SMBootcamp is an intensive, hands-on program designed to teach aspiring entrepreneurs how to acquire small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), primarily using the SBA7 (a) loan program
SMBootcamp is for anyone interested in Entrepreneurship through Acquisition or SMB acquisitions. LIVE Attendees come from diverse backgrounds, including corporate, finance, institutional M&A, operations, sales, and HR, M&A, and MBA programs, among others.
SMBootcamp is highly tactical and hands-on, with a strong focus on real-world M&A execution rather than theoretical concepts. It’s not a broad introduction to business buying, but adeep dive into every step of the acquisition process. We emphasize the nuts-and-bolts of transactions to give you what you need to get a deal done.
The application will give us a preview of your background and where you are in your Search. Following your application review, we will schedule a call to determine if you are a fit for the LIVE or Accelerated Success programs.
If you're serious and committed to buying a business, we'd recommend applying to LIVE or Accelerated Success. If you're just starting out and are unsure if this is for you, we'd recommend starting with DIY Essentials. If you decide to upgrade from DIY Essentials, the price will be credited towards the LIVE or Accelerated Success programs.
No. SMBootcamp is solely focused on acquiring a business. Operational topics (hiring, marketing, scaling) are not part of the curriculum, though you might hear small pieces in our Searcher CEO sessions.
The instructors and guest speakers come from real-world small business M&A. Many have purchased, operated, or sold businesses themselves, or come from professional backgrounds within small business M&A. We are not just educators— we spend our day-to-day as small business acquisition professionals.
No. Attendees come from all over the U.S. (and sometimes beyond). Being in Tampa is not a requirement. There’s usually a wide variety of geographies and professional backgrounds represented.
It depends on many factors— some participants already have deals in their pipeline and close in a few months after LIVE, while others take a year or longer. SMBootcamp provides knowledge, tools, and network connections, but your timeline will vary based on your personal effort and deal criteria.
We provide introductions and references for lenders, lawyers, and QofE providers if you need them. But we don’t assign you a pre-assembled team. It’s ultimately your decision whom to hire.
Yes. Many alumni have done a “part-time search” while retaining their current employment. Though it will generally take longer if you have a W-2 while Searching.
