Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Business in Calgary
How many businesses are for sale in Calgary right now?
There are currently 355 businesses for sale in Calgary and the surrounding area on FindBusinessesForSale.com (October 2026). About three-quarters are inside Calgary city limits, and the rest are in nearby communities such as Airdrie, Okotoks, Cochrane, Strathmore, Balzac and Rocky View County. New listings are added every week. Save this search to get email alerts.
How much does it cost to buy a business in Calgary?
Most businesses for sale in Calgary are listed between $100,000 and $500,000, with a median asking price of about $250,000. The average asking price is $719,082. That figure is pulled up by a few large properties, such as motels, RV parks, and businesses sold with real estate. Here is how current asking prices break down:
- Under $100,000: about 15% of listings
- $100,000 to $250,000: about 36%
- $250,000 to $500,000: about 21%
- $500,000 to $1 million: about 12%
- Over $1 million: about 16%
What types of businesses are for sale in Calgary?
Restaurants are the most common, making up about one-third of Calgary listings, including bars, pizza stores, bakeries and health-food restaurants. You will also find liquor stores, car washes, coffee shops, laundromats, convenience stores, health and wellness clinics, barber shops, motels, RV parks and recycling businesses. Browse restaurants for sale in Calgary or small businesses for sale in Calgary to narrow your search.
Can I buy a business in Calgary for under $100,000?
Yes. About 1 in 7 Calgary listings has an asking price under $100,000, and about half are under $250,000. Lower-priced listings are usually small restaurants, food outlets, service businesses, and retail stores in leased premises, where you buy the business and equipment but not the building. Sort the listings above by "Price Low to High" to see them first.
Is Calgary a good place to buy a business?
Calgary is one of the most business-friendly cities in Canada. Alberta has no provincial sales tax (only the 5% federal GST), the lowest general corporate tax rate of any province, and a 2% provincial tax rate on small business income. Calgary is Canada's third-largest city by metro population, with a growing economy in energy, technology, logistics, finance and tourism. Buying an established business also gives you existing customers, staff and cash flow from day one. Confirm current tax rates with an accountant before you buy.
Do I pay GST when I buy a business in Alberta?
It depends on how the sale is structured. In a share purchase, you buy the company's shares and GST does not apply. In an asset purchase, GST can apply to the equipment and other taxable assets, but if you are buying all or substantially all of the business's assets and you are GST-registered, the buyer and seller can usually file a joint Section 167 election so no GST is charged. Alberta has no provincial sales tax on the purchase. Ask your accountant or lawyer which structure suits your deal.
What licences do I need to run a business in Calgary?
Most businesses need a City of Calgary business licence, and the requirements depend on the type of business. Restaurants and food businesses also need a food handling permit from Alberta Health Services. Liquor stores, bars and cannabis stores need a licence from Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC). These licences don't transfer automatically to a new owner, so apply early and make your offer conditional on getting them.
How do I finance buying a business in Calgary?
Most buyers combine a down payment, often 20% to 30% of the price, with a bank loan, a loan from BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada), or a loan under the federal Canada Small Business Financing Program. Seller financing, where the owner lets you pay part of the price over time, is also common for small businesses and shows the seller believes in the business. Have your financing pre-approved before making an offer.
How long does it take to buy a business in Calgary?
Buying a small business typically takes 2 to 6 months from first contact to closing. That includes reviewing the financials, making a conditional offer, due diligence, arranging financing, transferring the lease and licences, and closing with your lawyer. Deals that include real estate or liquor licences usually take longer.
Can newcomers or non-residents buy a business in Calgary?
Yes. Anyone can buy a business in Calgary, including newcomers to Canada and foreign investors. However, buying a business does not on its own give you permission to live or work in Canada. If you need immigration status, look at the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program's entrepreneur streams and speak to a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer before you make an offer.
Should I look at businesses for sale outside Calgary?
Often, yes. Communities near Calgary, such as Airdrie, Okotoks, Cochrane and Strathmore, can offer lower prices and less competition while staying close to the city. You can also compare businesses for sale across Alberta and businesses for sale in Edmonton.