You can find great opportunities for investment in an established company for sale in Alaska. Alaska businesses that are active have an established customer base, source of revenue and business operations. An existing business also may own valuable patents or copyrights.

It is often more expensive to buy an AK business for sale than to start a new one, although it is generally easier to obtain financing for an existing business. Investors tend to be more comfortable with a business that has a proven performance.

There are three primary actions to perform before buying a business for sale in Alaska:

1. Review the tax returns and financial statements over the last few years on a business for sale. Alaska businesses can measure their growth potential with actual experience rather than conjecture.

2. Examine the current profits for the small businesses for sale. Alaska businesses will have expenditures such as employees’ salaries, utilities and insurance that you must deduct from the sales revenue.

3. Inspect the operations of prospective business opportunities. Alaska businesses may have obsolete inventory, dissatisfied employees or outdated distribution methods.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate an Alaska business for sale

Many websites offer listings of Alaska businesses for sale. These listings should show the location, asking price and cash flow, among other details.

I recommend: BizSale.com lists Alaska businesses for sale and includes a separate database of unique businesses for sale and businesses you can buy for less than $100,000. BusinessBroker.net allows you to select the business location by state, and you may also specify an industry and asking price range in your queries.

Find business brokers in Alaska to assist you in the purchase process

AK business brokers can identify businesses that are clearly undesirable and help negotiate a price on the best candidates. A business broker also will help you obtain any licenses and permits that Alaska requires.

I recommend: International Business Associates has an office in Anchorage and specializes in the acquisition of businesses throughout the Pacific Northwest. Dynamic Properties is a member of the Business Brokers Network and primarily brokers businesses in Anchorage.

Hire a Certified Public Accountant when considering businesses for sale in Alaska

A CPA will need to review the financial records of any business in which you are interested. Additionally, a CPA can ensure that you file any required legal documents.

I recommend: Consulting Professionals of Alaska in Eagle River includes business formation as one of its services. Walsh, Kelliher & Sharp are in Fairbanks and have specific experience with business valuation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Review the physical assets of the Alaska business for sale. You will need to know if the office equipment, machinery and other property is actually in working order. You will also want to inspect the building itself to know if it meets the health and safety standards that Alaska requires.