Selling a Business in Billings

Owners in the Billings area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 6,797 employer businesses, and 88% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows what is here and how a sale is handled.

LOCAL SNAPSHOT

Billings by the numbers

6,797

6,797

EMPLOYER BUSINESSES

88%

88%

SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE

16,800

16,800

BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES

81,031

81,031

EMPLOYMENT

$4.7 billion

$4.7 billion

ANNUAL PAYROLL

2,710

2,710

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 Billings compares

  • The Billings area ranks 2nd of 5 Montana metro areas for employer businesses.

  • The number of employer businesses grew 7.7% between 2018 and 2023.

  • Wholesale makes up 5% of employer businesses in Billings, compared with 4% in Montana.

  • 2,710 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.

  • The Billings area ranks 2nd of 5 Montana metro areas for employer businesses.

  • The number of employer businesses grew 7.7% between 2018 and 2023.

  • Wholesale makes up 5% of employer businesses in Billings, compared with 4% in Montana.

  • 2,710 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.

Industry mix

The largest industries by number of employer businesses:

  • Construction: 935 employer businesses

  • Retail: 778 employer businesses

  • Health care and social assistance: 748 employer businesses

  • Professional and technical services: 657 employer businesses

  • Repair, personal care and other services: 629 employer businesses

The largest industries by number of employer businesses:

  • Construction: 935 employer businesses

  • Retail: 778 employer businesses

  • Health care and social assistance: 748 employer businesses

  • Professional and technical services: 657 employer businesses

  • Repair, personal care and other services: 629 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

Every kind of business we sell in Billings

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

986 related employer businesses in Billings.

  • General Contracting: 295 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.

  • Interior Finishing: 133 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Landscaping: 115 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Plumbing: 107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.

  • HVAC Services: 107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Foundation & Site Prep: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

  • Electrical: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.

  • Civil Engineering: 64 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Roofing & Siding: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Carpentry & Framing: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Masonry: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.

  • Remediation & Restoration: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

Financial & Professional Services

505 related employer businesses in Billings.

Restaurants & Food

438 related employer businesses in Billings.

Medical Practices

411 related employer businesses in Billings.

Retail Stores

333 related employer businesses in Billings.

Automotive & Boat

294 related employer businesses in Billings.

  • Auto Repair: 113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Car Dealerships: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.

  • Auto Parts: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.

  • Collision Repair: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.

  • Car Washes: 19 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: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.

Logistics & Transportation

222 related employer businesses in Billings.

Wholesale & Distribution

178 related employer businesses in Billings.

Manufacturing

164 related employer businesses in Billings.

Home Services

145 related employer businesses in Billings.

Entertainment & Recreation

116 related employer businesses in Billings.

  • Bars & Pubs: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Clubs & Lounges: 63 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: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Bowling Alleys: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.

  • Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.

  • Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.

  • Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.

Hospitality & Travel

91 related employer businesses in Billings.

  • Hotels: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.

  • Motels: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Transportation Services: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.

  • Campgrounds & RV Parks: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Travel Agencies: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.

Education & Childcare

87 related employer businesses in Billings.

  • Daycare Centers: 84 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.

  • Tutoring Centers: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.

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

Energy & Utilities

77 related employer businesses in Billings.

Health & Fitness

74 related employer businesses in Billings.

Beauty & Personal Care

72 related employer businesses in Billings.

  • Hair Salons: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.

  • Day Spas: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.

  • Tattoo Shops: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Massage Parlors: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Nail Salons: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.

  • Barber Shops: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.

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

Gas Stations & Convenience

72 related employer businesses in Billings.

Technology & Media

59 related employer businesses in Billings.

Senior Care & Living

54 related employer businesses in Billings.

Pharmacies & Medical Supply

50 related employer businesses in Billings.

Pet Services

34 related employer businesses in Billings.

E-commerce & Online Businesses

Land & Agriculture

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

986 related employer businesses in Billings.

  • General Contracting: 295 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.

  • Interior Finishing: 133 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Landscaping: 115 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Plumbing: 107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.

  • HVAC Services: 107 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Foundation & Site Prep: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

  • Electrical: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.

  • Civil Engineering: 64 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Roofing & Siding: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Carpentry & Framing: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Masonry: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.

  • Remediation & Restoration: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

Financial & Professional Services

505 related employer businesses in Billings.

Restaurants & Food

438 related employer businesses in Billings.

Medical Practices

411 related employer businesses in Billings.

Retail Stores

333 related employer businesses in Billings.

Automotive & Boat

294 related employer businesses in Billings.

  • Auto Repair: 113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Car Dealerships: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.

  • Auto Parts: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.

  • Collision Repair: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.

  • Car Washes: 19 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: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.

Logistics & Transportation

222 related employer businesses in Billings.

Wholesale & Distribution

178 related employer businesses in Billings.

Manufacturing

164 related employer businesses in Billings.

Home Services

145 related employer businesses in Billings.

Entertainment & Recreation

116 related employer businesses in Billings.

  • Bars & Pubs: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Clubs & Lounges: 63 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: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Bowling Alleys: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.

  • Event Venues. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 3.5x Earnings.

  • Banquet Halls. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x Earnings.

  • Escape Rooms. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.5x SDE.

Hospitality & Travel

91 related employer businesses in Billings.

  • Hotels: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.

  • Motels: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Transportation Services: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.

  • Campgrounds & RV Parks: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Travel Agencies: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.

Education & Childcare

87 related employer businesses in Billings.

  • Daycare Centers: 84 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.

  • Tutoring Centers: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.

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

Energy & Utilities

77 related employer businesses in Billings.

Health & Fitness

74 related employer businesses in Billings.

Beauty & Personal Care

72 related employer businesses in Billings.

  • Hair Salons: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.

  • Day Spas: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.

  • Tattoo Shops: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Massage Parlors: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Nail Salons: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.

  • Barber Shops: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.

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

Gas Stations & Convenience

72 related employer businesses in Billings.

Technology & Media

59 related employer businesses in Billings.

Senior Care & Living

54 related employer businesses in Billings.

Pharmacies & Medical Supply

50 related employer businesses in Billings.

Pet Services

34 related employer businesses in Billings.

E-commerce & Online Businesses

Land & Agriculture

Counties in this metro area

Working with owners in Billings

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

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions owners in Billings ask

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

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 Billings?

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 Billings

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