BizBuySell Insight Report, over 56% of current business buyers have never owned a business before. The most common profile? Corporate refugees - individuals exiting corporate America in search of independence - who make up nearly 42% of today's business buyers. [...]

President Trump has followed through on campaign promises by imposing and threatening tariffs on trading partners such as China, Mexico, Canada, and Europe. These efforts aim to boost American manufacturing but have left corporate leaders and small business owners uncertain about what to expect in the year ahead [...]

Inflation remains a top concern this week as the latest Consumer Price Index data exceeded economists' expectations, coming in at 3%. The January inflation data sparked market reactions, highlighting ongoing concerns about the Federal Reserve's path forward on interest rates. While Wall Street responds to inflation climbing higher, Main Street business owners recognize that these numbers confirm what they've been experiencing [...]

The artificial intelligence landscape continues to make headlines in 2025, with Elon Musk and a consortium of investors recently bidding nearly $100 billion to buy control of OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. While OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman playfully rejected the offer from his former co-founder, the bid highlights the enormous value and competitive stakes [...]

The Department of Labor recently released January jobs numbers, showing that employment rose by 143,000 in January, with the unemployment rate edging down to 4.0 percent. With small businesses comprising 99.90% of U.S. businesses according to the Small Business Administration, this tight labor market has particular significance for Main Street[...]

The opening weeks of 2025 have brought a notable positive outlook from both small business owners and prospective buyers. While confidence is high in the small business community, owners are taking a measured, strategic approach to the year ahead. With the small business sector continuing to be a cornerstone of the American economy [...]

As 2024 is in the rear-view mirror, the small business landscape remains resilient. As the backbone of the economy with 33 million businesses employing 61 million Americans, small businesses are uniquely positioned to gauge economic conditions and policy impacts. [...]

Navigating the complexities of buying or selling a business requires expert guidance and careful planning. We've gathered valuable insights from seasoned professionals in the field - including business brokers, M&A advisors, certified appraisers, and SBA lenders - to help guide you through the process [...]

Small business owners across America are grappling with a complex tax system that challenges their bottom line. BizBuySell's latest Insight Report shows that tax reform is the top concern for 71 percent of small business owners, ahead of both access to capital (63 percent) and healthcare costs (50 percent) [...]

As 2024 draws to a close, a deadline looms for millions of small business owners across the United States. At the start of the year, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) went into effect, an effort by Congress to combat money laundering and tax fraud. As a result, most small businesses are now required to file a report [...]

With less than 45 days until Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President, small businesses are beginning to feel the impact of the incoming administration’s proposed changes in trade policy. In response to Trump’s decision to double down on tariffs—an additional 10% against China, and 25% on both Mexico[...]

Nestled between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is Small Business Saturday, a shopping holiday designed to spotlight locally owned small businesses. This November 30th marks the 15th anniversary of Small Business Saturday, started by American Express in 2010 to highlight the role of small businesses in our communities[...]

Native American Heritage Month, celebrated in November, serves as a reminder of the impact and invaluable cultural contributions made by Native American and Indigenous communities to American society. Native American and Indigenous entrepreneurs play an important role in driving economic growth, making a substantial impact on both local and national economies.[...]

With 2024 coming to a close, BizBuySell is getting insights from small business owners about the trends they’re anticipating for the year ahead. The Q3 2024 Insight Report survey highlights service businesses as the top choice for prospective entrepreneurs. From automotive businesses to healthcare opportunities, entrepreneurs are seeking essential services [...]

November marks the arrival of Veterans Day, a poignant reminder of the important role that veteran entrepreneurship plays in the lives of those transitioning from military service. According to the Census Bureau, there are nearly 2 million veteran-owned businesses, employing over 5,000,000 Americans. The contribution veterans make, not only in their service to the country but also in their pursuits as entrepreneurs [...]

As Election Day approaches on November 5th, the nation's attention is fixed on local, state, and national races. However, Main Street tells a different story. According to BizBuySell's quarterly Insight Report, small business owners are largely maintaining a "business as usual" approach [...]

With the baby boomer generation transitioning into retirement, a noticeable shift is transforming the small business landscape. The latest data from BizBuySell’s quarterly Insight Report sheds light on a growing trend in buying and selling patterns, opening up new and exciting possibilities for aspiring entrepreneurs. [...]

This past summer, a security update deployed by CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity company, resulted in canceled flights, delayed medical procedures, and employees arriving at work only to be greeted by a blue screen of death. This worldwide disruption reinforced for businesses, both large and small, how reliant and connected [...]

Staying up to date with the latest developments from the Small Business Administration (SBA) is important for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Recent updates from the SBA present both opportunities and potential challenges for those looking to value, buy, or sell a business. [...]

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) platforms are gaining popularity as a payment method for consumers both online and in person, with over a third of U.S. adults (39%) having used these services at least once. BNPL offers an alternative way to pay for goods and services over time, interest-free for payments made on time [...]

Today, the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates by 0.5 percentage points, bigger than some economists’ predictions, signaling their commitment to reigning in inflation and steering the economy out of recession territory. [...]

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15th to October 15th in the United States, honors the achievements of Americans with Spanish, Mexican, Central and South American, and Caribbean ancestry. This month-long observance pays tribute to the rich cultural heritage and significant impact[...]

Small business owners, especially those in the service industry, are discovering that tipping is an effective tactic to navigate the challenging labor market. Businesses, faced with inflation and higher minimum wages, are looking for strategies that both attract and keep employees [...]

The stock market’s historical volatility in August serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges that Main Street businesses have faced in an uncertain economy over the past few years. As the Federal Reserve looks to steer the economy towards a smooth landing, business owners remain cautiously optimistic [...]

The lack of affordable and accessible childcare is a pressing concern for Main Street businesses as they navigate through a complex labor landscape. This issue is impacting business owner’s ability to attract and retain employees, affecting their operations and growth potential.[...]

As small business owners continue to face challenges in the labor market—from finding qualified employees to managing increased labor costs—many are turning to virtual assistants to help lighten the load. Virtual assistants (VAs) provide a wide range of services[...]

On June 21, 2024, U.S. bankruptcy limits that were raised during the Covid-19 pandemic returned to their pre-pandemic levels. These temporary higher debt thresholds for Subchapter V of Chapter 11 bankruptcies had offered a lifeline to small, Main Street[...]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the business world, changing how companies of all sizes operate. While big tech hubs and large enterprises were quick to adopt AI, smaller businesses are now catching up. Main Street businesses[...]

While the economy is showing signs of strength, with low unemployment rates and inflation easing from its 2022 peak, small business owners find themselves still grappling with the residual impact of the pandemic as they work to adapt to the new normal[...]

In today's digital age, social media has become an important tool for small businesses looking to expand their reach and engage with their customers. These platforms offer opportunities for brand promotion, customer interaction, and market research. [...]

Considering selling your business? Unlock the secrets to a profitable sale in our webinar hosted by industry leaders BizBuySell and America's SBDC Massachusetts. Plus, all attendees receive our step-by-step Guide to Selling a Business. Maximize your exit strategy today![...]

The United States government has designated May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month. Among the many achievements and contributions of AAPI to the United States is their commitment to small businesses and entrepreneurship. 9.9% of all businesses owned in the United States are AAPI-owned, meaning one in 10 businesses is owned by Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders. [...]

The first week of May is dedicated to celebrating the contributions of small businesses during Small Business Week, a time recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to honor the impact and achievements of business owners and their effect on the economy and the communities in which they serve and do business[...]

President Biden recently signed into law a bill that both the House and the Senate sent to his desk with bipartisan support. This new law requires TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, to divest ownership of the platform within a year or face a ban. This move has raised questions about the potential impact on small businesses that use the platform[...]

April 22 is Earth Day, a day of recognition for over one billion people globally, which serves as an important reminder for businesses to reflect on their part in protecting the environment. Small businesses have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment and contribute to building a more sustainable future. [...]

For entrepreneurs looking to buy a small business, there are several ways to finance a business acquisition. Traditional bank loans, seller financing, and other funding sources offer a range of possibilities for structuring the deal. In many cases, buyers can negotiate a deal using a combination of financing methods to achieve the most [...]

Astronomy enthusiasts are not the only ones excited for the April 8th solar eclipse passing over the United States. Businesses, both big and small, are getting in on the action. For enterprises in the retail, service, entertainment, and hospitality sectors, the eclipse presents a unique chance to leverage the natural phenomenon through special [...]

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is currently undergoing a transformative shift. While there has been a notable uptick in companies and business leaders prioritizing ESG in recent years, 2023 presented a few setbacks. While mentions of ESG on earnings calls [...]

Despite the challenges of inflation and increasing interest rates caused by the Covid pandemic, the pet sector has continued to thrive. With impressive growth over the last 10 years, the global pet industry is expected to reach $500 billion by 2030. Leading the way are innovations in technology and a pet-loving customer[...]

New concepts and investments are driving a growing trend in the restaurant and entertainment sector. Immersive experiences offered by eatertainment are reshaping both the food and entertainment industries. Fueled by the demand for experiential offerings among millennials and Gen Z, this innovative trend is on the rise. [...]

During the Federal Reserve’s most recent meeting and press conference, it was announced that interest rates would remain unchanged, with a projection of easing borrowing costs three times by the end of the year. With interest rates currently at 5.3%, business owners anticipate potential reductions in borrowing expenses in 2024 [...]

March marks Women’s History Month and for women-owned businesses, there are several resources designed to encourage entrepreneurship. Between loans, mentorship, education, and grants, there are a variety of programs designed to help women start and scale businesses. Grants [...]

Inflation remained in the spotlight this week as the latest Consumer Price Index data, released on Tuesday, exceeded economists’ forecasts. The stock market reacted with a 500-point drop, prompting concerns among investors that this may delay any proposed interest rate cuts from the Fed [...]

February commemorates Black History Month and for Black-owned small businesses, there are many opportunities and resources designed to support entrepreneurs. To help Black-owned businesses scale and succeed, a variety of programs from public and private entities [...]

Retirement has evolved beyond relaxation and leisure, especially with the influence of baby boomers on the economy. The business-for-sale marketplace is witnessing an interesting trend, where retirees are taking part as both buyers and sellers. And as the number of baby boomers reaching retirement age continues to rise annually, many consider selling their business[...]

New year, new laws for small business owners. As of January 1, 2024, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) has come into effect, ushering in a new era of regulatory requirements for businesses across the United States. Enacted by Congress in 2021 to combat illicit activities such as money laundering and tax fraud, the CTA requires that small businesses file a report with U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network[...]

Last week, the House of Representatives passed a resolution aimed at overturning the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) joint employer rule. The revised NLRB rule, set to take effect on February 26, 2024, makes it easier for businesses to qualify as joint employers, holding both entities accountable for labor law violations. This development carries significant implications for franchisors and small businesses[...]

As 2024 unfolds, small business owners are gearing up for the new year with a blend of optimism and caution. With more than 33 million small businesses employing over 61 million Americans, these enterprises are often the first to feel the impact of economic changes. Despite the economy steering clear of a recession last year[...]

Since 2009, the federally mandated minimum wage in the United States has remained unchanged, prompting states, counties, and cities to independently enact laws to address increases in the cost of living amid rising inflation. 22 states will see minimum wage increases this year, impacting over 9 million employees. [...]

We reached out to business brokers, M&A advisors, certified appraisers, and SBA lenders to get their insights on buying or selling a small business in 2023. With their combined years of experience in acquisitions, exit strategy, deal structure, and financing of complex business [...]

The news cycle this year was dominated by economic headlines, with economists, consumers, and business owners all closely monitoring whether the United States would be able to steer clear of a recession in 2023. As the year comes to a close, there is a prevailing sense of optimism. In recent weeks, the economy has been on an upswing. [...]

As the year comes to an end, businesses reflect on their successes and challenges to prepare for the upcoming year. As businesses evaluate market trends, revisit goals and forecasts, and set ambitious strategies for the year ahead, National Write a Business Plan Month is a reminder for businesses to set time aside to plan for the future [...]

The education and childcare industry continues to face disruptions, despite the economy’s resilience in dealing with inflation, supply chain issues, and labor challenges over the last year. Even with the benefits of a low unemployment rate, such as increased job prospects and wage hikes, business owners face obstacles in finding and retaining talented workers [...]

Remaining current with trends is important for business owners in the beauty and personal care industry. It's not just beauty and wellness trends that business owners need to be on top of—they also need to stay informed about technology, marketing strategies, and consumer behavior. The trends that shape consumer preferences also influence the valuation of beauty businesses. [...]

With the third quarter earnings season in full swing, investors from Main Street to Wall Street are paying close attention to the Commerce Department's report this week showing a 4.9% annual growth rate of the gross domestic product. Buoyed by a strong labor market and cooling inflation, consumer confidence surged this past summer. However, in the midst of ongoing [...]

This October marks the 20th Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time when individuals and organizations are encouraged to evaluate online security. This year, the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency launched a new awareness campaign called Secure Our World, aimed at educating the public about cybersecurity. Its goal is to offer accessible methods for individuals and small to medium-sized businesses[...]

As labor issues continue to dominate business headlines, with health care unions joining writers and autoworkers in striking for higher wages, benefits, and various protections, business owners are closely paying attention. As business owners manage ongoing labor issues — from increased wages to finding quality applicants for open roles — franchise owners[...]

All eyes are on Washington D.C. this week, as a potential government shutdown looms. With only a few days left until government funding runs out on October 1st, House Republicans in Congress must find common ground regarding proposed cuts to the federal budget. If they don’t, many services funded by the federal[...]

Rupert Murdoch's retirement from his media companies, and the announcement that his son will take over the reins, has brought into focus family businesses and their succession plans. Family-owned enterprises have long been a cornerstone of economic growth and stability [...]

Labor issues were at the forefront of news this summer, affecting industries big and small. With a potential autoworker strike and the impact of the screenwriter and actor strikes on studios and small businesses supporting the entertainment industry, many business owners have been closely following the headlines this summer[...]

The healthcare industry is undergoing a significant transformation, and for small business owners in the sector, there are many opportunities on the horizon. As private equity, hospital conglomerates, insurance companies, and even multi-national technology companies like Amazon look to acquire[...]

Countries worldwide are seeing demographic shifts poised to have a significant impact on economic growth. The U.S. Census Bureau reports older populations in the United States are growing rapidly and now make up nearly 17% of the population. As the baby boomer generation[...]

There are several ways to get a fair market value for a business, and the cost of the valuation generally increases as the business value does. Smaller, Main Street businesses usually won't benefit from an expensive formal valuation, while a larger multi-million dollar company will require a professional appraisal to[...]

New tools and applications powered by generative AI, such as ChatGPT, Bard, DALL-E, and GitHub Copilot are some of the fastest-growing business technologies in history, with ChatGPT reaching 100 million monthly active users within two months. Main Street businesses are using AI [...]

Following a brief pause in June, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates by a quarter point in July. The Fed is closely monitoring the economy as the annual inflation rate hit 3% in June, striving to reach their 2% target. While the Fed acknowledged inflation is cooling, they’re leaving the door open to future hikes. Jerome Powell stated[...]

Previously, pressure to offer some amount of seller financing came primarily from buyers trying to close a gap in financing. Now, lenders are looking for sellers to finance some portion of the sale price, to help offset some risk. Lenders want to know that the business can service the debt. While seller financing doesn’t directly improve debt-service ratios[...]

Business brokers know that their listing is one of the most important components of marketing a business for sale. From the moment it appears in online searches, to the number of times it’s clicked, opened, shared, and emailed, your listing is how most buyers will learn about your client's business and decide whether to contact you[...]

As August approaches and the one-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act draws near, the automotive industry is feeling the impact, particularly in the shift toward sustainable transportation. As consumer demand for electric cars grows, and EVs become more prevalent on the roads, auto repair businesses have an opportunity to boost the value of their business [...]

We often recommend hiring a few professionals to help you sell your business. Generally, a good business broker, an accountant, and a lawyer should make up your sales team. A good lawyer is not a terribly expensive addition to your business sales team, and they’re worth every penny. But what kind of lawyer do you need? Do you [...]

If you're looking to open a franchise business, you have a lot of research to do before you start contacting franchisors. You will be narrowing down industries, evaluating brands, services, and products, and pouring over franchise disclosure documents. There are many ways to get information about the financials and business operations, [...]

As we reach the mid-point of 2023, the economy continues to show signs of strength despite concerns of a looming recession. At the Federal Reserve’s most recent meeting, the Fed acknowledged the robust labor market and resilient banking system while remarking that inflation, while waning, remains elevated. As the Fed pauses rate hikes for June. [...]

For entrepreneurs looking to buy a business, it can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more to find the right opportunity. With a BizBuySell Edge Membership, you gain access to a suite of powerful tools, specifically designed to assist you in finding the ideal business to acquire. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, [...]

Depending on the nature of your business, and its current condition, it can take anywhere from 18-36 months to prepare and organize your financials, offload your own responsibilities to employees, implement any reasonable performance improvements you've been putting off, and get your valuation together. [...]

In our most recent quarterly Insight Report, the BizBuySell team surveyed business owners and brokers on a variety of topics facing the small business industry. While supply chain issues appear to be easing, they remain top of mind. 44% of business owners see an improvement [...]

This year, more of the baby-boom generation, born between 1946 and 1964, is approaching retirement age. What does this silver tsunami mean for Main Street and the 33.2 million small businesses across the U.S.? This demographic shift has the potential to open new avenue [...]

BizBuySell’s 2022 year-end Insight Report reports niche categories and quick serve restaurants are big trends for 2023 as business owners look to maintain profitability and meet the needs of diners. [...]

The main ingredient every restauranteur is concerned about? Eggs. A staple on many restaurants inventory list, the price for eggs has skyrocketed. The recent rise in egg prices spiked after an avian bird flu outbreak in 2022 that affected more than 43 million egg-producing hens [...]

We published the latest version of our Quarterly Insight Report a few days ago and has been the case for the past two quarters, all eyes are on business sale prices and multiples. Just like the effect on the stock market and the housing market, rising interest rates can put pressure on business sale prices[...]

When it comes to exiting your business, you have a few tools at your disposal to make it more attractive to potential buyers and improve the sales price. You can firm up the financials, eliminate those long-neglected recurring expenses, get rid of old inventory, offer to finance [...]

When it comes to sound advice on buying or selling a small business, we asked top M&A advisors, business brokers, certified appraisers, and an SBA lender, what they think you should know. With their combined years of experience in acquisitions, exit strategy, deal structure [...]