Buyers In Search of Recession-Resistant and Thriving Established Businesses for Sale
BizBuySell's Q1 2025 Insight Report reveals that 91% of business buyers plan on purchasing a business within the next two years. What does this mean for Main Street businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs? This surge in buyer interest has the potential to create a dynamic marketplace for business transactions. As buyers enter the market with diverse backgrounds and motivations, they bring fresh perspectives and new energy to established businesses.
The timeline to buy a business varies but typically takes one to two years from initial search to closing. For most buyers, once they've found the ideal opportunity, the closing process can take an additional 90-120 days. Among those surveyed in our Q1 2025 Insight Report, 59% are first-time entrepreneurs who have not previously owned a business. These buyers are most interested in service businesses (61%), followed by retail (31%), while approximately 25% remain undecided about their preferred sector. Manufacturing businesses, a significant draw amid the current administration's tariff policies, have maintained steady interest over the last three years at around 20%.
Motivations Driving Today's Business Buyers
As many aspiring entrepreneurs look to purchase existing businesses rather than starting from scratch, they are motivated by several key factors. When asked why now is the right time to buy a business, our Insight Report respondents overwhelmingly reflect on their desire for control and independence. The most common reason for buying a business is the desire to leave a current job and gain more control over one's future (44.54%). When asked to elaborate, respondents often mention wanting to own rather than manage, emphasizing the appeal of autonomy that comes with owning a business.
For those leaving the corporate world to buy a business, many see business ownership as a path to financial freedom (78%), independence and greater career control (72%), and improved work-life balance (54%), especially during uncertain economic times. As one respondent noted, "Working for myself is my retirement plan," while another shared, "I am seeing that the only way to get ahead is to work for yourself."
What Business Buyers Are Looking For
Business buyers in today's market have clear preferences for the types of businesses they're looking to acquire. When surveying the marketplace, buyers are most interested in stable, recession-resistant businesses (75%). Many are focused on businesses that can weather economic downturns, particularly with concerns about a potential recession. Thriving businesses (54%), which are seen as lower-risk and more likely to provide immediate returns, as well as established franchise locations (25%) round out the top three opportunities that appeal to today's entrepreneurs.
When asked to elaborate, many respondents highlight the retirement of baby boomers as a key driver for business acquisitions. As members of the baby boomer generation look toward retirement and contemplate selling their businesses, entrepreneurs are recognizing the wave of opportunities to acquire established, turnkey operations. One buyer reflected, "Baby boomers exiting the trade industry are going to leave an enormous hole in the workforce. It is my goal to capitalize on the shift in workforce."
The Advantages of Buying Existing Businesses
There are many advantages to buying an existing business over starting a new one. When entrepreneurs purchase established businesses, they reduce startup time by acquiring an existing brand with built-in customer relationships. They inherit operational systems and employee expertise, and it may be easier to secure financing for the acquisition since lenders can review the existing business's financial history. Entrepreneurs looking to buy a business can tap into all the goodwill and market presence that previous owners have created over years of building businesses that contribute to the local economy.
Inspiration to Pursue Business Ownership
BizBuySell's Q1 2025 survey reveals that prospective buyers discover entrepreneurship through acquisition via diverse channels. Many respondents were introduced to business ownership through family members who owned businesses, such as parents, grandparents, or other relatives. Growing up in entrepreneurial households inspired a strong interest in owning a business. Personal research, mentorship from friends, and educational backgrounds also play significant roles in guiding individuals toward business ownership as an alternative to traditional employment. The rise of MBA programs spotlighting acquisition entrepreneurship is building momentum in the space.
The current wave of business buyers presents exciting possibilities for both sellers and the future of small business in America. By purchasing existing businesses and infusing them with fresh ideas and energy, these new entrepreneurs will help ensure the continued vitality of Main Street businesses across the country.
Whether you're looking to sell your business or join the wave of entrepreneurs looking to buy a business, BizBuySell connects you with the right partners. List your business or start your search today!