About this Course
Want to own a business? While many aspiring entrepreneurs immediately think of a startup, there’s a compelling alternative with much less risk — acquiring and growing an existing small business.
In this course, you'll understand how to buy and scale a small business through a process called entrepreneurship through acquisition, or ETA. Under the guidance of an entrepreneurship expert, you’ll explore the entire ETA lifecycle from start to finish. You’ll learn how search funds work as a way to source business-buying opportunities, secure financing, manage operations, grow your enterprise, and — once you’re ready — prepare to sell. In the end, you’ll take away real-world business insights and strategies that could help boost your career, create jobs and build long-term wealth.
Designed For
Anyone with some business or operations experience who wants to acquire, lead and grow an existing business.
See Requirements
Admissions Requirements
This program does not require any previous business ownership experience. Anyone is encouraged to enroll.
Time Commitment
Including time in class, you should expect to spend about five to seven hours each week on coursework. There are also two live online class sessions of three hours each.
English Proficiency
If English is not your native language, you should have at least intermediate English skills to enroll. To see if you qualify, make sure you are at the B2 level on the CEFR self-assessment grid. To learn more, see English Language Proficiency Requirements – Noncredit Programs.
International Students
Because this offering is 100% online, no visa is required and international students are welcome to apply. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students.
Technology Requirements
You must have access to a computer, and we recommend a high-speed internet connection.
Completing the Course
To successfully complete this course, you must fulfill the requirements outlined by your instructor.
What You’ll Learn
- How to evaluate the risks, challenges and opportunities of acquiring a small business
- Strategies to navigate search, valuation, due diligence and deal-making
- Financing strategies, including self-funded and investor-backed models
- Post-acquisition planning to chart your growth strategy and prepare for your first 100 days as CEO
- How to align your skills, interests and resources to create your own personalized, actionable ETA roadmap
Get Hands-on Experience
- Use a variety of tools and databases to conduct a simulated search for businesses you may want to acquire
- Conduct financial, legal and other due-diligence research on a real or hypothetical business
- Deliver an investor-ready pitch for a prospective acquisition in a live, virtual presentation to instructors and peers
EARN A DIGITAL BADGE
After successfully completing this course, you can claim a digital achievement badge that can be shared on LinkedIn and other social media sites. Learn more about digital badges.
OUR ENROLLMENT COACHES ARE HERE TO HELP
Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options.
APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP
You can apply for a scholarship to help pay for this program. Learn more about the ETA Community Impact Scholarship.
This program is intended for professional development and is not designed to meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification.