Selling a Business in District of Columbia
Selling a business in District of Columbia means pricing it correctly, preparing the records a buyer will ask for and finding a buyer who can pay and close. District of Columbia has 23,801 employer businesses and about 65,195 more with no employees. This page covers the numbers, the steps and what buyers look for.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
District of Columbia by the numbers
23,801
23,801
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
80%
80%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
65,195
65,195
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
558,653
558,653
EMPLOYMENT
$56.8 billion
$56.8 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
9,836
9,836
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 District of Columbia compares
District of Columbia ranks 49th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 0.2% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 24% of employer businesses in District of Columbia, compared with 12% nationwide.
9,836 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
District of Columbia ranks 49th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 0.2% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 24% of employer businesses in District of Columbia, compared with 12% nationwide.
9,836 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
How a sale works in District of Columbia
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 District of Columbia
Notice when assets are sold
The District of Columbia's Office of Tax and Revenue says a buyer of an existing business must notify it of the sale and its terms by certified mail 15 days before taking possession of the business. The District's tax code sets the same 15-day notice for a bulk purchase of a business's inventory, furnishings, equipment or supplies outside the ordinary course of business. Source: Office of Tax and Revenue Bulk Sales Act page
Sales tax and the buyer's liability
District of Columbia law says a buyer who skips the bulk sale notice, or who is told a tax claim may exist, may not pay the seller to the extent of the District's tax lien on the purchase price. A buyer who does not comply is personally liable for the seller's District taxes up to the fair market value of the assets transferred, which is called successor liability. Source: Council of the District of Columbia, Code section 47-4463
Permits and registrations
District of Columbia law says a retail seller needs a certificate of registration for sales tax, and that the certificate is nontransferable except as the sales tax chapter provides. Source: Council of the District of Columbia, Code section 47-2026
Unemployment insurance account
District of Columbia law says that when an employer transfers all or part of its trade or business to another employer, the buyer is treated as a successor for unemployment insurance. The successor takes over the seller's account in proportion to the payroll of the transferred business, and is secondarily liable for amounts the seller owed the fund, up to the value of the assets transferred. Source: Council of the District of Columbia, Code section 51-103
These points come from official District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia
Notice when assets are sold
The District of Columbia's Office of Tax and Revenue says a buyer of an existing business must notify it of the sale and its terms by certified mail 15 days before taking possession of the business. The District's tax code sets the same 15-day notice for a bulk purchase of a business's inventory, furnishings, equipment or supplies outside the ordinary course of business. Source: Office of Tax and Revenue Bulk Sales Act page
Sales tax and the buyer's liability
District of Columbia law says a buyer who skips the bulk sale notice, or who is told a tax claim may exist, may not pay the seller to the extent of the District's tax lien on the purchase price. A buyer who does not comply is personally liable for the seller's District taxes up to the fair market value of the assets transferred, which is called successor liability. Source: Council of the District of Columbia, Code section 47-4463
Permits and registrations
District of Columbia law says a retail seller needs a certificate of registration for sales tax, and that the certificate is nontransferable except as the sales tax chapter provides. Source: Council of the District of Columbia, Code section 47-2026
Unemployment insurance account
District of Columbia law says that when an employer transfers all or part of its trade or business to another employer, the buyer is treated as a successor for unemployment insurance. The successor takes over the seller's account in proportion to the payroll of the transferred business, and is secondarily liable for amounts the seller owed the fund, up to the value of the assets transferred. Source: Council of the District of Columbia, Code section 51-103
These points come from official District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia
Professional and technical services, repair, personal care and other services, accommodation and food service, health care and social assistance
Every kind of business we sell in District of Columbia
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in District of Columbia. 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
2,476 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Full-Service Restaurants: 974 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 851 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 266 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 205 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 169 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
1,135 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Primary & Family Care: 320 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 310 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 175 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
1,003 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 634 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 104 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Financial & Professional Services
850 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Real Estate Brokerages: 352 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 165 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Insurance Agencies: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Private Lending: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
703 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 253 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 219 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 79 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Construction & Engineering
694 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
General Contracting: 273 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 248 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Landscaping: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Electrical: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Masonry: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Roofing & Siding: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Home Services
584 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Property Management: 449 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 115 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 115 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Security Systems: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
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.
Education & Childcare
346 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Daycare Centers: 303 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
279 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Hair Salons: 154 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
222 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Convenience Stores: 141 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Truck Stops & Travel Centers. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Wholesale & Distribution
221 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
216 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Compounding Pharmacies: 116 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 116 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Entertainment & Recreation
215 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Bars & Pubs: 174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x 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.
Hospitality & Travel
207 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Hotels: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Transportation Services: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
179 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
94 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Non-Medical Home Care: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Manufacturing
91 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Metal Fabrication: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
89 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
General Freight Trucking: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
83 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Auto Repair: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Towing & Repo: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Collision Repair: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Auto Parts: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Marinas: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Pet Services
54 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 12 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.
Energy & Utilities
26 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Waste Management & Recycling: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
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.
Land & Agriculture
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.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in District of Columbia. 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
2,476 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Full-Service Restaurants: 974 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 851 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 266 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 205 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 169 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
1,135 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Primary & Family Care: 320 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 310 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 175 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
1,003 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 634 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 104 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Financial & Professional Services
850 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Real Estate Brokerages: 352 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 165 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Insurance Agencies: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Private Lending: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
703 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 253 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 219 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 79 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Construction & Engineering
694 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
General Contracting: 273 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 248 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Landscaping: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Electrical: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Masonry: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Roofing & Siding: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Home Services
584 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Property Management: 449 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 115 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 115 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Security Systems: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
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.
Education & Childcare
346 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Daycare Centers: 303 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
279 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Hair Salons: 154 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
222 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Convenience Stores: 141 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Truck Stops & Travel Centers. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Wholesale & Distribution
221 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
216 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Compounding Pharmacies: 116 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 116 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 71 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Entertainment & Recreation
215 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Bars & Pubs: 174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 174 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x 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.
Hospitality & Travel
207 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Hotels: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 120 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Transportation Services: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
179 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
94 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Non-Medical Home Care: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Manufacturing
91 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Metal Fabrication: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
89 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
General Freight Trucking: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
83 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Auto Repair: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Towing & Repo: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Collision Repair: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Auto Parts: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Marinas: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Pet Services
54 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 12 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.
Energy & Utilities
26 related employer businesses in District of Columbia.
Waste Management & Recycling: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
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.
Land & Agriculture
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.
Metro areas in this state
Counties
Working with owners in District of Columbia
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in District of Columbia. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in District of Columbia ask
How long does it take to sell a business in District of Columbia?
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 District of Columbia?
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 District of Columbia
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