Selling a Business in Iowa
Selling a business in Iowa means pricing it correctly, preparing the records a buyer will ask for and finding a buyer who can pay and close. Iowa has 83,321 employer businesses and about 233,080 more with no employees. This page covers the numbers, the steps and what buyers look for.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Iowa by the numbers
83,321
83,321
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
85%
85%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
233,080
233,080
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
1,415,652
1,415,652
EMPLOYMENT
$79.8 billion
$79.8 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
34,726
34,726
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 Iowa compares
Iowa ranks 31st among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 0.5% between 2018 and 2023.
Transportation and warehousing makes up 5% of employer businesses in Iowa, compared with 3% nationwide.
34,726 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Iowa ranks 31st among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 0.5% between 2018 and 2023.
Transportation and warehousing makes up 5% of employer businesses in Iowa, compared with 3% nationwide.
34,726 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
How a sale works in Iowa
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 Iowa
Notice when assets are sold
Iowa repealed its bulk transfer law, the part of the Uniform Commercial Code that once required a seller to notify creditors before selling most of a business's goods in one transaction. The 1994 Iowa Acts repealed sections 554.6101 through 554.6111 of the Iowa Code, effective January 1, 1995. Source: Iowa Legislature session law, 1994 Acts chapter 1121
Sales tax and the buyer's liability
Iowa's Department of Revenue says a person buying a business or its stock of goods may be liable for the seller's unpaid taxes, which is called successor liability. A buyer can ask the Department for a certified statement on Form 14-109a. If the seller owes nothing, the Department issues a statement that no delinquent tax is unpaid, and if the seller does owe, it sends the buyer the amount due. Source: Department of Revenue Immediate Successor Liability form
Permits and registrations
Iowa's Department of Revenue rule says sales tax permits are not transferable. The owner who sells the business cancels the permit, and the buyer applies for a new permit in the buyer's own name. Source: Iowa Administrative Code rule 701-201.5
Unemployment insurance account
Iowa Workforce Development's rules say a buyer who acquires a business, or substantially all its assets, and keeps running it must notify the department so the seller's unemployment account can be moved to the buyer. The seller's claims and payroll history then sets the buyer's tax rate. A separate rule says the successor is liable for any debt the seller owed the department at the time of the transfer. Source: Iowa Administrative Code rule 871-23.29
These points come from official Iowa 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 Iowa
Notice when assets are sold
Iowa repealed its bulk transfer law, the part of the Uniform Commercial Code that once required a seller to notify creditors before selling most of a business's goods in one transaction. The 1994 Iowa Acts repealed sections 554.6101 through 554.6111 of the Iowa Code, effective January 1, 1995. Source: Iowa Legislature session law, 1994 Acts chapter 1121
Sales tax and the buyer's liability
Iowa's Department of Revenue says a person buying a business or its stock of goods may be liable for the seller's unpaid taxes, which is called successor liability. A buyer can ask the Department for a certified statement on Form 14-109a. If the seller owes nothing, the Department issues a statement that no delinquent tax is unpaid, and if the seller does owe, it sends the buyer the amount due. Source: Department of Revenue Immediate Successor Liability form
Permits and registrations
Iowa's Department of Revenue rule says sales tax permits are not transferable. The owner who sells the business cancels the permit, and the buyer applies for a new permit in the buyer's own name. Source: Iowa Administrative Code rule 701-201.5
Unemployment insurance account
Iowa Workforce Development's rules say a buyer who acquires a business, or substantially all its assets, and keeps running it must notify the department so the seller's unemployment account can be moved to the buyer. The seller's claims and payroll history then sets the buyer's tax rate. A separate rule says the successor is liable for any debt the seller owed the department at the time of the transfer. Source: Iowa Administrative Code rule 871-23.29
These points come from official Iowa 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 Iowa
Retail, repair, personal care and other services, health care and social assistance, construction
Every kind of business we sell in Iowa
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Iowa. 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
9,540 related employer businesses in Iowa.
General Contracting: 2,536 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 1,280 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Landscaping: 1,242 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 1,171 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 1,108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 1,108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 902 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 456 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 399 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 224 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Masonry: 178 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Remediation & Restoration: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
6,183 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Full-Service Restaurants: 2,459 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 2,095 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 773 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 615 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 183 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
5,333 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Insurance Agencies: 1,993 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 1,195 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 1,135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 855 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Practices
4,417 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Primary & Family Care: 1,033 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 1,030 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 626 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 501 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 480 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 309 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 242 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
4,085 related employer businesses in Iowa.
General Freight Trucking: 3,037 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 386 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 257 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 156 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 133 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
4,000 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 1,054 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 1,021 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 756 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 489 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 277 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Electronics & Repair: 201 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
3,421 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Auto Repair: 1,258 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 651 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 589 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 469 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 302 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 35 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
2,676 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 620 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 577 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 451 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 301 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 298 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 265 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 103 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
1,921 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 1,137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 292 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 234 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 123 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
1,792 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Gas Stations: 1,680 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 112 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.
Entertainment & Recreation
1,455 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Bars & Pubs: 867 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 867 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Golf Courses: 280 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 193 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
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.
Home Services
1,249 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Residential Cleaning: 647 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 647 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 423 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 146 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 33 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.
Beauty & Personal Care
1,197 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Hair Salons: 796 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 219 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 219 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 219 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 154 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
956 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Hotels: 729 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 729 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Education & Childcare
934 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Daycare Centers: 895 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Technology & Media
890 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 253 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 212 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 169 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 109 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
827 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Compounding Pharmacies: 370 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 370 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 242 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Health & Fitness
645 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 398 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 398 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 398 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 398 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 247 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Energy & Utilities
630 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Waste Management & Recycling: 255 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 172 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 160 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Senior Care & Living
589 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Non-Medical Home Care: 363 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Senior Living Communities: 116 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Assisted Living Facilities: 110 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
373 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 295 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 295 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 78 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
18 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Agricultural Labor Contracting: 18 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 Iowa. 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
9,540 related employer businesses in Iowa.
General Contracting: 2,536 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 1,280 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Landscaping: 1,242 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 1,171 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 1,108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 1,108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 902 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 456 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 399 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 224 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Masonry: 178 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Remediation & Restoration: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
6,183 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Full-Service Restaurants: 2,459 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 2,095 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 773 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 615 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 183 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
5,333 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Insurance Agencies: 1,993 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 1,195 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 1,135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 855 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Practices
4,417 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Primary & Family Care: 1,033 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 1,030 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 626 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 501 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 480 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 309 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 242 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
4,085 related employer businesses in Iowa.
General Freight Trucking: 3,037 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 386 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 257 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 156 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 133 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
4,000 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 1,054 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 1,021 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 756 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 489 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 277 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Electronics & Repair: 201 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
3,421 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Auto Repair: 1,258 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 651 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 589 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 469 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 302 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 35 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
2,676 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 620 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 577 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 451 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 301 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 298 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 265 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 103 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
1,921 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 1,137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 292 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 234 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 123 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
1,792 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Gas Stations: 1,680 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 112 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.
Entertainment & Recreation
1,455 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Bars & Pubs: 867 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 867 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Golf Courses: 280 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 193 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
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.
Home Services
1,249 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Residential Cleaning: 647 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 647 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 423 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 146 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 33 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.
Beauty & Personal Care
1,197 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Hair Salons: 796 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 219 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 219 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 219 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 154 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
956 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Hotels: 729 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 729 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Education & Childcare
934 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Daycare Centers: 895 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Technology & Media
890 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 253 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 212 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 169 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 109 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
827 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Compounding Pharmacies: 370 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 370 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 242 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Health & Fitness
645 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 398 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 398 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 398 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 398 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 247 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Energy & Utilities
630 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Waste Management & Recycling: 255 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 172 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 160 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Oil & Gas Services: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Senior Care & Living
589 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Non-Medical Home Care: 363 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Senior Living Communities: 116 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Assisted Living Facilities: 110 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
373 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 295 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 295 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 78 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
18 related employer businesses in Iowa.
Agricultural Labor Contracting: 18 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 Iowa
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Iowa. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Iowa ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Iowa?
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 Iowa?
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 Iowa
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