PDETA - 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 an estimated 40,000 SMBs in Virginia and 1.5 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.

Benefits:

• 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.

Benefits:

• 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.

Save the Date:

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