Selling a Business in Nantucket County
Nantucket County has 1,317 employer businesses, and 96% 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 construction and administrative and support services.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Nantucket County by the numbers
1,317
1,317
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
96%
96%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
3,262
3,262
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
5,626
5,626
EMPLOYMENT
$541 million
$541 million
ANNUAL PAYROLL
320
320
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 Nantucket County compares
Nantucket County ranks 13th of 14 Massachusetts counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 20.6% between 2018 and 2023.
Construction makes up 34% of employer businesses in Nantucket County, compared with 12% in Massachusetts.
320 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Nantucket County ranks 13th of 14 Massachusetts counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 20.6% between 2018 and 2023.
Construction makes up 34% of employer businesses in Nantucket County, compared with 12% in Massachusetts.
320 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Construction: 453 employer businesses
Administrative and support services: 164 employer businesses
Retail: 156 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 116 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 96 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Construction: 453 employer businesses
Administrative and support services: 164 employer businesses
Retail: 156 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 116 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 96 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Nantucket County
Construction, administrative and support services, retail, accommodation and food service
Every kind of business we sell in Nantucket County
These are the industries in Nantucket 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.
Construction & Engineering
528 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
General Contracting: 176 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 105 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Carpentry & Framing: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Roofing & Siding: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Restaurants & Food
95 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Retail Stores
92 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
55 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Real Estate Brokerages: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Home Services
48 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Residential Cleaning: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Technology & Media
28 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Creative Agencies: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
22 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Hotels: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Transportation Services: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Medical Practices
22 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Dental Practices: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Primary & Family Care: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
14 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Hair Salons: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
13 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Auto Repair: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Marinas: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Health & Fitness
12 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
10 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Outdoor Recreation: 7 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.
Logistics & Transportation
8 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
General Freight Trucking: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
6 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Waste Management & Recycling: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Gas Stations & Convenience
6 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Gas Stations: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Education & Childcare
5 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Daycare Centers: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Pet Services
3 related employer businesses in Nantucket 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.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
3 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
These are the industries in Nantucket 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.
Construction & Engineering
528 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
General Contracting: 176 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 105 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Carpentry & Framing: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Roofing & Siding: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Restaurants & Food
95 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Retail Stores
92 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
55 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Real Estate Brokerages: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Home Services
48 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Residential Cleaning: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Technology & Media
28 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Creative Agencies: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
22 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Hotels: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Transportation Services: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Medical Practices
22 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Dental Practices: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Primary & Family Care: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
14 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Hair Salons: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
13 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Auto Repair: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Marinas: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Health & Fitness
12 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
10 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Outdoor Recreation: 7 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.
Logistics & Transportation
8 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
General Freight Trucking: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
6 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Waste Management & Recycling: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Gas Stations & Convenience
6 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Gas Stations: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Education & Childcare
5 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Daycare Centers: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Pet Services
3 related employer businesses in Nantucket 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.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
3 related employer businesses in Nantucket County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Working with owners in Nantucket County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Nantucket County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Nantucket County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Nantucket County?
The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers.
How is a business valued in Nantucket 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 Nantucket 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