Why ETA? Why Now?
Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) is a practical, high-impact pathway for entrepreneurial careers. Rather than starting a business from scratch, ETA focuses on acquiring and growing existing small-to-mid-sized businesses—an opportunity driven by a large and growing number of owners nearing retirement.
An Aging Population:
30%
of small- and medium-business owners are 60+ years old.
Succession Crisis:
60-70%
of small and medium businesses lack succession plans.
A Proven Strategy:
>35% IRR
ETA Models consistently outperform Venture Capital-Private Equity models.
JMU’s ETA programs will provide participants with opportunities to build wealth, create jobs and steward regional businesses.
Preliminary dates
June 2 – June 18, 2026
Preliminary costs
Contact cpdtraining@jmu.edu for discounted rates.
Enrollment:
Open to students, alumni and mid-career professionals interested in business acquisition. Participants should have a basic understanding of finance or accounting.
Cohorts:
Currently, we offer instruction for two cohorts:
Acquisition Entrepreneurs:
- 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.
Apprentices
- 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.
Preliminary format:
Opening – June 2 (in-person encouraged):
- Apprentices: 12–1 PM (light refreshments provided; bring your own lunch)
- Acquisition Entrepreneurs: 4–5 PM (light refreshments provided)
Modules:
- Apprentices meet Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1-3 PM
- Acquisition Entrepreneurs meet Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5–7 PM
- Live, instructor-led hybrid classes (in-person + livestream option)
- Sessions recorded for playback
Closing – June 18:
- 7 PM combined closing session for both groups following final class
- Light refreshments provided
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