Sell Your Business in Washington, DC

Washington DC's business sale market operates at a scale and sophistication that few other US markets can match. The federal government — with 350,000+ civilian employees in the DC metro and trillions in annual spending — creates a government services, IT, and consulting ecosystem that is the single largest driver of business acquisition demand in the region. Businesses with active federal contracts, GSA schedules, or established agency relationships command multiples that reflect the extraordinary defensibility and scale of government revenue streams. Strategic acquirers from the national defense and federal technology sector monitor DC continuously for acquisition opportunities.

Washington DC's hospitality, restaurant, and entertainment economy — the 14th Street and U Street corridors, Capitol Hill, Georgetown, Shaw, and Navy Yard districts — has undergone a national renaissance over the past two decades, creating food-and-beverage businesses with both strong local patronage and substantial tourist revenue. DC draws 24 million visitors annually, and established restaurants and hospitality businesses in revitalized neighborhoods command premiums from lifestyle buyers and national hospitality industry acquirers who recognize DC's growing culinary reputation.

The DC metro's concentration of law firms, think tanks, lobbying organizations, financial services firms, and trade associations creates a professional services acquisition market that generates consistent buyer demand from senior government officials, Congressional staffers, and policy professionals who transition to private sector business ownership. These buyers are analytically sophisticated, well-networked, and often arrive with capital from highly compensated careers in government and the private sector.

Federal & Government Services

IT services, management consulting, government contracting, cybersecurity, and professional services firms with active federal agency contracts command the highest multiples in the DC market. GSA schedules, GWAC contract vehicles, and cleared personnel are the most valuable assets in any DC business acquisition — national defense and federal technology strategic acquirers compete intensely for established government contractors in the DC market.

Hospitality, Restaurant & Entertainment

DC's nationally recognized restaurant scene — concentrated in Shaw, 14th Street, Capitol Hill, Georgetown, and the Navy Yard — creates acquisition demand from lifestyle buyers and hospitality strategic acquirers who see DC's culinary reputation as a genuine premium. Established restaurants with loyal neighborhood followings, strong review profiles, and long-term leases attract buyers from New York, Chicago, and other major markets who specifically target DC.

Professional & Business Services

DC's nationally recognized restaurant scene — concentrated in Shaw, 14th Street, Capitol Hill, Georgetown, and the Navy Yard — creates acquisition demand from lifestyle buyers and hospitality strategic acquirers who see DC's culinary reputation as a genuine premium. Established restaurants with loyal neighborhood followings, strong review profiles, and long-term leases attract buyers from New York, Chicago, and other major markets who specifically target DC.

Most business brokers in Washington charge 10% to 12%. On a million-dollar sale, that's $100K to $120K out of your pocket before you see a dime. John Salony charges 6% — which means on that same sale, you keep an extra $40K to $60K.

That's possible because of two things most brokers don't have: an AI-powered approach to CIM preparation and data gathering, and a 20-year network of serious buyers across the Southeast — including Washington — who are ready to move when the right opportunity comes along.

And John only gets paid when you do. No upfront fees. No retainers. If the deal doesn't close, you owe nothing.

Private Equity Groups

PE firms acquiring businesses as platform investments or add-ons to existing portfolio companies. They typically pay the highest multiples and bring institutional resources.

• ✓ Highest multiples (3.5×–5.0×+)
• ✓ May offer equity rollover
• ✓ Often want owner to stay 1–2 years
• ✓ Focused on EBITDA $500K+

Strategic Acquirers

Larger companies in your industry looking to expand geographically, add capabilities, or acquire customers. They understand your business and can often close faster.

• ✓ Strong multiples (3.0×–4.5×)
• ✓ Fastest due diligence
• ✓ Value customer base & territory
• ✓ May absorb into existing brand

Individual Buyers

Qualified individuals — often corporate executives or experienced operators — using SBA financing to acquire and run their own business.

• ✓ Solid multiples (2.5×–3.5×)
• ✓ SBA 7(a) financing typical
• ✓ Want transition support
• ✓ Looking for stability & cash flow

Who John Salony Works With in Washington

John works best with business owners who are serious about getting a transaction done — not just exploring. If any of the below describes you, a confidential conversation makes sense.

ABI Certified + MBA

Certified Business Intermediary with an MBA and 20+ years of experience in business sales and M&A advisory across the Southeast.

6% — Not 10–12%

The most competitive fee structure in the market. On a $1M sale you keep $40K–$60K more than you would with a traditional broker.

Complete Confidentiality

Blind listings, NDA before any details are shared, and careful buyer screening. Your employees and customers won't know until you're ready.

Dual CRE + Business Expertise

If you own the real estate too, John handles both. No need for two advisors, two timelines, or two sets of fees.