Every quarter, BizBuySell publishes the most widely followed report on small business sales in the country. The latest one, covering the second quarter of 2026, tells a clear story: fewer deals, steady prices, and much pickier buyers (BizBuySell Insight Report, Q2 2026).
The national numbers
- 2,117 businesses changed hands, down 10% from a year earlier.
- The median sale price was $349,250, nearly flat (down 1%).
- Median cash flow was $155,921, and the average sale price was 2.7 times cash flow, up 2%.
- Businesses sold faster, with median days on market improving to 155 days.
By type of business
- Service businesses were 40% of all sales, with a steady median price of $350,000.
- Retail slowed the most, with deals down 15%, but a median price that held at $250,000.
- Manufacturing deals fell 9%, but buyers focused on strong companies, with median cash flow up 17%.
- Restaurants saw deals down 12% and a median price of $205,000.
What buyers want right now
- 86% want recession resistant businesses, and 64% want businesses that are already thriving.
- 78% expect to use SBA financing, and 90% expect some seller financing.
What this means if you own a business in Tennessee
These are national figures, but they match what we see across Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina and Kentucky. Good businesses are still selling, and selling at fair prices. What has changed is that buyers and lenders look much harder at the numbers.
That rewards owners who prepare:
- Clean, verifiable financials win. Banks lend on filed tax returns. If your returns support your price, you are ahead of most sellers.
- SBA readiness is a selling point. A business that qualifies for SBA financing draws more qualified buyers.
- Flexibility on terms helps. With 90% of buyers expecting seller financing and only 29% of owners planning to offer it, a modest seller note can set your business apart.
- Owner independence matters more than ever. Buyers looking for “already thriving” want a business that runs without you.
Thinking about selling in the next few years?
Retirement is the top reason owners plan to sell, and only 14% have had a professional valuation. A market that rewards preparation is a market that rewards starting early.
Every business owner should know what their business is worth today. Call Arlene at (423) 534-9890 or send us a confidential message. Complimentary, confidential and no obligation. We reply within one business day.