Pipeline Prep/TakeOff (Self-Directed)

TakeOff (Self-Directed)

  • Course

Seize the opportunity to confidently acquire your small or medium-sized business with our flexible, on-demand program. Accelerate your learning pace when you're ready, or slow down as needed, all while focusing on three essential success components:

Pitch: Craft compelling narratives for investors, lenders, and business owners.

Plan: Develop a strategic action plan with clear next steps.

Peers: Join a diverse network of searchers with continuous mentorship.

Eager to dive into our next EtA Launch Hub cohort? Start now with our self-directed course, and upgrade to the cohort when applications open.

During checkout, enhance your learning experience by purchasing the print edition of the workbook, or secure your spot in the next cohort at exclusive discounted rates.

Ideal for individuals aspiring to lead their own business, including career professionals with diverse experiences such as operational, managerial, or specialized fields, and MBA students or graduates without access to an Entrepreneurship through Acquisition course.

Contents

Welcome & Orientation

These items will help you get started.

Welcome to Your Self-Study Course!
EtA Guidebook - Introduction & Welcome
Preview
EtA Guidebook - Welcome & Introduction (Audio)
Student Toolkit - your course essentials from A to Z
TakeOff Syllabus
Preview
Welcome & Resources Presentation

Session 1: Preparing

·  Who You/We Are

·  Preparing to Market Yourself

·  Search Method

Session 1
Preview
Session 1 pre-work
1_Review of the Search Fund Models.docx
2_Experience Research Checklist.docx
3_Who Am I.docx
4_My Intro.docx
5_Session Tracker.docx
Session 1: Sam Eneh & John Baker
Vault - Step 1
Preview
Exclusive EtA Launch Hub Content
Coffee & Coaching Chat
Preview
Session 1 Quiz

Session 2: Structuring - Part 1

·  Fund Organizational Structure

A Caution on Session 2
Session 2 prework
Quick Quiz on Foundational Elements
6_The What
7_The Why?
8_Entrepreneurial Inventory
9_Session Tracker.docx

Session 2 - Part 2

·  Sourcing//Search Method

Session 2 - Matt Bergman (2025)
Session 2 - Ashley Emerole (2025)
Session 2 - Elliott Holland
Session 2 - Jake Parsley
Session 2 - Jeannie from Kumo

Session 3: Organizing Finances

·  Your Personal Financial Plan

·  Financing the Search & Deal

Session 3 prework
Session 3 Recording #1 - Listening & Organization - Evaluating Your Skills
Session 3 recording #2 - Money
EtA Launch Hub - Session 3 - Ziotag - Luca Rajola Pescarini
EtA Launch Hub - Session 3 - Ziotag - Sara Andrews
Digital Video Channel: Step 3: Finding a Business to Buy
Case Note: Questions Potential Search Fund Entrepreneurs and Potential Investors Might Ask Each Other
9_The What
10_Rough Budget Calculator.xlsx
11_Discretionary Spend & Big Ticket Items.docx
12_Entrepreneurial Statement.docx
13_Investor & Advisor Pie
Preview
14_Session 3 Tracker.docx

Session 4: Financing

·  Industry Thesis/Analysis

·  Negotiating the Deal

·  Pitch Practice

0_Session Tracker.docx
EtA Guidebook: Session 4 prework
EtA Launch Hub - Session 4 - Brian Fleming
EtA Launch Hub - Session 4 - Ron Wexler
Digital Video Channel: Step 4: Do the Deal/Due Diligence
15_Industry Checklist.docx
16_Financial Worksheets
17_Live Session Tracker_Next_Steps_Session 4.docx

Session 5: Deal Making

·  Day 1
·  Operational Changes
·  Pitch Preview

This session occurs on March 25 at 9 am (Pacific/Los Angeles time).  Please note that this is the time of year where time changes happen in different localities.   Be sure to check the time difference. 
EtA Guidebook: Session 5 prework
18_ Live Session Tracker _Next Steps_Work_Sheet - Session 5.docx
Bonus video: USP Part 1
Bonus video: USP, Part 2
Session 5 - Nell Smirca
Session 5 - Andy Canales
Session 5 - Jay Subramaniam

Session 6: Day 1

EtA Guidebook - Session 6
Digital Video Channel: Step 5: Become CEO
18_Session 6 Tracker.docx

Session 7: Operating

Digital Video Channel Steps 6 & 7: Grow Your Business & Become an Investor

Session 8: Preparing for Pitching

Multipliers' Graduation
19_90 Day Action Plan.docx
Exclusive Pipeline Prep content
Session 7 prework

Session 9 - Pitch Day!

Congratulations on making it through the course. Be sure to set up time with me to review your USP and pitch! I will also answer any questions you may have on the guidebook and your journey.

Coaching Session with Karen

WHAT STUDENTS SAY

  • “I got more out of the very first session than the 10K I spent on another program.”

  • “I still find myself referring to your notes from Nuts and Bolts, and I am grateful for that experience.”

  • “Ya'll this program rocks. I was paid nothing to say this! I was not asked to post. The program is great. The community is great and Karen as your fearless leader is a shinning star. It's the type of group you join then want to give back to because you gain so much value from the experience.” https://www.searchfunder.com/post/eta-launch-hub-accepting-applicants

  • “Thank you, Karen! It has been a real pleasure and privilege to participate in this program. I had my mind blown at least once every session. From the amazing guest speakers you brought in to my impressive classmates, my understanding of what’s possible and what’s required has fundamentally changed. This was like a mini MBA/accelerator. Fingers crossed for our cohort to have a couple of acquisitions this year!”

THE EtA GUIDEBOOK

Karen discusses the EtA Guidebook