Selling a Business in Augusta

Owners in the Augusta area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 11,640 employer businesses, and 84% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows what is here and how a sale is handled.

LOCAL SNAPSHOT

Augusta by the numbers

11,640

11,640

EMPLOYER BUSINESSES

84%

84%

SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE

55,759

55,759

BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES

199,286

199,286

EMPLOYMENT

$10.8 billion

$10.8 billion

ANNUAL PAYROLL

5,237

5,237

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 Augusta compares

  • The Augusta area ranks 2nd of 14 Georgia metro areas for employer businesses.

  • The number of employer businesses grew 8.9% between 2018 and 2023.

  • Retail makes up 17% of employer businesses in Augusta, compared with 14% in Georgia.

  • 5,237 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.

  • The Augusta area ranks 2nd of 14 Georgia metro areas for employer businesses.

  • The number of employer businesses grew 8.9% between 2018 and 2023.

  • Retail makes up 17% of employer businesses in Augusta, compared with 14% in Georgia.

  • 5,237 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.

Industry mix

The largest industries by number of employer businesses:

  • Retail: 1,930 employer businesses

  • Health care and social assistance: 1,499 employer businesses

  • Repair, personal care and other services: 1,283 employer businesses

  • Accommodation and food service: 1,219 employer businesses

  • Construction: 1,070 employer businesses

The largest industries by number of employer businesses:

  • Retail: 1,930 employer businesses

  • Health care and social assistance: 1,499 employer businesses

  • Repair, personal care and other services: 1,283 employer businesses

  • Accommodation and food service: 1,219 employer businesses

  • Construction: 1,070 employer businesses

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 Augusta

Retail, health care and social assistance, repair, personal care and other services, accommodation and food service

Every kind of business we sell in Augusta

We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Augusta. 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

1,189 related employer businesses in Augusta.

  • General Contracting: 312 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.

  • Landscaping: 190 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Plumbing: 176 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.

  • HVAC Services: 176 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Interior Finishing: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Electrical: 123 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.

  • Foundation & Site Prep: 101 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

  • Civil Engineering: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Roofing & Siding: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Masonry: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.

  • Remediation & Restoration: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Carpentry & Framing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

Restaurants & Food

1,111 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Medical Practices

931 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Financial & Professional Services

716 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Retail Stores

713 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Automotive & Boat

447 related employer businesses in Augusta.

  • Auto Repair: 158 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Car Dealerships: 91 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.

  • Auto Parts: 89 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.

  • Collision Repair: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.

  • Car Washes: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Towing & Repo: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

  • Boat Dealerships: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.

  • Marinas: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

Gas Stations & Convenience

365 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Logistics & Transportation

323 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Manufacturing

272 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Home Services

232 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Wholesale & Distribution

212 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Pharmacies & Medical Supply

208 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Beauty & Personal Care

203 related employer businesses in Augusta.

  • Hair Salons: 113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.

  • Day Spas: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.

  • Tattoo Shops: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Massage Parlors: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Nail Salons: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.

  • Barber Shops: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.

  • Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.

Education & Childcare

173 related employer businesses in Augusta.

  • Daycare Centers: 160 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.

  • Tutoring Centers: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.

  • Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.

Hospitality & Travel

166 related employer businesses in Augusta.

  • Hotels: 138 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.

  • Motels: 138 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Transportation Services: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.

  • Travel Agencies: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

Entertainment & Recreation

99 related employer businesses in Augusta.

  • Bars & Pubs: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Clubs & Lounges: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.

  • Outdoor Recreation: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Golf Courses: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Arcades & FECs: 6 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.

Technology & Media

98 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Energy & Utilities

82 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Senior Care & Living

79 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Health & Fitness

69 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Pet Services

63 related employer businesses in Augusta.

E-commerce & Online Businesses

Land & Agriculture

We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Augusta. 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

1,189 related employer businesses in Augusta.

  • General Contracting: 312 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.

  • Landscaping: 190 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Plumbing: 176 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.

  • HVAC Services: 176 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Interior Finishing: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Electrical: 123 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.

  • Foundation & Site Prep: 101 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

  • Civil Engineering: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Roofing & Siding: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Masonry: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.

  • Remediation & Restoration: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Carpentry & Framing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

Restaurants & Food

1,111 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Medical Practices

931 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Financial & Professional Services

716 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Retail Stores

713 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Automotive & Boat

447 related employer businesses in Augusta.

  • Auto Repair: 158 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Car Dealerships: 91 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.

  • Auto Parts: 89 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.

  • Collision Repair: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.

  • Car Washes: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Towing & Repo: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

  • Boat Dealerships: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.

  • Marinas: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

Gas Stations & Convenience

365 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Logistics & Transportation

323 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Manufacturing

272 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Home Services

232 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Wholesale & Distribution

212 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Pharmacies & Medical Supply

208 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Beauty & Personal Care

203 related employer businesses in Augusta.

  • Hair Salons: 113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.

  • Day Spas: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.

  • Tattoo Shops: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Massage Parlors: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Nail Salons: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.

  • Barber Shops: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.

  • Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.

Education & Childcare

173 related employer businesses in Augusta.

  • Daycare Centers: 160 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.

  • Tutoring Centers: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.

  • Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.

Hospitality & Travel

166 related employer businesses in Augusta.

  • Hotels: 138 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.

  • Motels: 138 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Transportation Services: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.

  • Travel Agencies: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

Entertainment & Recreation

99 related employer businesses in Augusta.

  • Bars & Pubs: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Clubs & Lounges: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.

  • Outdoor Recreation: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Golf Courses: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Arcades & FECs: 6 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.

Technology & Media

98 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Energy & Utilities

82 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Senior Care & Living

79 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Health & Fitness

69 related employer businesses in Augusta.

Pet Services

63 related employer businesses in Augusta.

E-commerce & Online Businesses

Land & Agriculture

Counties in this metro area

Working with owners in Augusta

Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Augusta. Contact us to talk about a sale.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions owners in Augusta ask

How long does it take to sell a business in Augusta?

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 Augusta?

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 Augusta

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