Small business valuation
A clear, defensible number for the business you built.
Independent valuations for owner-operated companies (restaurants, practices, service and retail businesses) using income, market and asset approaches you can explain to anyone at the table.
Independent
Small business valuation
- Typical turnaround
- [X–Y weeks]
- Fees from
- $0,000
- Service area
- [Region]
- Credentials
- [Ph.D. / ASA]
What we cover
Businesses we value
- Restaurants & franchises
- Medical & dental practices
- Professional services
- Retail & e-commerce
- Construction & trades
- Distribution & light manufacturing
- Transportation & logistics
- Personal services
- Don't see yours?Ask us. We probably value it.
What drives value
Two businesses with the same revenue can be worth very different amounts.
Normalized earnings
Seller's discretionary earnings (SDE) or EBITDA, adjusted for owner pay, one-time costs and personal expenses.
Owner dependence
How much of the revenue, relationships and know-how would leave with the current owner.
Customer concentration
Reliance on a few customers, contracts or referral sources, and how durable they are.
Growth & trends
Revenue trajectory, margins over time and the outlook for your industry and market.
Assets & working capital
Equipment, inventory, receivables and the working capital a buyer needs on day one.
Transferability
Leases, licenses, franchise terms and systems that make the business run without you.
When business owners call us
Fair market value, fair value and investment value are different standards. We match the report to its purpose.
SBA & bank financing
Acquisitions, partner buyouts and change of ownership
Buying or selling
Set an asking price or test an offer
Partner buyouts
Fair value for buy-sell agreements
Estate & gift tax
Transfers to the next generation
Succession planning
Plan a transition to family, managers or employees
Disputes & litigation
Divorce, partnership and insurance matters
Our process
Five steps, one clear report.
- 01
Intake call
Purpose, business and deadline. Fixed-fee proposal within [2] business days.
- 02
Documents
3 years of financial statements and tax returns, plus key contracts and leases, via secure upload.
- 03
Management interview
A conversation about operations, customers, staff and where the business is going.
- 04
Analysis
Income, market and asset approaches, reconciled into a conclusion of value.
- 05
Report & review
A written report your lender or attorney can rely on, and a call to walk you through it.
Inputs & outputs
What goes in. What comes out.
Send what you have. We'll tell you upfront if anything's missing, and you'll get a report your lender, attorney or the IRS can rely on.
What we'll ask for
Your documents
- Three years of financial statements and federal tax returns
- Year-to-date financials and trailing-12-month results
- Owner compensation and any personal or one-time expenses
- Accounts receivable and payable aging
- Fixed asset list and inventory summary
- Premises lease and key customer or supplier contracts
- Organization chart and key employee information
- Any prior valuations, buy-sell or operating agreements
Missing something? That's normal.
Upload securelyanalysis
What your report includes
Valuation report
Small business valuation
- 01Conclusion of value under the standard your purpose requires
- 02Normalized earnings (SDE or EBITDA) with every adjustment explained
- 03Market multiples from comparable private-company transactions
- 04Discussion of risk factors, including owner dependence and concentration
- 05Assumptions, limiting conditions and qualifications of the analyst
Request a valuation
Tell us about the business.
Takes about 2 minutes. Nothing here is shared outside our firm.
What happens next
- We reply within 1 business dayWith a few questions about your situation
- You get a fixed-fee proposalScope, timeline and price within [2] business days
- You decideNo obligation and no pressure
FAQ
Common questions
What's the difference between SDE and EBITDA?
SDE adds back one owner's salary and benefits; it's common for smaller owner-operated businesses. EBITDA assumes market-rate management and is used for larger companies. We'll use whichever buyers in your market rely on.
Will my lender accept your report?
[Describe your credentials and report standards, e.g., the professional standards your reports follow.]
Can you value just a partial interest?
Yes. Minority and partial interests often require discounts for lack of control and marketability, which we analyze and support.
How much does it cost?
Fees depend on the size and complexity of the business and the purpose. You'll receive a fixed quote before any work begins. [Fee range]
Can you value a franchise?
Yes. We review the franchise agreement, transfer terms, fees and any required remodels, because a buyer will price all of them in.
How long does it take?
Typically [X–Y weeks] from the time we have your documents. If you have a lender or court deadline, tell us on the first call.
Related reading
August 30, 2026
Why two valuations of the same business can differ, and which one your lender will use
Different purposes call for different standards of value. Understanding why can save you from a nasty surprise at closing.
July 18, 2026
SDE or EBITDA? Choosing the right earnings measure for your business
The earnings figure behind a valuation matters as much as the multiple applied to it. Here's how to tell which one fits.
Own a hotel or gas station too?
We also value hotels, gas stations and convenience stores, and can handle several businesses in one engagement.