Selling a Business in San Francisco
Owners in the San Francisco area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 133,246 employer businesses, and 86% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows what is here and how a sale is handled.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
San Francisco Area by the numbers
133,246
133,246
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
86%
86%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
454,553
454,553
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
2,417,363
2,417,363
EMPLOYMENT
$313.9 billion
$313.9 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
51,399
51,399
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 San Francisco Area compares
The San Francisco area ranks 2nd of 25 California metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 1.7% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 17% of employer businesses in San Francisco, compared with 14% in California.
51,399 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The San Francisco area ranks 2nd of 25 California metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 1.7% between 2018 and 2023.
Professional and technical services makes up 17% of employer businesses in San Francisco, compared with 14% in California.
51,399 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 23,140 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 16,920 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 13,736 employer businesses
Retail: 12,038 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 11,353 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 23,140 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 16,920 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 13,736 employer businesses
Retail: 12,038 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 11,353 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 San Francisco Area
Professional and technical services, health care and social assistance, accommodation and food service, retail
Every kind of business we sell in San Francisco Area
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in San Francisco. 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.
Restaurants & Food
13,046 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Full-Service Restaurants: 5,136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 4,140 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 1,876 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 1,238 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 459 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 197 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Construction & Engineering
12,513 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
General Contracting: 4,567 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 1,895 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 1,421 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Plumbing: 1,192 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 1,192 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 1,169 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Electrical: 1,162 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 449 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 388 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 115 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Remediation & Restoration: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 77 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
9,428 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Dental Practices: 3,029 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Primary & Family Care: 2,702 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 1,184 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 615 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 478 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 406 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 345 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Specialty Medicine: 295 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 286 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
8,597 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Real Estate Brokerages: 2,990 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 2,094 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 1,509 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Insurance Agencies: 1,468 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Private Lending: 315 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 221 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
5,200 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 1,695 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 985 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 832 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 654 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 430 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 318 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 286 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Technology & Media
4,350 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Software Companies (SaaS): 1,504 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 1,141 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 825 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 574 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 306 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Automotive & Boat
3,088 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Auto Repair: 1,429 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Collision Repair: 534 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Auto Parts: 384 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 344 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Car Washes: 185 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Marinas: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
3,017 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Property Management: 1,729 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 1,036 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 1,036 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 105 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
2,908 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 766 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 480 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 429 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 370 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Printing & Plastics: 364 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 242 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 122 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
2,809 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
General Freight Trucking: 1,580 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 384 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 336 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 214 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 196 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
2,755 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 949 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 714 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 569 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 146 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
2,733 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Hair Salons: 1,189 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 923 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 551 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 551 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 551 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
2,454 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Daycare Centers: 2,071 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 383 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
1,274 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Hotels: 709 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 709 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 328 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 203 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
1,235 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Non-Medical Home Care: 612 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 549 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
1,168 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Bars & Pubs: 705 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 705 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 339 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 18 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
1,141 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 807 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 807 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 807 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 807 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 334 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
1,081 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Home Infusion: 478 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 382 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 382 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 140 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
1,063 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Gas Stations: 758 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 305 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.
Pet Services
507 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 365 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 365 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 142 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
412 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Waste Management & Recycling: 205 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 104 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Land & Agriculture
3 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Agricultural Labor Contracting: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.4x - 6.09x EBITDA.
Crop Production. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.69x EBITDA.
Livestock & Ranching. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.76x EBITDA.
Agribusiness & Infrastructure. Typical sale multiple: 5.2x - 10.3x EBITDA.
AgTech & Precision Ag. Typical sale multiple: 8.3x - 12.1x EBITDA.
Agri-Tourism & Lifestyle. Typical sale multiple: 2.51x - 4.54x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Businesses
Amazon FBA Businesses. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Online Marketplaces. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x SDE.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in San Francisco. 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.
Restaurants & Food
13,046 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Full-Service Restaurants: 5,136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 4,140 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 1,876 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 1,238 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 459 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 197 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Construction & Engineering
12,513 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
General Contracting: 4,567 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 1,895 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 1,421 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Plumbing: 1,192 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 1,192 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 1,169 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Electrical: 1,162 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 449 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 388 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Masonry: 115 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Remediation & Restoration: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 77 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
9,428 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Dental Practices: 3,029 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Primary & Family Care: 2,702 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 1,184 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 615 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 478 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 406 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 345 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Specialty Medicine: 295 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 286 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
8,597 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Real Estate Brokerages: 2,990 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 2,094 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 1,509 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Insurance Agencies: 1,468 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Private Lending: 315 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 221 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
5,200 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 1,695 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 985 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 832 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 654 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 430 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Electronics & Repair: 318 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 286 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Technology & Media
4,350 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Software Companies (SaaS): 1,504 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 1,141 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 825 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 574 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 306 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Automotive & Boat
3,088 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Auto Repair: 1,429 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Collision Repair: 534 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Auto Parts: 384 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 344 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Car Washes: 185 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 137 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Marinas: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
3,017 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Property Management: 1,729 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 1,036 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 1,036 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 105 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
2,908 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 766 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 480 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 429 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 370 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Printing & Plastics: 364 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 242 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 135 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 122 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
2,809 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
General Freight Trucking: 1,580 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 384 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 336 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 214 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 196 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
2,755 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 949 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 714 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 569 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 159 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 146 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 112 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 106 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
2,733 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Hair Salons: 1,189 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 923 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 551 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 551 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 551 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Barber Shops: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
2,454 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Daycare Centers: 2,071 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 383 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
1,274 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Hotels: 709 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 709 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 328 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 203 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
1,235 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Non-Medical Home Care: 612 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 549 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
1,168 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Bars & Pubs: 705 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 705 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 339 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Arcades & FECs: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
Bowling Alleys: 18 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
1,141 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 807 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 807 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 807 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 807 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 334 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
1,081 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Home Infusion: 478 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 382 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 382 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 140 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Gas Stations & Convenience
1,063 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Gas Stations: 758 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 305 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.
Pet Services
507 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 365 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 365 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 142 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
412 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Waste Management & Recycling: 205 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 104 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Solar & Renewable Energy: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Oil & Gas Services: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Land & Agriculture
3 related employer businesses in San Francisco.
Agricultural Labor Contracting: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.4x - 6.09x EBITDA.
Crop Production. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.69x EBITDA.
Livestock & Ranching. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.76x EBITDA.
Agribusiness & Infrastructure. Typical sale multiple: 5.2x - 10.3x EBITDA.
AgTech & Precision Ag. Typical sale multiple: 8.3x - 12.1x EBITDA.
Agri-Tourism & Lifestyle. Typical sale multiple: 2.51x - 4.54x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Businesses
Amazon FBA Businesses. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Online Marketplaces. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 6.0x SDE.
Counties in this metro area
Working with owners in San Francisco Area
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in San Francisco. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in San Francisco Area ask
How long does it take to sell a business in San Francisco?
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 San Francisco?
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 San Francisco Area
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