A PREVIEW FROM THE GUIDE
Start With Fit, Not Listings
Many buyers begin by browsing listings. A better starting point is a clear picture of what you want ownership to look like. Two businesses with the same price can lead to very different lives.
A few questions to answer before you search:
• Role. Do you want to work in the business every day, manage a team, or eventually hire a manager?
• Hours and schedule. Can you commit to evenings, weekends, or seasonal peaks?
• Skills. Which of your strengths, such as sales, operations, finance, or a trade, transfer directly?
• Capital. How much cash can you invest while keeping a reserve for working capital and surprises?
• Income needs. What do you need to earn in the first year, after the business pays its obligations?
Why Revenue Alone Does Not Explain Owner Earnings
Revenue shows how much money comes in. It does not show how much is left for an owner after the business pays for inventory, staff, rent, and everything else. Two businesses with identical revenue can produce very different owner income.
For owner-operated small businesses, buyers and brokers commonly look at seller’s discretionary earnings (SDE). SDE starts with pre-tax profit and adds back items a new owner would not necessarily incur, such as one owner’s salary, interest, depreciation, and documented one-time expenses.
A simplified, hypothetical example:
• Annual revenue: $700,000 (top line only)
• Pre-tax net profit per tax return: $90,000
• Plus one owner’s salary and payroll taxes: $60,000
• Plus depreciation: $15,000; interest on existing debt: $8,000; documented one-time repair: $7,000
• Seller’s discretionary earnings: $180,000, before your own debt payments and replacement costs
This example is for illustration only and does not describe any real business.
SDE still is not your take-home pay. From it you may pay acquisition debt, replace equipment, or hire help for work the seller did personally. And every add-back should be supported by records: owner draws are not automatic add-backs.
A Few Business Categories at a Glance
Every category carries its own rhythm, risks, and skills. The examples below are general and are not listings or recommendations.
Service businesses
Examples include cleaning, landscaping, HVAC, plumbing, and professional services. Revenue often depends on recurring customers and the reputation of key technicians. National median sale price, Q2 2026: $350,000.
Retail
Examples include specialty, hardware, and gift stores. Inventory is often counted and adjusted at closing, and lease terms deserve close review. National median sale price, Q2 2026: $250,000.
Restaurants and food service
Margins can be thin, and health permits, liquor licenses, or franchise approval may not transfer automatically. Often among the most time-intensive businesses to own. National median sale price, Q2 2026: $205,000.
Source: BizBuySell Insight Report, Q2 2026. Median sale prices are national U.S. figures for transactions reported to BizBuySell from April through June 2026. They are not specific to Nebraska or the Midwest and do not indicate what any business is worth.
This preview is educational and is not a business valuation, investment recommendation, or legal, tax, or financial advice.
Who This Is For
This guide is for first-time and experienced buyers exploring the purchase of an existing small business, whether you are just starting to search or already reviewing opportunities.
Requesting the guide does not commit you to anything. It’s simply a practical place to start, on your timeline.
INSIDE THE COMPLETE GUIDE
The Full Guide, Free Online
Seven practical parts:
☐ 1. Start with fit, not listings
☐ 2. Revenue vs. owner earnings
☐ 3. Market snapshot: Q2 2026
☐ 4. Business categories
☐ 5. Financing basics
☐ 6. Questions to ask when evaluating
☐ 7. The buying process, step by step
Plus a sources list and next steps.
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