Selling a Business in Columbus County
Columbus County has 997 employer businesses, and 88% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows the local mix of industries and how a sale is handled here. The largest industries here are retail and health care and social assistance.
Areas in North Carolina
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Columbus County by the numbers
997
997
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
88%
88%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
3,922
3,922
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
11,658
11,658
EMPLOYMENT
$497 million
$497 million
ANNUAL PAYROLL
431
431
BUSINESSES WITH 5 TO 49 EMPLOYEES
U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023 and Nonemployer Statistics 2024. Counts are employer establishments, meaning business locations with paid employees.
How Columbus County compares
Columbus County ranks 54th of 100 North Carolina counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 2.9% between 2018 and 2023.
Transportation and warehousing makes up 5% of employer businesses in Columbus County, compared with 3% in North Carolina.
431 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Columbus County ranks 54th of 100 North Carolina counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 2.9% between 2018 and 2023.
Transportation and warehousing makes up 5% of employer businesses in Columbus County, compared with 3% in North Carolina.
431 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 192 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 146 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 100 employer businesses
Construction: 98 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 94 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 192 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 146 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 100 employer businesses
Construction: 98 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 94 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Columbus County
Retail, health care and social assistance, repair, personal care and other services, construction
Every kind of business we sell in Columbus County
These are the industries in Columbus County and the number of employer businesses in each. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Restaurants & Food
98 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Construction & Engineering
85 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
General Contracting: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Plumbing: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Interior Finishing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
65 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Primary & Family Care: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Dental Practices: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
48 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
47 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Private Lending: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
44 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
General Freight Trucking: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
35 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Auto Parts: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Repair: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Collision Repair: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
34 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Gas Stations: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
25 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
23 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Printing & Plastics: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Home Services
19 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Property Management: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Education & Childcare
16 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Daycare Centers: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
10 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Water & Wastewater Services: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Health & Fitness
10 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
9 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
7 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Outdoor Recreation: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
7 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Hotels: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Pet Services
3 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
3 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
These are the industries in Columbus County and the number of employer businesses in each. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Restaurants & Food
98 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Construction & Engineering
85 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
General Contracting: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Plumbing: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Interior Finishing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
65 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Primary & Family Care: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Dental Practices: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
48 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
47 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Private Lending: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
44 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
General Freight Trucking: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
35 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Auto Parts: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Repair: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Collision Repair: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
34 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Gas Stations: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
25 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
23 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Printing & Plastics: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Home Services
19 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Property Management: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Education & Childcare
16 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Daycare Centers: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
10 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Water & Wastewater Services: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Health & Fitness
10 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
9 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
7 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Outdoor Recreation: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
7 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Hotels: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Pet Services
3 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
3 related employer businesses in Columbus County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Working with owners in Columbus County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Columbus County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Columbus County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Columbus County?
The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers.
How is a business valued in Columbus County?
Valuation starts with the earnings the business produces for an owner, then adjusts for assets, size, industry and the terms a buyer is likely to accept. The result is a range, and the asking price is set inside it.
Is the sale confidential?
Buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name of the business or its financial statements.
FROM OUR BLOG
Guides for owners in Columbus County
October 3, 2025
Business Owners
Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On
Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.
Read article
October 3, 2025
Business Owners
Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On
Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.
Read article
March 5, 2026
Business Owners
Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close
Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.
Read article
March 5, 2026
Business Owners
Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close
Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.
Read article
February 9, 2026
Business Owners
The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why
The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.
Read article
February 9, 2026
Business Owners
The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why
The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.
Read article