Selling a business in 2026 isn’t going to look like years past. With national trends shifting and uncertainty still looming over many small business sectors, owners thinking about exiting their business need a clear view of what’s ahead.
This article is Part 1 of a four-part series titled “How to Sell a Business in 2026.” Each part covers a different stage of preparing for or navigating a sale:
Part 1: What’s Going On in 2026? The Big Trends Impacting Business Sales
Part 2: Selling a Business in Tennessee in 2026
Part 3: What Can I Do to Sell a Business in 2026?
Part 4: How Do I Actually Sell a Business?
As a Tennessee business broker working with owners across Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and beyond, I created this series to give you the clarity you need to make the right decision—whether you’re ready to sell, planning ahead, or wondering if this is the right year to hire a general manager.
The Business Selling Stories to Follow in 2026
There are five macroeconomic and demographic trends shaping the small business sales landscape in 2026. These are not just buzzwords—they’re the forces actively influencing valuation, buyer behavior, and deal structure.
Here’s what you need to track if you’re planning on selling your business in 2026:
1. Inflation and Selling a Business in 2026
Inflation continues to run hotter than the Fed’s target, and consumers are feeling the squeeze. Higher inflation impacts small businesses in two key ways:
- Reduced consumer spending can shrink top-line revenue.
- Increased input costs erode profit margins.
For business owners looking to sell, that means lower discretionary spending may hurt performance metrics buyers evaluate. That said, if inflation cools and rates stabilize, it could open the door to stronger exit opportunities later in the year.
🔑 Tip: Know your margins. A good bookkeeper can help you break out inflation-related cost increases and tell a compelling story to buyers.
2. Tariffs and Selling a Business in 2026
Many don’t realize the extent to which tariffs affect inflation—and by extension, business valuations. In 2025, tariffs contributed nearly 0.5% of inflation, and there’s pressure in 2026 to reduce them to ease pricing pain.
If tariffs are reduced, material and input costs for manufacturers and importers may come down, which helps margins and could make your business more attractive to a buyer.
🔑 Tip: If you’ve seen cost spikes in your COGS, be ready to explain whether tariffs are the cause. That transparency matters to buyers.
3. Interest Rates and Selling a Business in 2026
Interest rates are one of the most direct influencers on small business sales. Lower rates:
- Increase buyer access to capital
- Typically improve deal flow and valuations
- Allow buyers to finance larger deals or pay more upfront
In 2026, markets are predicting 2–4 rate cuts, which could lead to more active buyers, particularly those leveraging SBA loans or acquisition financing.
🔑 Tip: If your business has strong cash flow, you’ll likely benefit from more favorable financing conditions for buyers.
4. AI and Selling a Business in 2026
Artificial intelligence isn’t just for tech giants—it’s rapidly becoming a differentiator in main street businesses, from accounting and quoting to customer service and scheduling.
According to recent surveys, 58% of small business owners are using some form of AI. But here’s the catch:
- DO implement low-cost AI tools that drive efficiency
- DON’T take on major AI capital projects right before selling (they likely won’t pay off fast enough and could reduce your profit)
- Buyers are increasingly looking for “AI-ready” businesses, even in traditional sectors like roofing, logistics, and manufacturing.
🔑 Tip: Be able to show buyers how AI could scale your business—even if you haven’t fully adopted it.
5. Recession (or Not?) and Selling a Business in 2026
The R-word is still lurking, but predictions have softened—there’s now a ~27% chance of recession by the end of 2026. While that’s not overwhelming, it’s significant enough that you need to be prepared.
In uncertain times, the best strategy is to build multiple options:
- Sell now if your business is strong
- Prepare for a delayed sale if the market softens
Hire a general manager to free yourself from daily operations if you want more flexibility
🔑 Tip: Uncertainty = optionality. Plan for multiple outcomes so you don’t let the market dictate your future.
6. Demographics: the “Silver Tsunami” and “Corporate Refugees”
Demographics continue to shape the small business market. Many baby boomers (ages 60–75) are preparing to sell, while a new generation of “corporate refugees” (ages 35–45) is entering the buyer pool.
The result? More supply of businesses on the market, but also more demand—especially for businesses that are profitable, well-documented, and have a management layer in place.
🔑 Tip: If you’re in your 60s or 70s and considering retirement, don’t let fear of market timing rob you of valuable years. Plan your exit intentionally.
Selling a Business in 2026 Requires Clarity and Strategy
As a Nashville business broker working across Tennessee, I help owners like you navigate the emotional and financial complexity of selling a business. Whether you’re aiming to exit in 2026 or simply want to start the planning process, my job is to help you:
- Understand your business’s market value
- Prepare your financials and operations
- Decide whether to sell, wait, or hire a general manager
In Part 2 of this series, I’ll explore how these trends specifically impact Tennessee business owners, including restaurants, roofing, manufacturing, and more.
👋 Ready to Talk?
If you’re curious about what your business might be worth—or just want to explore your options for 2026—let’s talk. There’s no pressure. Just clarity.