Learn how to value a small business accurately using proven methods like SDE, EBITDA, and market comps. Here is my step-by-step guide with real-world examples. What Is a Small Business Valuation? A small business valuation is the process of determining the economic value of a privately held company using standardized financial, income, and market-based methods. It considers earnings, assets, risk, industry conditions, and future cash flow to calculate a defensible fair market

Selling your business is one of the most important financial decisions you will ever make. Preparation determines whether you leave money on the table — or maximize your return. Before listing your company for sale, understanding its true fair market value is essential. Updated for 2026 This guide reflects current valuation methodologies, buyer expectations, and market standards for privately held small businesses. What Is a Business Valuation for Selling a Business? A busine

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What is my business worth?”, you’re not alone. Whether you’re preparing to sell, seeking investors, resolving a legal matter, or planning for retirement, a business valuation—sometimes called a business appraisal—is the essential step in determining the fair market value of a business.

Learn how a business is valued in divorce, what courts consider marital property, and why a certified valuation ensures fair and defensible results.

How a Business Valuation Can Maximize Your Sale Price When you’re preparing to sell a business—whether it’s a small family company, a thriving startup, or an established enterprise—one of the most powerful tools you can use to maximize your sale price  is a professional business valuation . Business valuations provide sellers with accurate, data-driven insights into what their company is truly worth. More importantly, they help you position your business strategically in the

Valuing your business is one of the most important steps when preparing for a sale, merger, investment, or strategic decision. Yet, many business owners unknowingly make critical mistakes that lead to inaccurate valuations — either overvaluing or undervaluing their companies. In this article, I will cover the seven most common business valuation mistakes , explaining why they happen, and share practical strategies to avoid them so you can confidently determine your company’s

[Note: This is not legal advice . If you require legal advice, seek legal counsel.] When it comes to transferring business ownership—whether as part of a succession plan, a gift, or an estate settlement—the question isn’t just “What is the business worth?”  but “What is the business worth for tax or estate planning purposes?”  In this article I will explore why “valuing a business for tax or estate planning purposes”  is so critical, how valuations differ in this context, the

When business owners or attorneys face disputes such as divorce valuations, shareholder disagreements, or partner buyouts , they often need more than just a certified business valuation. They need a qualified expert witness  who can stand behind that valuation in court. But here’s the truth: most certified business appraisers do not like to provide expert witness testimony . While many are comfortable crunching numbers and preparing valuation reports, very few are willing—or

Whether you’re a small-business owner preparing to sell , an attorney supporting a client in litigation , or someone navigating the...

A business valuation is one of the most important financial steps a business owner can take. Whether you’re planning an exit strategy, preparing for a merger, going through a divorce, or simply asking “What is my business worth?”—you need results that are accurate, defensible, and trustworthy.

EBITDA plays a huge role in business valuation . Learn what it is, why buyers care, and smart ways to increase your EBITDA before...

In today’s marketplace, artificial intelligence is being used for everything from marketing automation to business valuations. While AI...

Learn how to value a small business without revenue using proven business valuation methods. Discover approaches for startups, pre-revenue companies, and service-based businesses.

If you’ve ever wondered, “What is my business worth?” you’re asking one of the most important questions a business owner can face....

Thinking about selling your small business? Here is my step-by-step guide to valuing a small business before selling using proven...

Wondering how much your business is worth? Explore the best free business valuation tools, expert advice, and tips to increase your...

Discover the 5 most common business valuation methods and when to use each; including examples and tips to help you choose the right...

When it comes to effective tax planning, understanding the true value of your business is not optional—it is essential. Whether you are...

When determining what your business is worth, two terms often come up: SDE (Seller’s Discretionary Earnings) and EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization).

Goodwill is a term often encountered in the world of business valuation, mergers, and acquisitions. It refers to an intangible asset that...