Selling a Business in Charlevoix County
Charlevoix County has 891 employer businesses, and 91% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows the local mix of industries and how a sale is handled here.
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LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Charlevoix County by the numbers
891
891
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
91%
91%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
2,786
2,786
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
9,264
9,264
EMPLOYMENT
$520 million
$520 million
ANNUAL PAYROLL
322
322
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 Charlevoix County compares
Charlevoix County ranks 38th of 83 Michigan counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 9.6% between 2018 and 2023.
Construction makes up 16% of employer businesses in Charlevoix County, compared with 9% in Michigan.
322 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Charlevoix County ranks 38th of 83 Michigan counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 9.6% between 2018 and 2023.
Construction makes up 16% of employer businesses in Charlevoix County, compared with 9% in Michigan.
322 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Construction: 139 employer businesses
Retail: 135 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 101 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 91 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 80 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Construction: 139 employer businesses
Retail: 135 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 101 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 91 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 80 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Charlevoix County
Construction, retail, accommodation and food service, repair, personal care and other services
Every kind of business we sell in Charlevoix County
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Charlevoix County. 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
138 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
General Contracting: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Masonry: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Civil Engineering: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
85 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 12 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.
Coffee Shops: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
47 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Real Estate Brokerages: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Retail Stores
43 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Medical Practices
40 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Dental Practices: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Primary & Family Care: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Automotive & Boat
34 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Marinas: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Auto Repair: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Dealerships: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Boat Dealerships: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
24 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Metal Fabrication: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
17 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Gas Stations: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Entertainment & Recreation
15 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Bars & Pubs: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Golf Courses: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Education & Childcare
13 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Daycare Centers: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Home Services
13 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Residential Cleaning: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 10 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.
Hospitality & Travel
11 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Hotels: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
8 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
8 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Creative Agencies: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
6 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Hair Salons: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Health & Fitness
4 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
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.
Logistics & Transportation
4 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
General Freight Trucking: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
3 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
3 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Charlevoix County. 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
138 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
General Contracting: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Electrical: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Masonry: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Civil Engineering: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
85 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 12 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.
Coffee Shops: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
47 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Real Estate Brokerages: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Retail Stores
43 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Medical Practices
40 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Dental Practices: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Primary & Family Care: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Automotive & Boat
34 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Marinas: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Auto Repair: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Dealerships: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Boat Dealerships: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
24 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Metal Fabrication: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
17 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Gas Stations: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Entertainment & Recreation
15 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Bars & Pubs: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Golf Courses: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Education & Childcare
13 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Daycare Centers: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Home Services
13 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Residential Cleaning: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 10 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.
Hospitality & Travel
11 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Hotels: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
8 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
8 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Creative Agencies: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
6 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Hair Salons: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Health & Fitness
4 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
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.
Logistics & Transportation
4 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
General Freight Trucking: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
3 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
3 related employer businesses in Charlevoix County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Working with owners in Charlevoix County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Charlevoix County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Charlevoix County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Charlevoix County?
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 Charlevoix 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 Charlevoix 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