What This Project Is All About
Closing persistent wealth gaps in the United States is no small feat, but this impact investing initiative is on a mission to do just that. The focus? Increasing the number of underrepresented business owners through entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA). Instead of starting from scratch, emerging entrepreneurs get the chance to step into ownership of proven businesses. It’s about fueling economic resilience, generating competitive returns, and building wealth in communities that often get overlooked. The approach is intentional and unique—leveraging structures that provide solid investor returns while offering non-extractive capital to entrepreneurs eager to acquire businesses. It’s a fresh take on impact investing that aims to create a better financial future for all.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
Here’s a quick snapshot of the impact so far:
- 35 NMC Fellow Acquisitions
- $152M Capital Mobilized
- 400 Employees Supported
- $160M Projected Wealth Generation
These numbers tell a powerful story about growth, opportunity, and real change happening on the ground. It’s not just about dollars—it’s about creating pathways for small business ownership and wealth generation where it’s needed most.
Becoming a Small Business Owner Through ETA
Thinking about becoming a small business owner? The ETA path offers a unique way to generate wealth for yourself and your family. From the very start—defining why a deal makes sense—to identifying potential risks and opportunities, expert guidance is available every step of the way. It’s a hands-on, supportive journey designed to help entrepreneurs confidently take the reins of established businesses. This isn’t just about buying a business; it’s about stepping into a legacy and building something lasting.
The bETA Accelerator Program
For those curious about entrepreneurship through acquisition, the bETA Accelerator is a game-changer. Designed specifically for underrepresented individuals, it provides the knowledge, tools, and access to capital needed to acquire and run a successful small business. It’s a program that breaks down barriers and opens doors, making the ETA path more accessible than ever. With bETA, the dream of business ownership becomes a real, achievable goal.
Technical Assistance and Workforce Development
Beyond acquisition, the project offers two technical assistance and workforce development programs: ETA Accelerator and Succession Ready. Both programs benefit from a partnership with Professor Richard Bliss of Babson College, a national academic director for initiatives like Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business and the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City. Succession Ready, in particular, addresses a critical issue—80% of small business owners don’t have a succession plan. This 5-week program helps current owners learn the essential steps to successfully sell their companies, ensuring businesses continue to thrive beyond their current leadership.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
This project doesn’t just create wealth; it aligns with global goals to foster inclusive economic growth, reduce inequalities, and build resilient infrastructure. The ripple effects extend far beyond individual businesses, touching communities and economies at large.
How You Can Make a Difference
Want to have an impact? Donating to expand these programs means becoming a stakeholder in the world you want to see. Supporting this initiative helps grow opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs, fuels economic resilience, and builds wealth in overlooked communities. It’s a chance to be part of something bigger—helping to close wealth gaps and create a more equitable financial future for everyone.
