Selling a Business in Charleston
Owners in the Charleston area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 22,892 employer businesses, and 85% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows what is here and how a sale is handled.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Charleston by the numbers
22,892
22,892
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
85%
85%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
88,560
88,560
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
321,692
321,692
EMPLOYMENT
$18.9 billion
$18.9 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
9,118
9,118
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 Charleston compares
The Charleston area ranks 1st of 8 South Carolina metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 15.1% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 13% of employer businesses in Charleston, compared with 10% in South Carolina.
9,118 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Charleston area ranks 1st of 8 South Carolina metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 15.1% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 13% of employer businesses in Charleston, compared with 10% in South Carolina.
9,118 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 3,015 employer businesses
Retail: 2,964 employer businesses
Construction: 2,367 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 2,309 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 2,232 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 3,015 employer businesses
Retail: 2,964 employer businesses
Construction: 2,367 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 2,309 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 2,232 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 Charleston
Professional and technical services, retail, construction, health care and social assistance
Every kind of business we sell in Charleston
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Charleston. 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
2,436 related employer businesses in Charleston.
General Contracting: 781 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 349 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 299 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 275 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 275 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 228 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 181 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 156 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
1,995 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Full-Service Restaurants: 879 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 669 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 158 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 115 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
1,870 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Real Estate Brokerages: 832 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 345 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 324 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 183 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 161 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Practices
1,543 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Primary & Family Care: 577 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 338 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 153 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 109 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Specialty Medicine: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
1,251 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 466 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 252 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 180 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
714 related employer businesses in Charleston.
General Freight Trucking: 403 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
671 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Auto Repair: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 118 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Home Services
585 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Property Management: 257 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 221 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 221 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 22 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
452 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Hair Salons: 256 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
434 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Creative Agencies: 171 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Manufacturing
419 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
391 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 161 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
332 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Gas Stations: 249 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 83 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.
Hospitality & Travel
276 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Hotels: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
215 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Compounding Pharmacies: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
206 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Bars & Pubs: 113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 4 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.
Education & Childcare
181 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Daycare Centers: 167 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
139 related employer businesses in Charleston.
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: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Pet Services
120 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 35 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
118 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Waste Management & Recycling: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
115 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Non-Medical Home Care: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x 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.
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 Charleston. 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
2,436 related employer businesses in Charleston.
General Contracting: 781 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 349 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 299 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 275 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 275 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 228 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 181 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 156 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Carpentry & Framing: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Remediation & Restoration: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
1,995 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Full-Service Restaurants: 879 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 669 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 158 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 115 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
1,870 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Real Estate Brokerages: 832 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 345 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 324 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 183 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 161 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Practices
1,543 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Primary & Family Care: 577 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 338 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 153 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 109 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Home Health & Hospice: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Specialty Medicine: 53 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
1,251 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 466 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 252 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 180 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 157 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 92 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
714 related employer businesses in Charleston.
General Freight Trucking: 403 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
671 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Auto Repair: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 118 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 72 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Home Services
585 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Property Management: 257 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 221 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 221 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 22 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
452 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Hair Salons: 256 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
434 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Creative Agencies: 171 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Manufacturing
419 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 90 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
391 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 161 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 86 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 67 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
332 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Gas Stations: 249 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 83 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.
Hospitality & Travel
276 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Hotels: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 202 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
215 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Compounding Pharmacies: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
206 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Bars & Pubs: 113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 113 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 65 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 4 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.
Education & Childcare
181 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Daycare Centers: 167 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
139 related employer businesses in Charleston.
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: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Pet Services
120 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 35 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
118 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Waste Management & Recycling: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
115 related employer businesses in Charleston.
Non-Medical Home Care: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x 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.
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.
Counties in this metro area
Working with owners in Charleston
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Charleston. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Charleston ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Charleston?
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 Charleston?
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 Charleston
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