As another year winds down and the Lowcountry shifts into its quieter season, many business owners find themselves thinking about what’s next. Maybe it’s time to slow down, retire, or move on to something new. That reflection tends to grow louder around the holidays — and for good reason. The start of a new year is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a clean slate, and for many, it marks the perfect time to step into a new phase of life.
If you’ve been considering selling your business, the transition from late in the year into the start of the next is one of the best windows to explore that process.
The Psychology of a Fresh Start
There’s something powerful about a new year. People think differently when the calendar resets — they set goals, make changes, and re-evaluate what matters. For business owners, that can mean finally acting on the thought that’s been sitting in the back of their minds: “Maybe it’s time.”
Selling a business is as much an emotional decision as a financial one. When owners begin to picture life after the business — whether that’s retirement, a move, or a new venture — they often want to align that transition with the start of the year. It feels natural, organized, and symbolic of starting fresh.
Year-End and Early-Year Trends
This isn’t just a feeling — the data backs it up. Each year, small business sales and acquisition activity tend to rise as we enter Q1:
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Business transactions are climbing: According to Entrepreneur, small business sales in early 2025 were up roughly 4% year-over-year, signaling renewed buyer confidence heading into the new year.
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Stronger buyer activity: The Fiserv Small Business Index showed that in January 2025, small business sales were 5.1% higher than the year prior, with total transactions up 6.5%.
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Financing momentum is building: SBA loan volume has surged. In fiscal year 2024, the SBA guaranteed over $56 billion in small business loans — a 7% increase from the year before. Through early 2025, 7(a) loans were up more than 40% year-over-year, while 504 loans rose about 21%.
That increase in financing activity matters. When capital is more available, more qualified buyers enter the market — and that drives demand. Higher demand means stronger offers and faster deals for sellers who are ready.
Why Listing Before the New Year Matters
Many owners think, “I’ll wait until after the holidays.” But in reality, listing just before or right after the new year often puts you ahead of the curve. Buyer interest spikes in January, and those who prepare early can capture that wave rather than chasing it.
By listing in late Q4 or early Q1:
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You meet buyers at their most motivated time of year.
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Your business shows up in the market before the flood of new listings that appear mid-year.
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You have time to position financials, prepare records, and address buyer questions while demand is high.
Even if you don’t plan to sell immediately, starting the process now — gathering information, recasting financials, getting a professional valuation — sets you up for success when the timing feels right.
The Bottom Line
Every January, people commit to change. For business owners, that often means stepping into their next chapter — and selling their business can be the first step in making that happen. With SBA loan activity climbing, buyer demand rebounding, and the natural “fresh start” mindset that comes with a new year, now is an ideal moment to begin the conversation.
If you’ve been thinking about selling, don’t wait until everyone else does. Let’s talk about what your business could be worth and how to position it for the strongest start to 2026.