Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA)

A Direct Path to Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition

The program offered by the M&A Club of Canada, developed in partnership with the McGill Dobson Centre, is designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs seeking the knowledge and skills required to acquire, operate, and grow an existing business. Through expert-led sessions, participants will gain the tools to identify acquisition opportunities, navigate the ownership transition, and manage post-acquisition growth.

Key learnings

  • Developing a solid investment thesis

  • Identifying, assessing, and valuing existing SMEs

  • Understanding financing options and investor expectations

  • Mastering the financial, tax, and legal dimensions of a transaction

  • Preparing to submit an acquisition thesis brief

Program format

Dual-format program: The program is offered as an in-person intensive 4-day bootcamp in the Fall, or as an extended 3-month program during the Winter, with sessions held on evenings and weekends.

Dates:

  • Intensive: October 27 – October 30, 2026
  • Extended: Winter 2027, specific dates TBD

Time: Variable, full schedule is available on the M&A Club of Canada

Who is this program for?

We welcome:

  • Professionals, managers, or first-time buyers aspiring to become owner-operator through business acquisition

  • Those who commit to attending all the sessions and executing the project work (required to maintain your participation in the program)

 

Developed in collaboration with

M&A Club of Canada

In partnership with

Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie (MEIE)  BDC - The Bank for Canadian Entrepreneurs / BDC - La banque des entrepreneur.es  Osler avocats  MNP Ltd / MNP Ltée  Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) / Banque royale du Canada (BRC)  Tact Communications


Have questions about the program?

Email us at dobson.mgmt [at] mcgill.ca for more information.

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