ENTR001 - Weatherhead ETA Intensive: Buyer Preparation
From Aspiration to Acquisition: Build the Skills and Confidence to Lead to Accelerate the Deal
The Weatherhead ETA Intensive is a 3-day, hands-on program designed for experienced, entrepreneurial professionals who are ready to acquire and lead a company. Through interactive sessions, case studies, and practical tools, participants will gain the frameworks and skills needed to identify, evaluate, acquire, and operate small to mid-sized businesses. The program is taught by ETA experts and seasoned operators who have successfully navigated the acquisition journey.
Topics
- ETA frameworks supporting Buy. Build. Renew.
- Sourcing and evaluating opportunities
- Structuring deals and securing capital
- Navigating due diligence and negotiations
- Transitioning from buyer to operator
- Leadership and culture post-acquisition
- Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Firsthand insights from operators actively navigating an acquisition
Learning Outcomes
As a result of attending this program, participants will:
Part 1
- Understand the end-to-end ETA process, from search to buy to exit
- Learn proven strategies for sourcing deals and building a pipeline
- Develop the ability to assess financial, operational, and cultural fit to inform your search
- Gain insight into structuring and financing deals with investors and lenders
Part 2
- Development of a roadmap to lead your company post-acquisition
- Identifying and handling key issues as CEO of your newly purchased company
- Direct feedback on your ETA opportunity and approach
Benefits
Each participant will receive:
- A comprehensive set of frameworks, tools, and case studies
- Personalized feedback from faculty and experienced ETA operators
- Credit toward the Weatherhead ETA Certificate (details below)
Who Should Attend
- Mid- and senior-level executives and managers with the ambition to own their own company
- Owners looking to grow their business or portfolio through acquisition
- Start-up entrepreneurs considering ETA as their next venture
- Investors and advisors seeking a deeper understanding of the buyer’s journey
If you are interested in accelerating your ETA journey learn more about the ETA Certificate Program.
Prerequisites
This program is designed for anyone with an interest in ETA. No prior ETA course is required. Participants are expected to commit to attending all three days of the program in full.
Weatherhead ETA Certification
This course is part of the Weatherhead ETA Certificate program.
- Successful completion equates to 1 course requirement of 3 needed to earn the Weatherhead ETA Certificate.
- Other eligible courses include ETA 1, ETA 2, and ETA 3.
- Students must successfully complete a minimum of three courses from the Weatherhead ETA curriculum to earn the certificate.
Cancellation and Transfer Policy
All notifications of cancellation and transfer requests must be sent by email to Weatherhead Executive Education (WEE). Due to program demand and the volume of pre-program preparation, the following cancellation and transfer policies apply:
- Cancellation requests made 5 business days or less prior to the program start will incur the full program fee.
- Cancellation requests more than 5 business days before the program start will be refunded minus a 10% processing fee.
- Transfer requests made more than 5 business days before the program start will incur a $250 transfer fee.
- Transfer requests are not permitted 5 business days or less prior to program start, and no refund is available.
- Participants will be required to sign a nondisclosure agreement (NDA).