Join us for an evening of good conversation, cold drinks, and connection with others on the path of entrepreneurship and small business ownership. Whether you’re just kicking the tires on your first deal or deep in the grind of running your business, this is your space to learn, share, and grow.
Dallas-Fort Worth SMB/ETA Summer Happy Hour Read More »
When you begin your journey toward buying a small business, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends, or to think you need to follow whatever the latest tech startup or industry favored by private equity is. The truth? Opportunity is everywhere. Right in your hometown, small business owners are running laundromats, roofing companies, bakeries, plumbing services – and generating wealth. They aren’t succeeding because they all got swept up in the latest industry hype: they’re succeeding because they chose the right business for their particular skill set.
Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition: Finding Your Right Industry Read More »
Buying a business is an exciting milestone, but it’s only the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey. The real work begins after the deal closes. While many buyers focus on acquisition tactics, few are prepared for what happens next: the transition. Without a solid business acquisition transition plan, the success of the purchase—and the future of the business—could be at risk.
Business Acquisition Transition Plan: 3 Mistakes You Must Avoid Read More »
When embarking on the journey to purchase a small business, one of the most critical decisions you’ll face is determining how to finance the acquisition. The two primary avenues are debt financing and equity financing. Each comes with its own set of advantages, risks, and implications for your future as a business owner.
In this article, we’ll delve into the nuances of both financing options, helping you make an informed choice that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Debt vs. Equity: Choosing the Right Financing for Your Small Business Purchase Read More »
In a packed event at Edison House in Salt Lake City, a panel of experts from the ETA (Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition) community shared their hard-earned wisdom on how to buy a small business. Hosted by Chase Murdock of Durable, the conversation covered the entire acquisition journey—from building your deal team to closing day nightmares.
How to Buy a Small Business: Expert Insights from the Salt Lake City ETA Panel Read More »
The J Curve in business acquisition is a financial concept illustrating the typical earnings trajectory following a company purchase. Visualized as a “J”-shaped graph, it highlights an initial decline in profitability—usually EBITDA—immediately after the acquisition, followed by a gradual, sustained recovery and growth.
Buying a Business? Here’s Why the J Curve Matters More Than You Think Read More »
One of the most common questions business buyers ask is, “How much working capital should I include in my deal?” It’s a critical concern—because if underestimated or miscalculated, working capital can derail even the most promising M&A transactions.
Avoid Deal Killers: Estimating Working Capital Before You Go Under LOI Read More »
Financing a business acquisition can be both thrilling and intimidating. The process involves navigating complex financial structures, understanding the cost of capital, and determining the best sources of funding to reach your objective.
Unlike the straightforward nature of something like a home mortgage, business acquisition financing is much more complicated, often involving a blend of debt and equity. This blend, known as the capital stack, is used to optimize both affordability and long-term growth.
Let’s explore the capital stack, its components, and how to strategically finance your next acquisition.
Business Acquisition Financing Strategies Read More »
Acquiring a business is a significant investment, and due diligence is critical to ensure a successful transaction. One step in the due diligence process is a Quality of Earnings (QoE) report. In this article, we explore seven key benefits of Quality of Earnings reports that every business buyer should know.
7 Benefits of Quality of Earnings Reports for Business Buyers Read More »
A Quality of Earnings (QoE) analysis plays a critical role in business acquisitions by providing deeper insights into a company’s financial health. It focuses on cash flow quality and the sustainability of earnings, helping investors and buyers understand the business they are purchasing.
However, to fully grasp the value of a QoE, it’s just as important to understand what it is not. In this article, we’ll explore three common misconceptions about QoE analyses. Additionally, we’ll show how they differ from projections, audits, and valuations, setting clear expectations for business owners and investors.
What a Quality of Earnings (QoE) Analysis is NOT Read More »
