Selling a Business in Traverse City
Owners in the Traverse City area sell to local buyers and to buyers from other markets. The area has 5,172 employer businesses, and 87% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows what is here and how a sale is handled.
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Traverse City by the numbers
5,172
5,172
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
87%
87%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
17,356
17,356
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
60,472
60,472
EMPLOYMENT
$3.5 billion
$3.5 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
2,139
2,139
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 Traverse City compares
The Traverse City area ranks 7th of 15 Michigan metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 3.2% between 2018 and 2023.
Construction makes up 14% of employer businesses in Traverse City, compared with 9% in Michigan.
2,139 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
The Traverse City area ranks 7th of 15 Michigan metro areas for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 3.2% between 2018 and 2023.
Construction makes up 14% of employer businesses in Traverse City, compared with 9% in Michigan.
2,139 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 803 employer businesses
Construction: 706 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 518 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 514 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 479 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 803 employer businesses
Construction: 706 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 518 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 514 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 479 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 Traverse City
Retail, construction, professional and technical services, health care and social assistance
Every kind of business we sell in Traverse City
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Traverse City. 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
801 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
General Contracting: 279 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Electrical: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Plumbing: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Masonry: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Roofing & Siding: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Carpentry & Framing: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
392 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Full-Service Restaurants: 164 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 18 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.
Retail Stores
342 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 100 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Electronics & Repair: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
300 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Primary & Family Care: 100 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
298 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Real Estate Brokerages: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
196 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Auto Repair: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Manufacturing
196 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Services
90 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Residential Cleaning: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 4 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.
Wholesale & Distribution
87 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Hospitality & Travel
80 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Hotels: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
71 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Bars & Pubs: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 20 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: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
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.
Logistics & Transportation
70 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
General Freight Trucking: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
69 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Gas Stations: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 10 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.
Technology & Media
69 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Creative Agencies: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
62 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Compounding Pharmacies: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Energy & Utilities
57 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Oil & Gas Services: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Waste Management & Recycling: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Beauty & Personal Care
51 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Hair Salons: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
40 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Non-Medical Home Care: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Education & Childcare
37 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Daycare Centers: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
26 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Pet Services
20 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 4 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 Traverse City. 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
801 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
General Contracting: 279 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 129 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Electrical: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Plumbing: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Foundation & Site Prep: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Civil Engineering: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Masonry: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Roofing & Siding: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Carpentry & Framing: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
392 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Full-Service Restaurants: 164 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 121 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 18 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.
Retail Stores
342 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 100 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 38 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Electronics & Repair: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Medical Practices
300 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Primary & Family Care: 100 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 68 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Labs & Imaging: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Urgent Care Clinics: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
298 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Real Estate Brokerages: 93 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 75 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 54 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Private Lending: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
196 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Auto Repair: 73 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Washes: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Boat Dealerships: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Manufacturing
196 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 74 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 46 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Services
90 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Residential Cleaning: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Property Management: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Security Systems: 4 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.
Wholesale & Distribution
87 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 41 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Electronics, IT & Office Equipment Distribution: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Chemicals, Plastics & Raw Materials Distribution: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Consumer Goods & Apparel Distribution: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Hospitality & Travel
80 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Hotels: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 63 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Travel Agencies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
71 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Bars & Pubs: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 27 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 20 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: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.
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.
Logistics & Transportation
70 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
General Freight Trucking: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Warehousing & Fulfillment: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Freight Brokerage & 3PL: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Last-Mile & Courier: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.76x - 3.32x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Commercial Moving: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 3.0x SDE.
Port Drayage. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Gas Stations & Convenience
69 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Gas Stations: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 10 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.
Technology & Media
69 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Creative Agencies: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Digital Marketing Agencies: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Media: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Software Companies (SaaS): 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x SDE.
E-commerce & Online Brands. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
62 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Compounding Pharmacies: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 26 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Energy & Utilities
57 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Oil & Gas Services: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Waste Management & Recycling: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Beauty & Personal Care
51 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Hair Salons: 31 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Nail Salons: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Barber Shops: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.
Medical Spas. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
40 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Non-Medical Home Care: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Senior Living Communities: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Adult Day Services. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Education & Childcare
37 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Daycare Centers: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Tutoring Centers: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Preschools. Typical sale multiple: 3.12x - 4.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
26 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Pet Services
20 related employer businesses in Traverse City.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 4 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 Traverse City
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Traverse City. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Traverse City ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Traverse City?
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 Traverse City?
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 Traverse City
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