Turn Ambition into Ownership
Join the 2026 Osborne ETA Symposium, Cleveland’s premier Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) event. Discover how Weatherhead and Promise Partners develop credible, real-world buyers through the perfect blend of academic insight and purposeful mentorship.
Step into the ETA conversation
Be the first to know when registration opens
The Osborne ETA Symposium is a sell-out event every year. We are known for bringing together the right blend of attendees and speakers where actionable relationships are formed and grown. Demand increases year-over-year, and we are committed to bringing the best of the industry together.
We have made a concerted decision not to move to a larger venue. The intimacy of the event is a part of its magic. Don’t be left out. Sign up below to be informed when registration opens.
Why the Osborne ETA Symposium?
The Osborne ETA Symposium is more than a conference is the gateway to building credible buyers for real-world ETA success. While ETA offers a structured, lower-risk alternative to starting a business from scratch, it demands knowledge, preparation, and community to succeed. That’s exactly what you’ll find here.
Attendees will be immersed in:
- Actionable ETA strategies across self-funded and partner-aligned models
- Skills-building workshops covering the entire ETA lifecycle—beginner through advanced
- Inspiring success stories from entrepreneurs who now own and operate thriving companies
- Direct access to mentors, investors, and advisors through structured networking
Event Details
- Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
- Time: 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Tinkham Veale University Center, CWRU Campus
- Audience: Alumni | Aspiring Entrepreneurs | ETA Operators | Investors | Advisors | Students
This is a highly interactive, skills-focused experience designed to maximize your exposure to ETA and connect with the people who are building the Cleveland ETA ecosystem into the strongest of its kind across the country.
The event sells out every year. Reserve early to secure your seat.
What You'll Experience
The Osborne ETA Symposium offers a highly interactive, next-generation conference experience:
- Practical Workshops: Hands-on sessions that enhance your skills in sourcing, diligence, financing, and operations.
- New, Advanced Content: New sessions this year are designed for experienced ETA entrepreneurs seeking to expand their operations toolkit.
- Success Stories & Panels: Real stories from aspiring searchers who have made the leap to ownership.
- Fireside Chats: Insider insights from investors and advisors shaping the ETA market.
- Networking & Community: Purposeful opportunities to connect with peers, mentors, and advisors.
Learn from ETA Leaders
Be part of the community achieving 80-90% acquisition success, an unprecedented industry achievement.
Hear directly from entrepreneurs, investors, and advisors who have successfully navigated the ETA journey. Weatherhead and Promise Partners have fueled 79+ entrepreneurial success stories, resulting in 115+ company acquisitions that drive regional growth and economic impact.
Featuring
Mayor Justin Bibb
Mayor of Cleveland
Christopher J. Mizer
CEO, Vivaris Capital
Go Further with Weatherhead ETA Programs
The symposium is just the start. Weatherhead’s ETA ecosystem offers programs designed to turn ambition into ownership:
- 3-Day Weatherhead ETA Intensives: Hands-on training to accelerate your acquisition strategy over one weekend. Three upcoming programs, include:
Buyer Preparation: Sept. 17-19, 2026, and April 2-4, 2027
Owner Sales Readiness: April 16-18, 2027. Stay informed. - ETA Certificate Program: Build your skills and confidence to acquire, operate, and grow a business through our 3-course program, which provides a solid foundation to support skill development and become a credible, first-time buyer.
- Promise Partners Accelerator: Connect with mentors, investors, and an active network of ETA professionals through both the Weatherhead community and our strategic partner, Promise Partners, a unique non-profit accelerator program focused exclusively on advancing the success of aspiring and existing ETA entrepreneurs.