Weatherhead ETA Intensives deliver impactful and relevant education that accelerates your way to business ownership and growth. The courses are open to both degree- and non-degree-seeking students, providing a fast-paced, immersive experience into two critical time points in the career of an acquisition entrepreneur: buyer preparation and owner sales readiness.
Attendance is capped in both courses to ensure personal attention and high-value interaction.
Earn a Weatherhead ETA Certificate
These courses can be taken independently or combined with 2 of our regular ETA course offerings (ETA I, ETA II, or ETA III) to complete a Weatherhead ETA Certificate.
Buyer Preparation Course
The Buyer Preparation course is designed for experienced, entrepreneurial professionals who are ready to acquire and lead their own company. Through a highly interactive approach, you will be guided through the entire buy-side playbook to accelerate and maximize your path to ownership.
Led by serial ETA entrepreneur and ETA academic, Reid Tileston, the course puts you in the room with guest lecturers with deep on-the-ground experience making deals in ETA. Over the 3 days, you will design a highly personal plan that maps out the key milestones to take you from search to CEO: map the search, pursue focused diligence, choose the right company, and outline your first 100 days for day one leadership.
Join our Next Session
Friday, January 30 - Sunday, February 1, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (in person only)
Dively Center
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, Ohio
Click the button below to review more details about the Buyer Preparation course and register.
Owner Sales Readiness
The Owner Sales Readiness course is designed for current business owners and operators interested in preparing for an eventual sale. Even if the sale is planned for many years into the future, it is wise to begin with your exit in mind. Participants will explore the full range of exit options, including selling to an ESOP, a financial buyer, a strategic acquirer, an ETA practitioner, a team member, or a family member.
Led by serial ETA entrepreneur and ETA academic, Reid Tileston, puts you in the room with guest lecturers with deep on-the-ground experience making deals in ETA. The program integrates real-world case studies, curated readings, and guest lecturers (including sellers) who have navigated the process. Beyond financial gains, the course emphasizes strategies to maximize the intangible elements of a successful sale, including value integrity and personal satisfaction, and delves into factors that support preparation and transition after the exit.
Join our Next Session
Friday, February 20 - Sunday, February 22, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (in person only)
Dively Center
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, Ohio
Click the button below to review more details about the Owner Sales Readiness course and register.