UC Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA)

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

Buy, Build, Grow: Mastering the Art of Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA)

Join us at the 1819 Innovation Hub - University of Cincinnati for an exciting event focused on mastering the art of entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA). Whether you're looking to buy an existing business, build your own startup, or grow your current venture, this event is perfect for aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs alike. Learn from industry experts, network with like-minded individuals, and gain valuable insights to take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level. Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your knowledge and connect with the entrepreneurial community!

Presented by the University of Cincinnati's Center for Entrepreneurship, in partnership with Cincy ETA, and with support from Kohnen & Patton, Flynn & Company, FranNet Midamerica and Huntington Bank.

Interested in sponsoring or have questions? Contact Kate Harmon, Executive Director, UC Center for Entrepreneurship, at harmonkr@ucmail.uc.edu

Program Agenda

8:30 AM - 9:25 AM Registration, Trade Show, Networking, Continental Breakfast

9:30 AM - 9:45 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)

9:45 AM- 10:45 AM Overview of ETA in the Cincinnati Community

Presented by Cincy ETA

Moderator: Alex Burkhart; Speakers: Katherine Butler-Dines, Carlene Østergaard , Eric Hornung and Rahul Desai

Review ETA trends, what it is, who is involved, and how to get involved.

10:45 AM - 11:00 AM Break / NetworkingTime

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Workshop: Getting Started – Thesis Formation, Sourcing, and Funding

Presented by Flynn & Company

Moderator: Tim Metzner; Speakers: Rick Flynn, Brad Felix, Tom O'Brian and Joe Brown

Learn about how to form a thesis, find and source a deal, secure sources of funding from SBA loans, Seller Financing, and beyond

 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM Student Founder Fireside Chat with Charlie Briedenbach, Bowen Alexy, and Finn Alexy followed by Lunch / Networking

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Lunch / Networking

Explore booths from sponsors and other community members in the 2nd floor lobby and check out the ETA Student Case Competition

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Panel: ETA & Franchising

Presented by FranNet Midamerica

Moderator: Brady Pfister; Speakers: Scott Oaks, Derek Shewmon, and Tami Burdick

Learn the ins and outs of franchising as a model for ETA. Learn strategies for selecting the right franchise, funding, and operations.

2:00PM - 2:15PM Break / NetworkingTime

2:15 PM- 3:15 PM Panel: Legal & M&A resources

Presented by Kohnen & Patton

Moderator:Aaron Monk; Speakers: John Bovard, Ely Friedman, Brad Brookbank, and Nick McMahon

Discuss the legal dynamics and additional resources needed to effectively get an ETA deal done based on size and stage.

3:15 PM - 3:30 PM Break/Networking

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Panel: Deal Valuation and Post-Acquisition Strategies

Presented by Huntington Bank

Speakers: John Walters, Kevin Armstrong, and MaryFrancis Coleman

Review a P&L and the various ways to evaluate a company. 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.

4:30 PM - 4:45 PM Closing Remarks / Closing Keynote Speaker

Closing Keynote by Troy Evans

Discuss how people can leverage UC & the local Cincinnati ecosystem to continue their ETA journey.

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