Businesses Under $250K
Entry-level business and commercial opportunities under $250,000 in Greater Vancouver. Affordable options for first-time buyers and entrepreneurs.
The sub-$250K segment is where first-time buyers and side-hustle operators find real entry points — small cafés, convenience stores, personal service studios, and niche service businesses. The upside is obvious: lower down payment, accessible lender financing, faster payback. The risk is that small operators often keep cash businesses, so due diligence matters more here, not less.
What to verify before making an offer
- Bank deposits vs. stated sales: Reconcile 12 months of bank statements against the P&L — discrepancies are common and not always in the buyer's favour.
- Owner hours: If the seller works 60 hours/week, the stated profit is masking $40–60K of unpaid labour.
- Lease remaining term: A business with 6 months left on a lease isn't worth what it looks like — factor in relocation risk.
- Customer concentration: If three customers make up 40% of revenue, you're buying relationships, not a business.
- Equipment condition: For food, automotive, and trades businesses, the equipment is often half the asset value — get it inspected.
Financing options
The Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) covers up to $1M for equipment, leaseholds, and real property — most small-business acquisitions under $250K qualify. Expect 10–20% down plus a personal guarantee, depending on the lender's comfort with the industry.
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