This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Sales of small businesses reached their highest level since the second quarter of 2008, before the peak of the Great Recession.

BizBuySell.com, an online marketplace for small companies, counted 2,090 closed transactions among its network of business brokers, up 8 percent from 1,935 in the second quarter and 15 percent from 1,814 a year earlier.

In the second quarter of 2008, BizBuySell.com counted 2,098 transactions. At the recession's low point — second quarter of 2009 — BizBuySell logged just 1,040 closings.

Many sellers are putting their companies on the block now because they've waited out the recession but are concerned about not getting the price they want if there's another economic downturn, according to BizBuySell.com. At the same time, many buyers want to close a deal because they believe they won't get a better price by waiting.

CYBERSECURITY HELP

Small businesses are at a high risk for internet attacks, including having their bank accounts hacked or their computer files encrypted by criminals who demand a ransom. The Small Business Administration is holding a Twitter chat about cybersecurity for small companies. It will be Oct. 25 at 1 p.m. Mountain time. Take part by using the hashtag (hash)SBAchat.

The SBA also has tips about cybersecurity on its website at http://tinyurl.com/z8ronta . There's more information on the Federal Communications Commission website at https://www.fcc.gov/general/cybersecurity-small-business .

BUSINESS PLAN ADVICE

Companies need business plans not only if they want to apply for a loan or other financing; many experts say a business plan is a good way for an owner to prepare a company for growth. SCORE, the organization that gives free counseling to small businesses, will sponsor an online seminar on how to create or update a business plan. It will be held Thursday, Nov. 3 at noon Mountain time.

Learn more and register at http://bit.ly/2dZkyY8