Symposium - Osborne Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition

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The Osborne ETA Symposium
Built on ownership.
Powered by community.
That’s Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA).

The Osborne ETA Symposium
Built on ownership.
Powered by community.
That’s Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA).

October 28, 2026
9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Tinkham Veale Center
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, Ohio

The Osborne ETA Symposium brings together prospective and active acquisition entrepreneurs, along with the broader ETA ecosystem, for a curated, execution-focused experience designed to accelerate success in Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA).

Through practical learning, real-world operator insight, and intentional connection, participants gain the knowledge, perspective, and relationships needed to move from interest to action.

Now in its 5th year, the Osborne ETA Symposium, hosted by the Weatherhead Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Center at Case Western Reserve University and Promise Partners, is purpose-built for those ready to gain traction.

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Who Should Attend?

Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Move forward on the path to business ownership by advancing your knowledge, relationships, and perspective.

Business Owners & Operators

Sharpen leadership, operational, and growth capabilities alongside peers, navigating the realities of ownership.

Investors & Advisors

Connect with emerging buyers and ETA opportunities to support successful transactions, transitions, and long-term growth

Students

Explore ETA as a potential path for your future. Case Western Reserve University students, please email weatherheadeta@case.edu to register for a student ticket.

Your Front Door to a Proven ETA Ecosystem

Success in ETA is not built on information alone. It is built through preparation, perspective, and access to the right people.

The Osborne ETA Symposium is designed to accelerate all three.

More than a conference, the Symposium serves as the front door to one of the country’s most established ETA ecosystems, connecting participants with acquisition entrepreneurs, operators, investors, advisors, and peers who are actively shaping the market.

Designed for Real ETA Progress

Execution-Focused Learning
Practical sessions built around the real work of ETA, from sourcing and diligence to financing, leadership transition, and growth.
Intentional Connection
Structured opportunities to build meaningful relationships, not just exchange business cards.
Proven Credibility
Weatherhead and Promise Partners have helped fuel 79 entrepreneurial success stories and 115+ acquisitions.
Multi-stage Relevance
Whether you are exploring ETA, actively searching, or already operating, the experience is designed to meet you where you are.

Learn from the People Shaping ETA

J. Christopher Mizer

Founder & CEO
Vivaris Capital, LLC

Rex Tibbens

Executive Chairman
LeafHome

Barbara Lindsay

CEO
Commercial Cutting, LLC

Justin Bibb

Mayor
City of Cleveland

Linda Boasmond

President
Cedar Concepts Corporation

Jeff Homer

Founder
Ensemble Performing Arts

Andrew Medvedev

Dean
Weatherhead School of Management, CWRU

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Testimonials

“The Osborne ETA Symposium is the Super Bowl of ETA.”

Kevin LaJudicePresident, KP Legacy Holdings

“Significant takeaways right from the very start.”

Denise ShadeCEO, AuditOne

“This event showcases what it really takes and how you need to operate to be successful.”

Kylie SmithSVP, Commercial Banking Lender, CF Bank

“The Symposium brings opportunities to life.”

Lloyd BellDirector of Corporate Finance Group, Meaden & Moore

“One of the few places where the full deal ecosystem comes together.”

Andrew NewsomeDirector, Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships, Greater Cleveland Partnership

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Featured Sponsors

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Lessons From the Front Lines of ETA
Plenary sessions featuring unfiltered insights from those who have sourced, closed, and scaled successful acquisitions.
Workshops That Move Deals Forward
Practical, expert-led sessions designed to help you buy, grow, or sell with confidence.
Build the Relationships That Drive Real Deals
Join top entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors for a full day of high-value networking, practical insights, and meaningful connections that open doors to acquisition, ownership, and growth opportunities.
Strengthen Your ETA Advantage
Take courses at Weatherhead to deepen your understanding of acquisition, ownership, and value creation.
Join Promise Partners
A network of current and future business owners building value through acquisition, growth, and shared experience.
Extend Your Learning With Weatherhead
Build the skills and judgment to acquire and lead a business through practical coursework and real-world experience.