26PDETA - Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition
Course Description
Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) has emerged as one of the most practical, highest-impact pathways for entrepreneurial careers in the U.S. Rather than starting a company from scratch, Acquisition Entrepreneurs buy, renovate and build established small-to-mid-sized businesses (SMBs) whose owners are ready to retire -- representing a significant percentage of 40,000 SMBs in Virginia and nearly a million nationwide.
JMU's instructor-led ETA programs will provide JMU students, alumni and others with opportunities to build wealth, create jobs and steward regional businesses.
Currently, we offer instruction for two cohorts:
Acquisition Entrepreneurs (2606-B)
· For MBAs and mid-career professionals seeking to buy and build companies.
· Participants will leave with a clear roadmap for pursuing acquisitions, including search strategies, acquisition criteria, financing strategies and future leadership.
Acquisition Entrepreneurs who complete the program gain:
· Certificate with a digital badge as a JMU ETA Acquisition Entrepreneur
· Introductions to JMU-vetted Business Owners and Search Fund investors
· Eligibility to attend elite inter-collegiate ETA conferences and events
· Ongoing training and support from JMU’s Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship
Owner-GM Apprentices (2606-A)
· For undergraduates and recent graduates seeking to work with owners and learn from them how to run their businesses with the aim to eventually acquire.
· Participants will leave with a clear understanding of ETA and tools to secure internships and GM-trainee jobs to eventually pursue ETA as a career path.
Owner-GM Apprentices who complete the program gain:
· Certificate with a digital badge as a JMU ETA Owner-GM Apprentice
· Introductions to JMU-vetted Business Owners seeking interns or GM trainee hires
· Eligibility to attend elite inter-collegiate ETA conferences and events
· Ongoing training and support from JMU’s Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship
Classes are offered in-person at JMU's Hartman Hall in Harrisonburg, VA, and streamed online for remote students. In-person attendance is highly encouraged but not mandatory for the program. Join us in Hartman for the first day reception on June 2 and for the closing celebration following our final class meeting on June 18 -- appetizers and beverages will be provided. Apprentice-level students are encouraged to bring their own lunch for the opening reception on June 2.
Notes
Open to JMU and non-JMU university students at all degree levels, alumni and mid-career professionals.Prerequisites
Fundamentals of finance-accounting.