Valuation multiples for small business acquisitions in the United States span a wide range in 2026, from as low as 3 times EBITDA for smaller commodity-service businesses with concentrated customer bases to more than 14 times for premium private equity platform companies in high-demand sectors, according to current market data from deal advisors and broker networks.
The sectors commanding the highest multiples in 2026 include healthcare services, technology-enabled businesses, sustainability-oriented companies, and businesses with recurring revenue contracts. Home services remain actively traded with mid-range multiples, supported by consistent consumer demand and a growing acquisition interest from roll-up operators and private equity firms.
The overall national average for small business sale transactions tracked by BizBuySell came in at 2.7 times earnings in Q1 2026. Businesses with verifiable cash flow documentation, clean financial records, and transferable customer relationships close faster and at stronger prices than those with informal accounting or owner-dependent operations.
SBA 7(a) loan limits allow for business acquisition financing up to $5 million, covering a wide range of small and lower-middle-market transactions. The change-of-ownership loan category within the SBA program is one of the fastest-growing, reflecting strong demand from buyers seeking to acquire operating businesses rather than build from scratch.
Source: BizBuySell -- https://www.bizbuysell.com/learning-center/industry-valuation-multiples/