When most small business owners think about growth, they picture landing new customers, opening a second location, or adding new product lines. These are all valid strategies—but they often take years of effort, trial and error, and significant upfront investment before they bear fruit.

There’s another, often overlooked, path to growth that can be faster, more profitable, and more strategic: buying another business.

The second quarter of 2025 marked a pivotal period for the U.S. business-for-sale market, as deal activity moderated following a strong 2024 performance while market dynamics shifted decisively in favor of buyers. Transaction volumes declined 4% year-over-year to 2,342 completed deals, driven by policy uncertainty, tightened lending standards, and evolving buyer preferences toward recession-resistant assets.

Whether you're planning to sell tomorrow or in ten years, these strategies will transform your business into a buyer's dream—and likely boost your profits along the way.

As a business owner, you've poured your heart, soul, and countless hours into building your company. You know your products, your customers, and your operations inside and out. But do you truly know what your business is worth? A professional business valuation might seem unnecessary if you're not planning to sell soon, but understanding your company's true value offers benefits that extend far beyond a potential sale.

You're passionate about your business. You've nurtured it, grown it, and overcome countless challenges along the way. But have you thought about what happens next? Many business owners are so focused on the day-to-day that they neglect to plan for the future, especially regarding their exit.

Considering the sale of your business leads to a multitude of questions. How do I find a buyer? How do I value my business? Is now the best time to sell? These are great questions and require careful consideration before making any decisions. This article will explore the various steps and considerations involved in preparing to sell your business.

You've poured years of hard work and dedication into building your business. But when the time comes to consider selling, there's one crucial question: how sellable is it? Sellability isn't just about finding any buyer; it's about attracting the right buyer willing to pay top dollar for your life's work. It is about how easy it will be to transition your business to a new owner. A sellable business is attractive, well-prepared, and positioned for a smooth and successful transition. This article will explore the key factors that impact sellability and how you can take steps to make your business irresistible to potential buyers, no matter when you decide to sell.

Selling a business is a monumental decision, often the culmination of years of hard work. However, it’s not as simple as finding a buyer and signing a contract. The process is filled with potential pitfalls that can derail your plans, reduce the value of your business, or even result in a failed sale. Here are some of the most common pitfalls sellers face and how to avoid them.

When selling a small to medium-sized business, the two primary structures for the transaction are stock sales and asset sales. Each structure has distinct implications for taxes, liabilities, and legal complexity. Here are some practical examples to illustrate the differences: