Selling a Business in Colorado
Selling a business in Colorado means pricing it correctly, preparing the records a buyer will ask for and finding a buyer who can pay and close. Colorado has 182,486 employer businesses and about 627,479 more with no employees. This page covers the numbers, the steps and what buyers look for.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Colorado by the numbers
182,486
182,486
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
87%
87%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
627,479
627,479
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
2,566,040
2,566,040
EMPLOYMENT
$181.4 billion
$181.4 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
65,282
65,282
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 Colorado compares
Colorado ranks 15th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 5.8% between 2018 and 2023.
Real estate and rental makes up 8% of employer businesses in Colorado, compared with 6% nationwide.
65,282 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Colorado ranks 15th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 5.8% between 2018 and 2023.
Real estate and rental makes up 8% of employer businesses in Colorado, compared with 6% nationwide.
65,282 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
How a sale works in Colorado
A sale follows the same sequence in every market. The business is valued from its earnings, assets, size and industry. The records a buyer will ask for are prepared. The business is marketed without naming it, and buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name or the financial statements. Each buyer is checked for money and fit, the letter of intent is negotiated, the buyer's review of the books is managed, and the sale is carried to closing.
State rules on tax clearance, bulk sale notices and the transfer of permits and licenses differ from state to state.
Rules that apply in Colorado
Notice when assets are sold
Colorado's Department of Revenue says a retailer who sells out its retail business or stock of goods is required to file a sales tax return within ten days after the sale. The return includes sales tax on equipment and other goods, other than inventory, that pass to the buyer in the sale. Source: Colorado Department of Revenue Sales Tax Guide
Sales tax and the buyer's liability
Colorado's Department of Revenue says anyone who buys an existing retail business must hold back enough of the purchase price to cover the seller's taxes until the seller provides a tax status letter from the Department showing all taxes are paid. The buyer assumes liability for sales taxes the prior owner owed and did not pay. The seller asks for the tax status letter on form DR 0096. Source: Colorado Department of Revenue Sales Tax Guide
Permits and registrations
Colorado's Department of Revenue says sales tax licenses are non-transferable. Anyone who buys an existing retail business must apply for and obtain a new sales tax license. Source: Colorado Department of Revenue Sales Tax Guide
Unemployment insurance account
The Colorado Employment Security Act, published by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, says a business that becomes an employer by acquiring all of another employer's business, or substantially all of its assets, takes over the seller's entire experience rating record. That record is the history of premiums, benefits and payroll that sets the unemployment premium rate. The Act also says the experience does not transfer if the state finds the business was bought mainly to get a lower rate. Source: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, Employment Security Act text
These points come from official Colorado agency pages checked on 2026-10-24. Rules change, so check the linked agency page for the current version. This is general information and not legal or tax advice.
A sale follows the same sequence in every market. The business is valued from its earnings, assets, size and industry. The records a buyer will ask for are prepared. The business is marketed without naming it, and buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name or the financial statements. Each buyer is checked for money and fit, the letter of intent is negotiated, the buyer's review of the books is managed, and the sale is carried to closing.
State rules on tax clearance, bulk sale notices and the transfer of permits and licenses differ from state to state.
Rules that apply in Colorado
Notice when assets are sold
Colorado's Department of Revenue says a retailer who sells out its retail business or stock of goods is required to file a sales tax return within ten days after the sale. The return includes sales tax on equipment and other goods, other than inventory, that pass to the buyer in the sale. Source: Colorado Department of Revenue Sales Tax Guide
Sales tax and the buyer's liability
Colorado's Department of Revenue says anyone who buys an existing retail business must hold back enough of the purchase price to cover the seller's taxes until the seller provides a tax status letter from the Department showing all taxes are paid. The buyer assumes liability for sales taxes the prior owner owed and did not pay. The seller asks for the tax status letter on form DR 0096. Source: Colorado Department of Revenue Sales Tax Guide
Permits and registrations
Colorado's Department of Revenue says sales tax licenses are non-transferable. Anyone who buys an existing retail business must apply for and obtain a new sales tax license. Source: Colorado Department of Revenue Sales Tax Guide
Unemployment insurance account
The Colorado Employment Security Act, published by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, says a business that becomes an employer by acquiring all of another employer's business, or substantially all of its assets, takes over the seller's entire experience rating record. That record is the history of premiums, benefits and payroll that sets the unemployment premium rate. The Act also says the experience does not transfer if the state finds the business was bought mainly to get a lower rate. Source: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, Employment Security Act text
These points come from official Colorado agency pages checked on 2026-10-24. Rules change, so check the linked agency page for the current version. This is general information and not legal or tax advice.
What buyers look for
Buyers look first at profit that holds up under review. Three years of tax returns and profit and loss statements that match each other carry more weight than a high number that cannot be shown.
How much of the business depends on the owner
How concentrated sales are among a few customers
The lease, its remaining term and the landlord's consent to a sale
The condition of equipment and the contracts that transfer
Buyers look first at profit that holds up under review. Three years of tax returns and profit and loss statements that match each other carry more weight than a high number that cannot be shown.
How much of the business depends on the owner
How concentrated sales are among a few customers
The lease, its remaining term and the landlord's consent to a sale
The condition of equipment and the contracts that transfer
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Colorado
Professional and technical services, construction, health care and social assistance, retail
Every kind of business we sell in Colorado
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Colorado. 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
22,846 related employer businesses in Colorado.
General Contracting: 5,603 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 3,654 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 2,620 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 2,620 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 2,446 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 2,375 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 2,231 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 1,661 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 1,124 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Carpentry & Framing: 492 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Masonry: 422 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Remediation & Restoration: 218 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
17,272 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Real Estate Brokerages: 7,456 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 3,735 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 3,124 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 1,961 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 570 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 426 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
13,827 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Full-Service Restaurants: 5,074 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 4,753 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 1,757 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 1,319 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 780 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 144 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
12,311 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Primary & Family Care: 3,103 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 2,957 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 2,293 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 1,112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 929 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 623 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 483 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 404 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 256 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 151 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
7,313 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 2,135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 1,230 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 1,138 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 804 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 791 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 762 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 453 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
5,064 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Auto Repair: 2,080 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 887 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 775 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Dealerships: 688 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Car Washes: 390 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
4,140 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 1,057 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 820 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 555 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 468 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 451 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 343 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 291 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 155 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Home Services
4,058 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Property Management: 2,169 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 1,571 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 1,571 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 183 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Audio Visual (AV). Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Junk Removal. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Pool & Spa Service. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
3,849 related employer businesses in Colorado.
General Freight Trucking: 2,441 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 346 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 317 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 241 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 232 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 194 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
3,805 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Hair Salons: 2,029 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 848 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 848 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 848 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 739 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 189 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
3,777 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Creative Agencies: 1,192 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 949 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 587 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 550 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 499 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Wholesale & Distribution
3,261 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 1,272 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 717 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 603 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 209 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 192 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 148 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
1,949 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Hotels: 1,289 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 1,289 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 285 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 195 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 115 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
1,934 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Bars & Pubs: 885 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 885 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 816 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 111 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.
Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.
Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
1,815 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Gas Stations: 1,513 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 302 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Truck Stops & Travel Centers. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Energy & Utilities
1,551 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Oil & Gas Services: 489 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Water & Wastewater Services: 423 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Waste Management & Recycling: 384 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 206 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Health & Fitness
1,458 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 972 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 972 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 972 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 972 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 486 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
1,456 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Daycare Centers: 1,239 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 217 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
1,412 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Home Infusion: 623 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 352 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 352 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 281 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 156 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Senior Care & Living
1,130 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Non-Medical Home Care: 641 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 419 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Pet Services
984 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 697 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 697 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 287 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Mobile & In-Home Pet Care. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Fleet.
Land & Agriculture
10 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Agricultural Labor Contracting: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.4x - 6.09x EBITDA.
Crop Production. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.69x EBITDA.
Livestock & Ranching. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.76x EBITDA.
Agribusiness & Infrastructure. Typical sale multiple: 5.2x - 10.3x EBITDA.
AgTech & Precision Ag. Typical sale multiple: 8.3x - 12.1x EBITDA.
Agri-Tourism & Lifestyle. Typical sale multiple: 2.51x - 4.54x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Businesses
Amazon FBA Businesses. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Online Marketplaces. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x SDE.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Colorado. 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
22,846 related employer businesses in Colorado.
General Contracting: 5,603 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 3,654 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 2,620 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 2,620 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 2,446 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 2,375 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 2,231 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 1,661 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 1,124 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Carpentry & Framing: 492 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Masonry: 422 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Remediation & Restoration: 218 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
17,272 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Real Estate Brokerages: 7,456 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 3,735 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 3,124 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 1,961 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 570 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 426 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
13,827 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Full-Service Restaurants: 5,074 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 4,753 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 1,757 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 1,319 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 780 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 144 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
12,311 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Primary & Family Care: 3,103 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 2,957 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 2,293 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 1,112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 929 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 623 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 483 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 404 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 256 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 151 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
7,313 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 2,135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 1,230 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 1,138 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 804 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 791 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 762 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 453 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
5,064 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Auto Repair: 2,080 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 887 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 775 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Dealerships: 688 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Car Washes: 390 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
4,140 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 1,057 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 820 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 555 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 468 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 451 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 343 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 291 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 155 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Home Services
4,058 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Property Management: 2,169 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 1,571 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 1,571 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 183 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Audio Visual (AV). Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Junk Removal. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Pool & Spa Service. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
3,849 related employer businesses in Colorado.
General Freight Trucking: 2,441 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 346 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 317 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 241 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 232 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 194 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
3,805 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Hair Salons: 2,029 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 848 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 848 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 848 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 739 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 189 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
3,777 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Creative Agencies: 1,192 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 949 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 587 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 550 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 499 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Wholesale & Distribution
3,261 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 1,272 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 717 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 603 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 209 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 192 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 148 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
1,949 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Hotels: 1,289 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 1,289 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 285 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 195 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 115 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
1,934 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Bars & Pubs: 885 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 885 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 816 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 111 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.
Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.
Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
1,815 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Gas Stations: 1,513 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 302 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Truck Stops & Travel Centers. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Energy & Utilities
1,551 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Oil & Gas Services: 489 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Water & Wastewater Services: 423 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Waste Management & Recycling: 384 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 206 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Health & Fitness
1,458 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 972 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 972 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 972 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 972 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 486 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
1,456 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Daycare Centers: 1,239 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 217 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
1,412 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Home Infusion: 623 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 352 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 352 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 281 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 156 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Senior Care & Living
1,130 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Non-Medical Home Care: 641 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 419 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Pet Services
984 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 697 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 697 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 287 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Mobile & In-Home Pet Care. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Fleet.
Land & Agriculture
10 related employer businesses in Colorado.
Agricultural Labor Contracting: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.4x - 6.09x EBITDA.
Crop Production. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.69x EBITDA.
Livestock & Ranching. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.76x EBITDA.
Agribusiness & Infrastructure. Typical sale multiple: 5.2x - 10.3x EBITDA.
AgTech & Precision Ag. Typical sale multiple: 8.3x - 12.1x EBITDA.
Agri-Tourism & Lifestyle. Typical sale multiple: 2.51x - 4.54x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Businesses
Amazon FBA Businesses. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Online Marketplaces. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x SDE.
Metro areas in this state
Counties
Working with owners in Colorado
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Colorado. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Colorado ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Colorado?
The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers. Many sales take six months or longer from the start of the process to closing.
How is a business valued in Colorado?
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.
What should I prepare before listing?
Three years of tax returns and profit and loss statements, a current balance sheet, the lease, a list of equipment and a summary of key contracts.
What is the difference between SDE and EBITDA?
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, and it is used for larger businesses that run without the owner.
FROM OUR BLOG
Guides for owners in Colorado
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