An Inside Look from Biz Broker+
Why This Report Matters
Every month, we at Biz Broker+ dig deeper than the headlines. While the media focuses on Wall Street, we track what’s actually happening on Main Street—through conversations with business owners, tracking listings, analyzing buyer demand, and reviewing small business financials across the country.
Here’s what we’re seeing in July 2025.
The National Picture: Growth With Uneven Edges
The U.S. economy showed strength in Q2 with GDP climbing 3.0% after a weak first quarter (Business Insider). On the surface, that’s good news for small business owners who depend on consumer confidence.
But beneath that headline:
The U.S. economy showed strength in Q2 with GDP climbing 3.0% after a weak first quarter (Business Insider). On the surface, that’s good news for small business owners who depend on consumer confidence.
But beneath that headline:
- Services are booming (PMI at 55.2) while manufacturing slipped into contraction (MarketWatch).
- Inflation is sticky at 2.7% (Maner CPA), keeping borrowing costs high and slowing down expansion plans.
- Wall Street is celebrating record highs, but small-cap companies—and by extension, many Main Street businesses—aren’t seeing the same lift (NEPC).
Our take: Owners should read the “boom” headlines with caution. The story in your community may not match the optimism in financial markets.What We’re Seeing on Main Street
Through Biz Broker+, we have a front-row seat to business sales and buyer activity. Here are the real-world trends we’re noticing that don’t always make the national reports:
1. Optimism Is Real, But Selective
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index hit 100.3 in July (TD Economics), and we’re seeing that reflected in owner conversations. Sellers who survived the last few turbulent years are finally open to talking exit strategies.
But not everyone is ready to grow or expand. In fact, many are saying, “We’ll sell before we scale.”
Through Biz Broker+, we have a front-row seat to business sales and buyer activity. Here are the real-world trends we’re noticing that don’t always make the national reports:
1. Optimism Is Real, But Selective
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index hit 100.3 in July (TD Economics), and we’re seeing that reflected in owner conversations. Sellers who survived the last few turbulent years are finally open to talking exit strategies.
But not everyone is ready to grow or expand. In fact, many are saying, “We’ll sell before we scale.”
2. Profits Are Up, But Labor’s Still the Headache
According to the Bank of America Institute, small business profitability rose 1.8% year-over-year. That lines up with what we’re seeing in deal valuations—better books, cleaner P&Ls, and healthier margins than last year.
The catch? Labor. A staggering 86% of owners still report they can’t find qualified help (Detroit Regional Chamber). For buyers, this is becoming a sticking point: they want businesses with strong management in place so they’re not stepping into a staffing crisis.
According to the Bank of America Institute, small business profitability rose 1.8% year-over-year. That lines up with what we’re seeing in deal valuations—better books, cleaner P&Ls, and healthier margins than last year.
The catch? Labor. A staggering 86% of owners still report they can’t find qualified help (Detroit Regional Chamber). For buyers, this is becoming a sticking point: they want businesses with strong management in place so they’re not stepping into a staffing crisis.
3. Buyer Activity Is Heating Up
Even with interest rates high, we’re seeing increased buyer demand for Main Street businesses under $2M valuation. Side hustles and first-time buyers (many from Gen Z and younger Millennials) are jumping in, often with creative financing structures.
This aligns with national data showing 27% of adults engaged in side businesses (Detroit Regional Chamber). For many, buying a business is becoming the ultimate “side hustle upgrade.”
Even with interest rates high, we’re seeing increased buyer demand for Main Street businesses under $2M valuation. Side hustles and first-time buyers (many from Gen Z and younger Millennials) are jumping in, often with creative financing structures.
This aligns with national data showing 27% of adults engaged in side businesses (Detroit Regional Chamber). For many, buying a business is becoming the ultimate “side hustle upgrade.”
4. Price Adjustments Are Happening
Owners who overvalued their businesses in 2023–2024 are starting to adjust expectations. We’re seeing more realistic listing prices—and faster deals as a result.
Buyers are still cautious, but when the numbers make sense, they’re moving quickly.What Biz Broker+ Clients Should Take Away
Owners who overvalued their businesses in 2023–2024 are starting to adjust expectations. We’re seeing more realistic listing prices—and faster deals as a result.
Buyers are still cautious, but when the numbers make sense, they’re moving quickly.What Biz Broker+ Clients Should Take Away
- If you’re a seller: Profitability improvements make now a strong time to explore a valuation. Buyers are active, but they’re scrutinizing labor challenges and pricing discipline.
- If you’re a buyer: There’s real opportunity in the under-$2M space. Be prepared to move fast on well-priced businesses, and get creative with financing.
- If you’re an agent or advisor: Conversations with business owners should lean into the optimism but also acknowledge the labor and inflation realities that are shaping deals.
Final Word From Biz Broker+
Main Street is resilient but cautious. Buyers are active, sellers are finally opening up, and profits are ticking up—yet hiring struggles and inflationary pressure keep growth in check.
At Biz Broker+, we’re not just reporting on the market—we’re in it every day. If you’re considering buying or selling a business, now is the time to get the right strategy in place.
Main Street is resilient but cautious. Buyers are active, sellers are finally opening up, and profits are ticking up—yet hiring struggles and inflationary pressure keep growth in check.
At Biz Broker+, we’re not just reporting on the market—we’re in it every day. If you’re considering buying or selling a business, now is the time to get the right strategy in place.
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