According to the latest BizBuySell Insight Report, the U.S. small business-for-sale market showed strong performance in Q1 2025:
A Strong Start to the Year
Business sales came out swinging in Q1. Over 2,300 deals closed, totaling $2 billion — that’s a 9% jump from this time last year. After a quieter Q4, things picked up fast as confidence returned to the market.
More Optimism = More Deals
With more clarity around taxes, interest rates, and regulations, both buyers and sellers are feeling better about making moves. That’s translating into real activity — especially for businesses with strong track records and growth potential.
Manufacturing Is Having a Moment
If you’re in manufacturing, this quarter was big. Sale prices jumped over 50% as reshoring continues to gain steam. Domestic production is top of mind for buyers, and it’s showing in the numbers.
Service Businesses Still Shine
Service-based businesses — think home services, healthcare, and essential trades — are still getting a lot of love. Buyers like their steady revenue and lower day-to-day complexity, which
makes them especially appealing to first-time owners.
Seller Financing Is Often the X-Factor
With SBA lending tightening up a bit, seller financing is playing a bigger role in getting deals across the finish line. It’s giving more buyers a path forward and helping sellers stay competitive.
Tariffs Are Shaping Strategy
The new wave of tariffs has some folks pausing — but others are seeing opportunity. U.S.-based suppliers and producers are in a stronger position, and strategic buyers are taking notice.
Who’s Buying? Career Changers, Mostly
We’re seeing more “corporate refugees” — folks leaving big jobs to buy their own business and take control of their future. They’re looking for reliable, well-run businesses that still have room to grow.
Sellers with Clean Books Stand Out
If you’re thinking about selling, know this: the businesses getting top dollar right now are the ones with clean, organized financials. Good books = buyer confidence = better offers. Simple as that.
📊 Source: BizBuySell Q1 2025 Insight Report