ETA Bootcamp

You can expect to get:

• A certificate of completion

• A lifetime access to Venture for Canada’s alumni network in ETA and like-minded searchers

• A lifetime access to the Self Study Guide resources

• A three month license to VillageWellth

• A copy of the HBR Book on How to Buy a Small Business

• A letter of referral upon request

• Access to a network of professional speakers (investors, owner/operator, searcher, banker, etc.): Private emails and LinkedIn connections

Yes! Our speakers bring real-world deal experience. Because some of them have been exposed to a large number of deals, they will share how shifting trade policies, tariffs, and broader political dynamics can directly influence acquisition strategy and deal-making. You’ll get both practical insights and context on navigating this environment as a prospective ETA operator.

Yes, absolutely. You will get this opportunity in-person during launch-day and closing-day, as well as Q&A sessions/break out rooms during our virtual session.

Yes. You’ll have sessions led by professionals who will walk you through CIMs (Confidential Information Memorandums) and the key financials you need to understand during a search. These sessions are designed to make the numbers approachable and help you practice evaluating real deals.

Yes. You’ll hear directly from brokers during one of our workshops, where they’ll share what they look for in buyers, common mistakes searchers make, and how to position yourself as a credible buyer. The Bootcamp program will give you exposure to brokers and practical strategies for building strong relationships when you begin your own outreach.

The next bootcamp will run from November 8, 2025 to December 13, 2025 as a hybrid model with virtual workshops and two full days in Calgary (one at the start and one at the end).

Participants can expect to commit approximately 8 hours weekly on the program. This includes 3.5-4 hours of live virtual sessions weekly, with the remaining time dedicated to self-study, preparation, and take-home work.

Workshops and panels run on weeknights (Tues/Thurs or Mon/Wed evenings EST) with two Saturdays in Calgary. A detailed calendar invite will be shared upon successful payment and contract signing, although you can find the full overview HERE!

No, it is a hybrid program. The launch and closing events will take place in Calgary, while the weekly workshops will take place virtually over five weeks.

The Bootcamp combines virtual workshops with two powerful in-person anchor weekends in Calgary that bookend your journey.

Yes, you’ll have short case studies to work on. These will help you get more out of the session and make the discussion more practical and engaging.

ETA 101 is an introductory program designed to help you explore whether entrepreneurship through acquisition is right for you. It covers the fundamentals and gives you a broad overview of the search process. ETA Bootcamp, on the other hand, is an immersive program for those who are ready to launch their search within the next 1-2 years. It combines live workshops, panels, case studies, hands-on practice, a tight knit community of peers and in-person networking to help you build the skills, network, and confidence to actively pursue a search.

There are currently no scholarships or grants available for this program. Please email our team to set up an individual payment plan: eta@ventureforcanada.ca

🚀 Launch Weekend: Set Your Trajectory

• Where: Alt Hotel East Village, downtown Calgary (exclusive discounts available for participants)

• When: 9 AM — 4 PM MST

• What to Expect:

  • Clarify your personal “why”

  • Learn how to filter deals and avoid wasted time

  • Step behind the curtain with ETA experts

  • Network and build meaningful connections

  • Create and pressure-test your ETA hypothesis

  • Work through a hands-on self-funded case study

 👉 Expect to leave Launch Weekend with a clear roadmap and sharpened lens to drive your search forward.

🎓 Graduation Weekend: The Full Circle Moment

• Where: Alt Hotel East Village, downtown Calgary (exclusive discounts available for participants)

• What to Expect:

  • Engage in a candid panel with an investor and an owner-operator — hear what really matters on both sides of the table

  • Share dinner with your cohort, celebrating wins and forging lasting connections

  • Revisit and refine the ETA hypothesis you built at Launch, with fresh insights from your Bootcamp journey

  • Cap it all off with a “full-circle” reflection, connecting your growth from day one to your next step as a searcher

 👉 Graduation isn’t just a finish line; it is a springboard into ETA with the skills, network, and confidence to act.

The Bootcamp is not limited to Calgary. While part of the program takes place in Calgary, speakers and participants join from across Canada. You’re welcome to join from any province.

No, while the in-person sessions in Calgary will feature local speakers, the virtual components bring in speakers and participants from across Canada. You’ll gain insights that go well beyond the Calgary ecosystem.

No. This Bootcamp is designed for participants who already have a baseline understanding of ETA and are ready to dig deeper into the process. If you’re just getting started, our ETA 101 course is a better fit to build your foundation before considering Bootcamp.

No. Prior experience is not required. We look for mid-career professionals who are serious about launching a search within the next five years. So… if you’re eyeing a career transition and ready to put your skills into practice through hands-on workshops, this is your launchpad. We train you in the tools, mindsets, and playbooks you’ll actually use when you step into ETA.