Business Valuation Services — Upper Midwest

Revenue alone doesn't determine value—profitability does. A business with $3 million in sales might be worth anywhere from $500,000 to $6 million or more, depending on its EBITDA or Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE), industry, customer concentration, owner dependence, and growth trajectory. Most small-to-mid-market businesses sell at a multiple of SDE or EBITDA, typically ranging from 2x to 5x. A professional valuation from Chelsis Financial accounts for all these factors to give you an accurate, defensible number.

Chelsis Financial typically reviews four years of financial records: Income/Profit & Loss statements, Cash Flow statements, Balance Sheets, and a Statement of Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE). We also assess tangible asset values such as equipment, fixtures, and inventory. The more complete and accurate your records, the more precise and credible your valuation will be to prospective buyers and lenders.

Yes. Chelsis Financial provides a complimentary Assessment of Value to business owners exploring a potential sale. There are no upfront fees or obligations. This assessment is designed to give you an honest, informed baseline so you can make sound decisions about timing, pricing, and next steps—without financial risk or pressure.

The initial Assessment of Value can typically be completed within a few weeks of receiving your financial documents. A more detailed valuation used for formal marketing and lender discussions may take additional time depending on the complexity of the business, the completeness of your records, and any industry-specific factors that require deeper research.

Confidentiality is foundational to everything Chelsis Financial does. All calls, consultations, and assessments are held in strict confidence. When your business is actively marketed, we use blind summaries and carefully screen buyers before any identifying information is shared. Your employees, customers, and competitors remain unaware unless you choose to disclose.

Beyond financial performance, eight key drivers significantly influence value: owner dependence, point of differentiation, strength of the management team, customer concentration, recurring revenue, growth potential, documented systems and processes, and market conditions. Reducing owner dependence alone can meaningfully increase your valuation—Chelsis Financial helps you understand and address each of these drivers before going to market.

While Chelsis Financial has deep roots in Indiana and Michigan and networks with over 2,000 businesses in Indiana, the firm serves business owners throughout the Upper Midwest region. If you're located in the region and considering a sale, we encourage you to reach out—geography rarely limits our ability to provide effective valuation and brokerage support.

Absolutely. The valuation is the starting point. From there, Chelsis Financial can assist with sale preparation, confidential marketing, buyer screening, deal negotiation, and full transaction coordination from Letter of Intent through closing. We also help you assemble a deal team including attorneys, accountants, and wealth managers to protect your interests at every stage.