UC Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Conference

What is Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA)? 

Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) is the act of acquiring an existing business for the purpose of adding value and growth. ETA benefits include leveraging existing customer bases, brand recognition and infrastructure through new leadership, technology, resources and innovation. Acquisition entrepreneurship incorporates various types of business ownership including franchising.

What is the UC Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Conference?

The UC Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Conference is a premier, one-day event that brings together seasoned entrepreneurs, curious students, aspiring investors, and industry experts to explore the growing world of ETA. This unique gathering will provide insights, networking opportunities, and practical tools for those interested in acquiring and operating small businesses as a path to entrepreneurship.

The conference will cover various facets of ETA, including sourcing, financing, and managing acquisitions. Participants will have the chance to learn from accomplished ETA entrepreneurs and influential thought leaders, making it a must-attend event for anyone interested in entering the world of business ownership via acquisition.

Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025
Location: 1819 Innovation Hub
Expected Audience: Over 200 professionals, including prospective and current ETA entrepreneurs, investors, business brokers, and advisors.

Questions or info on how to get involved:

Contact Kate Harmon, Executive Director UC Center for Entrepreneurship - harmonkr@ucmail.uc.edu

Registration, Networking, Breakfast
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:25 AM

Opening Remarks: Dean Marianne Lewis, Carl H. Lindner College of Business and Ryan Hays, Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation & Strategy Officer, 1819 Innovation Hub (Office of Innovation)
Time: 9:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Overview of ETA in the Cincinnati Community
Time: 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
Details: Review ETA trends, what it is, who is involved, and how to get involved.

Break / Networking
Time: 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM

Workshop: Getting Started – Thesis Formation, Sourcing, and Funding
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Details: Learn about how to form a thesis, find and source a deal, secure sources of funding from SBA loans, Seller Financing, and beyond

Lunch / Networking
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Explore booths from sponsors and other community members in the 2nd floor lobby
ETA Student Case Competition

Afternoon Panels/Workshops 1:00 PM - 3:15 PM
*Attendees will essentially choose one of two panels during each time window

Panel: ETA & Franchising
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Details: Learn the ins and outs of franchising as a model for ETA. Learn strategies for selecting the right franchise, funding, and operations.
OR
Workshop: Deal Valuation – Hands-on Session
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Details: Review a P&L and the various ways to evaluate a company. Break off into teams to come up with valuations based on different criteria, and share back what numbers you got and why.

Break: 2:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Panel: Hear from Local ETA Entrepreneurs Success Stories
Time: 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Details: Hear from a panel of entrepreneurs who will discuss their journey of getting into the ETA space. There will be a chance for open audience questions.
OR
Workshop: Legal & M&A resources
Time: 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Details: Discuss the legal dynamics and additional resources needed to effectively get an ETA deal done based on size and stage.

Break: 3:15 PM - 3:30 PM

Workshop: Post-Acquisition Strategies & Post-Sale Sentiment
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Details: Hear from ETA entrepreneurs and business owners what you can expect after the deal is closed. There will be an opportunity for open discussion after a brief introduction and the panel speakers have a chance to tell their stories.

Closing Remarks
Time: 4:30 PM - 4:45 PM
Details: Discuss how people can leverage UC & the local Cincinnati ecosystem to continue their ETA journey.

Happy Hour & Networking
Time: 4:45 PM - 6:00 PM