Harding & Associates - Business Brokers

10/20/2026

📊 BUSINESS SALES MARKET UPDATE | Q3 2026

Buyers are still buying. But they're becoming more selective.

The latest BizBuySell Insight Report offers some valuable insights into the current market for buying and selling privately held businesses.

📈 Median sale prices increased 17% year-over-year to $350,000.

🤝 2,132 businesses changed hands during Q3, with transaction volume remaining relatively stable compared to Q2.

🏢 Service businesses continue to attract strong interest, with transactions increasing 9% year-over-year.

🔎 Buyers are prioritizing quality, focusing on businesses with consistent cash flow, reliable financial records, and limited dependence on the owner.

What does this mean for business owners in Southwest Florida?

There are still qualified buyers actively seeking good businesses. However, realistic valuations, sound financial performance, and proper exit planning are becoming increasingly important.

At Harding & Associates, we believe that preparation is key to achieving a successful business sale.

Whether you're considering selling now or planning an exit in the next few years, understanding the market is an important first step.

📍 Serving Sarasota, Manatee & Charlotte Counties

🌐 www.HardingBusinessFL.com

📧 [email protected]

**Link to the full Q3 2026 BizBuySell Insight Report in comments**

SEARCH FOR A FLORIDA BUSINESS FOR SALE Search all business listings in Florida right now. We have business listings in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Fort Myers, Naples, Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and all other areas of Florida. Contact us at Harding & Associate...

10/16/2026

🌊 Make waves with an established Florida powersports dealership.

An opportunity for a buyer seeking an established business in the powersports industry.

Interested in learning more? Contact Ian Harding at [email protected] or send this page a private message.

Further details are available to qualified buyers following a signed NDA.

Harding & Associates | Business Brokers

10/09/2026

Thinking of selling your business? Let’s talk about what comes next.

You’ve invested years of hard work into building your business. Whether you’re considering retirement, ready for a new opportunity or simply wondering what it could be worth, it helps to understand your options.

At Harding & Associates, we help Southwest Florida business owners explore value, timing and the steps involved in preparing for a sale. We are professional, discreet and completely confidential in our approach.

You don’t have to be ready to sell today to start the conversation.

Contact Ian Harding for a confidential, no-obligation discussion.

📞 (941) 822-8728
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.HardingBusinessFL.com

Based in Lakewood Ranch, serving Southwest Florida from Tampa to Naples.

09/29/2026

⚠️ Attention Southwest Florida Business Owners! ⚠️

Big changes are coming to SBA 7(a) loans starting October 1, 2026. The SBA is rolling out SOP 50 10 8.1, which introduces much stricter underwriting rules for buying or selling a business.
Here are the 5 major takeaways you need to know:

1️⃣ Stricter Cash Flow Rules: Initial acquisitions now require a 1.25x historical DSCR floor (projections won't cut it anymore).

2️⃣ Mandatory QoE Reports: Got a deal over $3M? A Quality of Earnings report is now officially required.

3️⃣ Seller Transition Caps: Sellers can stay on for a maximum of 24 months post-sale.

4️⃣ Tighter Down Payment Rules: Outside equity sources are capped at 50% of the total required injection.

5️⃣ No More Shortcuts: Even smaller acquisitions (under $350k) face strict Appendix 15 requirements.

The Bottom Line: Well-capitalized buyers and highly organized sellers with bulletproof financials will win in this new environment.

Preparation is your best strategy. If you are planning a business transition anywhere from Tampa to Naples, let’s get ahead of these rules together.

📞 Call us at (941) 822-8728 or visit www.HardingBusinessFL.com to learn how these updates impact your timeline!

07/03/2026

Harding & Associates is proud to congratulate Ian Harding, on receiving the 2025 Chairman's Circle Award from the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA)!
This prestigious award recognizes excellence in business brokerage and is a testament to Ian's dedication, professionalism, and commitment to helping business owners successfully buy and sell businesses.
Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement!

05/22/2026

We have a unique opportunity available to acquire a well-established and highly regarded Indian restaurant located in the rapidly growing Sarasota / Lakewood Ranch market.

Exceptional opportunity to acquire a well-established and highly regarded Indian restaurant in a high-traffic location.

03/26/2026

If you're ready to step into a profitable, in-demand industry and take ownership of a business built for long-term success, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
A well-established window & door installation company, known for its quality craftsmanship and strong reputation, is now available—including the real estate.
Asking Price: $2,000,000
Gross Income: 2,379,010
Cash Flow: $359,841

For sale a well-established home improvement company specializing in exterior residential upgrades for durability & storm protection with real estate.

02/06/2026

After several years of volatility, the U.S. business-for-sale market entered a period of stabilization in 2025......

08/26/2025

Our mission is to make every business sale or purchase as seamless and successful as possible. This recent client testimonial is a great reflection of the standard we work to uphold in every transaction.

08/20/2025

Our recent recognition with the IBBA Chairman’s Circle Award and BBF Dealmaker Award reflects the trust our clients place in us — and the successful sales we deliver every year.

This is just one of the closings that fueled our success and award-winning results.

Ready to explore selling your business? Let's Talk.