Your Practical Playbook for Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition

Buying a small business through Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) is no MBA case study. At SMBootcamp, we cut through the theory and deliver real-world frameworks, step-by-step playbooks, and experienced insights that move you from learning about ETA to real small business ownership. Whether you’re dialing 200 business broker, writing Letters of Intent, or building an SBA-ready financial model, our blog gives you the practical tools and real-world tactics seasoned acquirers rely on to win deals.

Each week, our team publishes guides, practical templates, deal stories, and insights.

Whether you’re a first-time searcher or a seasoned investor, our blog arms you with the actionable steps and insider info you need to navigate every stage of ETA: from sourcing and due diligence to financing and closing.

Bookmark this page, subscribe to our email list, and join a community of deal-makers who don’t just talk entrepreneurship, but close on small businesses. Dive in now and turn your ETA strategy into executed reality.

A Story About Working Capital

A firsthand story of learning working capital the hard way—starting with an Excel crash course in investment banking and ending with practical tactics for negotiating working capital in small business M&A deals.

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A Story About Working Capital

June 13, 2025

A firsthand story of learning working capital the hard way—starting with an Excel crash course in investment banking and ending with practical tactics for negotiating working capital in small business M&A deals.

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Why the Gritty, “Find-A-Way” Crowd Wins in ETA

June 11, 2025

Most people in Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) assume that the perfect buyer has an MBA from a top school and a polished resume. The truth is uglier and far more inspiring.

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Is This a Good Deal?

June 10, 2025

When you're under LOI, stop asking “is this a good deal?” and start owning your conviction, because no one else is going to run the business but you.

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Key SBA SOP Updates: What Business Buyers Must Know

June 9, 2025

The SBA’s new SOP changes mandate a 10% cash equity injection, restrict rollover and seller-note flexibility, and clarify lender verification and ownership requirements, significantly impacting deal structures for business buyers.

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How To Buy Licensed Trades Businesses

June 9, 2025

The new SBA SOP prohibits sellers from remaining on payroll, so whether you can acquire a licensed trades business now hinges on state rules for who may hold the qualifying license.

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