Center for Principled Leadership and Business Strategy
Page banner reads: Acquire a business.

Find purpose and prosperity by becoming a business owner.

Train.

 

Acquire is an executive education coaching experience that trains experienced professionals on small business strategy in order to become effective owner-operators of their own $1 to $10 million company.

Search.

 

 

This program provides the data, framework, resources and connections needed to find a company to buy.

Buy.

 

Participants will learn how to acquire a business and identify the right path for themselves. You will be equipped with the tools, guidance, and confidence to pursue acquisition opportunities that align with your values—ultimately becoming a principled business leader who drives financial, social and educational impact.

Discover a new career path.

Apply for the Acquire course

Program Features

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Intensive coaching
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In-person coaching available
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Great value
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Individualized and personal
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Learn from experts
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Real-world cases and prospects

Course comparison

 

Educational Modules1-Day Intro Bootcamp8-Week Deep Dive
Module 1: Why acquire a small businessFullFull
Module 2: Reflection and leading your acquisition processFullFull
Module 3: Thesis development and sourcing processHalfFull
Module 4: Leading selection and evaluationHalfFull
Module 5: Leading negotiation and offerHalfFull
Module 6: Leading due diligence and closingNot includedFull
Module 7: Leading growth and transitionNot includedFull
Bonus module: Financial modeling help and moreNot includedFull
Additional Included Materials  
Weekly coaching callsNot includedIncluded
Financial modeling coachingNot includedIncluded
Webinar lecturesNot includedIncluded
Three graduate-level course credits through Western Michigan UniversityNot includedIncluded
Employer reimbursementNot includedIncluded
Cost of course$500$5,000

 

 

Acquire will grow your knowledge about acquisition possibilities. You will learn about sourcing and deal flow, negotiation and thesis development. The program positions you to acquire, own and operate a small business. Choose the option that's right for your future.

Acquire course details

Meet Your Instructors

 

Derrick McIver and Doug Lepisto are founders and managing directors of Sleeping Giant Capital, co-directors of the Center for Principled Leadership and Business Strategy, and associate professors at Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business. Their research has been published in top management journals and their consulting and industry experience has taken them to Fortune 500 companies.

 

Your path can lead you to ...

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Understand and overcome the hidden fears and obstacles preventing you from becoming a business owner.
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Discover a viable path that will transform you from experienced professional to effective business owner.
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Explore various pathways to define targets and create deal flow.
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Evaluate potential targets by applying various personal, strategic, and financial filters and models to assess the attractiveness of targets.
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Develop a thesis on post-acquisition growth strategy.
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Learn how to structure a deal.
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Utilize tactics and best practices as you transition into the ownership role.
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Acquire is offered by Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business Center for Principled Leadership and Business Strategy.