Selling a Business in Columbia
Owners in the Columbia area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 18,855 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
Columbia by the numbers
18,855
18,855
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
84%
84%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
72,530
72,530
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
314,623
314,623
EMPLOYMENT
$16.1 billion
$16.1 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
8,052
8,052
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 Columbia compares
The Columbia area ranks 3rd of 8 South Carolina metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 7.1% between 2018 and 2023.
Health care and social assistance makes up 11% of employer businesses in Columbia, compared with 10% in South Carolina.
8,052 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Columbia area ranks 3rd of 8 South Carolina metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 7.1% between 2018 and 2023.
Health care and social assistance makes up 11% of employer businesses in Columbia, compared with 10% in South Carolina.
8,052 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 2,776 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 2,124 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 2,109 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 2,106 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 1,762 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 2,776 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 2,124 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 2,109 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 2,106 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 1,762 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 Columbia
Retail, health care and social assistance, professional and technical services, repair, personal care and other services
Every kind of business we sell in Columbia
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Columbia. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Construction & Engineering
1,729 related employer businesses in Columbia.
General Contracting: 426 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 247 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 246 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 246 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 227 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 178 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 139 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 134 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Remediation & Restoration: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
1,639 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 676 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 629 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 114 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
1,337 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Insurance Agencies: 406 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 363 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 301 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Private Lending: 134 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Wealth Management: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Mortgage Brokerages: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Practices
1,202 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Primary & Family Care: 366 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 306 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 84 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Specialty Medicine: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
1,015 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 319 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 251 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 167 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
685 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Auto Repair: 241 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 140 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 123 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 91 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
527 related employer businesses in Columbia.
General Freight Trucking: 369 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
525 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Gas Stations: 401 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 124 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.
Home Services
455 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Residential Cleaning: 217 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 217 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 140 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 32 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.
Manufacturing
368 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Metal Fabrication: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
365 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 164 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Beauty & Personal Care
295 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Hair Salons: 167 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
283 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Compounding Pharmacies: 108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
215 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Hospitality & Travel
191 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Hotels: 148 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 148 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Travel Agencies: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Education & Childcare
174 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Daycare Centers: 164 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
162 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Non-Medical Home Care: 114 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
131 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Water & Wastewater Services: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Waste Management & Recycling: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
126 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Bars & Pubs: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 8 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.
Health & Fitness
120 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Pet Services
95 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 27 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.
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 Columbia. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Construction & Engineering
1,729 related employer businesses in Columbia.
General Contracting: 426 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 247 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 246 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 246 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 227 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 178 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 139 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 134 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Remediation & Restoration: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
1,639 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 676 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 629 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 114 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
1,337 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Insurance Agencies: 406 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 363 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 301 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Private Lending: 134 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Wealth Management: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Mortgage Brokerages: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Practices
1,202 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Primary & Family Care: 366 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 306 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 99 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 84 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 80 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Specialty Medicine: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Retail Stores
1,015 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 319 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 251 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 167 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 69 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
685 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Auto Repair: 241 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 140 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 123 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 91 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
527 related employer businesses in Columbia.
General Freight Trucking: 369 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
525 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Gas Stations: 401 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 124 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.
Home Services
455 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Residential Cleaning: 217 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 217 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 140 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 32 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.
Manufacturing
368 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Metal Fabrication: 82 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
365 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 164 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 61 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Beauty & Personal Care
295 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Hair Salons: 167 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
283 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Compounding Pharmacies: 108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 108 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 102 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
215 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Hospitality & Travel
191 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Hotels: 148 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 148 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Travel Agencies: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Education & Childcare
174 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Daycare Centers: 164 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
162 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Non-Medical Home Care: 114 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
131 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Water & Wastewater Services: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Waste Management & Recycling: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
126 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Bars & Pubs: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 8 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.
Health & Fitness
120 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 95 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Pet Services
95 related employer businesses in Columbia.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 27 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.
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 Columbia
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Columbia. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Columbia ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Columbia?
The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers. Many sales take six months or longer from the start of the process to closing.
How is a business valued in Columbia?
Valuation starts with the earnings the business produces for an owner, then adjusts for assets, size, industry and the terms a buyer is likely to accept. The result is a range, and the asking price is set inside it.
Is the sale confidential?
Buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name of the business or its financial statements.
FROM OUR BLOG
Guides for owners in Columbia
October 3, 2025
Business Owners
Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On
Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.
Read article
October 3, 2025
Business Owners
Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On
Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.
Read article
March 5, 2026
Business Owners
Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close
Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.
Read article
March 5, 2026
Business Owners
Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close
Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.
Read article
February 9, 2026
Business Owners
The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why
The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.
Read article
February 9, 2026
Business Owners
The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why
The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.
Read article