Selling a Business in Santa Maria
Owners in the Santa Maria area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 12,484 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
Santa Maria by the numbers
12,484
12,484
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
86%
86%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
35,359
35,359
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
160,460
160,460
EMPLOYMENT
$11.1 billion
$11.1 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
5,110
5,110
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 Santa Maria compares
The Santa Maria area ranks 12th of 25 California metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 6.1% between 2018 and 2023.
Construction makes up 10% of employer businesses in Santa Maria, compared with 8% in California.
5,110 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Santa Maria area ranks 12th of 25 California metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 6.1% between 2018 and 2023.
Construction makes up 10% of employer businesses in Santa Maria, compared with 8% in California.
5,110 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 1,569 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 1,558 employer businesses
Retail: 1,479 employer businesses
Construction: 1,294 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 1,265 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Professional and technical services: 1,569 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 1,558 employer businesses
Retail: 1,479 employer businesses
Construction: 1,294 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 1,265 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 Santa Maria
Professional and technical services, health care and social assistance, retail, construction
Every kind of business we sell in Santa Maria
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Santa Maria. 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
1,568 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
General Contracting: 385 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 288 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 261 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 185 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 185 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 142 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 125 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Carpentry & Framing: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Masonry: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Remediation & Restoration: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
1,205 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 420 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 404 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 152 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 123 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
971 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Primary & Family Care: 395 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 240 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 109 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Urgent Care Clinics: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
776 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Real Estate Brokerages: 242 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 214 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 143 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
597 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 216 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 100 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 97 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Electronics & Repair: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Manufacturing
441 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 181 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Metal Fabrication: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Home Services
372 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Property Management: 219 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 7 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.
Automotive & Boat
323 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Auto Repair: 145 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Dealerships: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Car Washes: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
251 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Creative Agencies: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Wholesale & Distribution
220 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
194 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
General Freight Trucking: 132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
188 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Hotels: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 13 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.
Beauty & Personal Care
174 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Hair Salons: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
164 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Daycare Centers: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
127 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Gas Stations: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 39 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.
Senior Care & Living
118 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Non-Medical Home Care: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
114 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
112 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Bars & Pubs: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x 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.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
80 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Compounding Pharmacies: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Pet Services
60 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 23 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
52 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Water & Wastewater Services: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Waste Management & Recycling: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Land & Agriculture
10 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Agricultural Labor Contracting: 10 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 Santa Maria. 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
1,568 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
General Contracting: 385 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 288 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Landscaping: 261 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 185 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 185 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 142 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 125 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 81 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Roofing & Siding: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Carpentry & Framing: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Masonry: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Remediation & Restoration: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Restaurants & Food
1,205 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 420 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 404 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 152 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 123 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 96 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Bakeries: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Ghost Kitchens. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
971 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Primary & Family Care: 395 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 240 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 109 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 56 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Urgent Care Clinics: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
776 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Real Estate Brokerages: 242 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 214 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 143 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 117 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Mortgage Brokerages: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Retail Stores
597 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 216 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 100 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 97 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Electronics & Repair: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Manufacturing
441 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 181 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Metal Fabrication: 58 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 36 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 33 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Home Services
372 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Property Management: 219 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 119 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Pest Control: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 7 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.
Automotive & Boat
323 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Auto Repair: 145 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Dealerships: 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Car Washes: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Boat Dealerships: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
251 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Creative Agencies: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 60 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 52 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 39 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Wholesale & Distribution
220 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 66 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Packaging, Paper & JanSan Distribution: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
194 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
General Freight Trucking: 132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
NEMT & Passenger Transport: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.1x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
188 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Hotels: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 136 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 13 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.
Beauty & Personal Care
174 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Hair Salons: 83 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Nail Salons: 48 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Day Spas: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
164 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Daycare Centers: 147 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
127 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Gas Stations: 88 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 39 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.
Senior Care & Living
118 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Non-Medical Home Care: 57 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
114 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 76 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
112 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Bars & Pubs: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Golf Courses: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x 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.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
80 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Compounding Pharmacies: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Pet Services
60 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 37 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 23 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
52 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Water & Wastewater Services: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Waste Management & Recycling: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Land & Agriculture
10 related employer businesses in Santa Maria.
Agricultural Labor Contracting: 10 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 Santa Maria
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Santa Maria. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Santa Maria ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Santa Maria?
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 Santa Maria?
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 Santa Maria
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