About ETA

Weatherhead School of Management: A Leader in Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA)

What is ETA?

Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) is a strategy where entrepreneurs, with investor support, find, acquire, and manage small businesses typically generating $5M-$15M in revenue. Often taking on the role of CEO, entrepreneurs aim to revitalize and grow these companies. ETA offers a lower risk than startups, benefiting from established customers, revenue, and operations, with a 70% chance of exceeding $1M in revenue and achieving a positive ROI. The strategy focuses on improving operations, developing new products or services, and expanding into new markets, with the ultimate goal of building value and eventually exiting through a sale or merger, realizing a return on investment.

The Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University is one of the world's leading ecosystems dedicated to advancing the knowledge and practice of Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA). ETA is an innovative alternative to startups for aspiring entrepreneurs. Instead of creating new companies, entrepreneurs identify and purchase established businesses that align with their interests, skills, and growth aspirations.  For over 30 years, Weatherhead and Promise Partners have taught the practice of ETA and served as an incubator for alumni looking to become business owners. During this time, 65 Promise Partners members, including 44 Weatherhead alumni, have gone on to own 85 companies.

The Legacy of Richard L. Osborne

Richard Osborne, a long-serving and beloved professor of entrepreneurship at Weatherhead, was one of the pioneers of ETA. In the early 1990s, Osborne co-founded Promise Partners, a unique nonprofit ETA accelerator and mutual support community for entrepreneurs. Promise Partners helps aspiring business owners design and execute their ETA plans, transitioning from employees to business owners.

Join the ETA Movement at Weatherhead

Weatherhead School of Management is committed to fostering the next generation of business owners through its robust ETA program. By leveraging the school's resources, expertise, and network, aspiring entrepreneurs can successfully navigate the ETA journey and achieve their business ownership goals.  The ETA Club at Weatherhead is your gateway to the Northeast Ohio ETA ecosystem.

ETA Faculty

Weatherhead’s ETA faculty are ETA entrepreneurs and active ETA investors providing highly practical and experiential learning with direct access to the ETA ecosystem.

ETA Courses

Weatherhead’s ETA curriculum is one of the most comprehensive offerings available that prepares students to launch their own ETA journey.

ETA Certificate Program

Degree and non-degree students can receive a certificate in ETA, providing a rapid path to becoming an ETA entrepreneur.

ETA Accelerator

Students are able to audit Promise Partners ETA Accelerator events, gaining firsthand knowledge of how this group supports students after graduation on their ETA journey.

ETA Annual Symposium

A full day annual conference that brings students, ETA entrepreneurs, investors and ETA advisors from the ETA ecosystem together for a day of learning and connecting.  Students have an opportunity to engage in a pitch competition for cash prizes.

"ETA significantly reduces the risks associated with becoming a first-time business owner compared to startups. With a rich legacy and a thriving ecosystem, Weatherhead offers unparalleled support and education for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to succeed through acquisition."

- Scot Lowry, Richard L. Osborne Professor of Entrepreneurship at Weatherhead School of Management.