Stop guessing what your company is worth. From SDE multiples to EBITDA, this guide breaks down how to value a small business using real-world data, helping you move from a "magic number" to total negotiation clarity.

Curious about your business's real-world value? From SDE to owner dependency, learn the five key factors that determine what a buyer will actually pay for your company.

Think your accountant is a hero for keeping your tax bill low? Think again. While tax minimization is great for yearly cash flow, it can be a total value-killer when it’s time to sell. A "Dirty" P&L filled with personal expenses and aggressive deductions can scare off buyers and slash your business valuation by tens of thousands. Learn why your books need to be "clean" before you hit the market to get the price you actually deserve.

If you’ve spent any time running a business, you’ve probably had that one client. You know the one. Their name pops up on your phone, and your stomach immediately does a somersault. You know the call is going to be about a "crisis" that isn't a crisis, a request for a discount on work already completed, or a complaint about a process they agreed to three months ago. But then you look at your P&L, see the check they write every month, and tell yourself, “It’s fine. Revenue is

If you’re looking to sell your business, there’s a high probability that your buyer is going to walk through the door with an SBA 7(a) loan application in their hand. In my eight years as a business broker and after performing over 100 valuations, I’ve seen this play out in every industry from machine shops in the Valley to boutique retail in Santa Monica. The Small Business Administration (SBA) doesn’t actually lend the money; they guarantee a portion of the loan for the ban

Selling your business with an SBA loan is the gold standard, but it’s also a minefield of rigid rules. From "tax return reality" gaps to lease hurdles that kill deals in the final hour, here is how to spot the pitfalls and structure your sale to actually get it across the finish line.

Every time I sit down with a business owner, whether it’s a guy like Mark, who’s been running a machine shop for thirty years, or someone like Linda, who’s meticulously planned her exit for a decade, the first thing they tell me is: "Peter, I want an all-cash deal. I want to hand over the keys, take the check, and never look back." I get it. After years of grinding, managing employees, and dealing with California’s ever-changing regulations, the idea of a clean break is incre

California business owners often confuse cash flow and profit when prepping for a sale. Discover why cash flow drives valuations, how profit supports long-term value, and practical tips to track both. Get clear, jargon-free advice with examples tailored for business sale preparation in California.

For California small business owners, preparing for a sale means more than reviewing financials—it’s about your reputation. At Decipher Your Value, we’ve seen a strong personal brand add real dollars to a company’s price. Buyers measure your influence, industry relationships, and community trust. Your leadership and network can increase value—if you show it’s built into your team and not just tied to you.

Financial Friday: Understanding Your EBITDA: Shortcut to a Better Valuation for California Business Sale Preparation| Decipher Your Value

Closing the Deal: What Actually Happens at Closing and What to Expect After (part 9 of 10)| Decipher Your Value

Get your business sale-ready with these simple, practical accounting fixes. Learn how tidying your books can boost your business value—and make a smoother sale—without the jargon or hassle.

Picture this: You've built a successful business, but when you're out sick for a week, everything falls apart. Orders get delayed, customers complain, and your team is scrambling to figure out basic processes. Now imagine the opposite: you take a two-week vacation, and when you return, everything ran smoothly without you. Which business do you think a buyer would pay more for? Strong systems aren't just nice-to-have organizational tools. They're value multipliers that can sig

Curious how to make your business more attractive to buyers? Discover the top value drivers—from profitability to customer base—and learn practical ways to boost your appeal before selling. Simple, actionable tips for small business owners!

Estate planning for business owners starts with understanding your company’s true value. Find out the key steps to protect your legacy, simplify transitions, and prepare your business for the future.

Selling your business isn't just about finding the right buyer and agreeing on a price. The legal preparation that happens before you even list your business can make or break the entire transaction. This kind of early preparation is one of the clearest indicators of sale readiness. From my experience working with business owners over the past eight years, I've seen deals fall apart at the last minute because sellers skipped crucial legal steps during the preparation phase. G

Buying a business often feels like a catch-22: you need money to make money, but getting that money usually requires already having money or jumping through endless loan hoops. If you've been building up your 401(k) for years, you might wonder if those retirement funds could help you become a business owner today. The good news? Yes, you can use your 401(k) to buy a business. The even better news? There are legitimate, IRS-approved ways to do it without getting hammered by ta

Not knowing your business value can cost you. Discover the risks, missed opportunities, and practical reasons every small business owner should know their numbers.

Learn practical ways to minimize taxes when exiting your business—timing, capital gains tips, and planning strategies, explained simply for small business owners

Capital gains tax for business sales, explained simply. Learn how it works, what matters for your sale, and practical steps for small business owners in 2025