Batten Institute - Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition - Overview

WHAT IS ETA?

Entrepreneurship-Through-Acquisition (ETA) encompasses the many paths to acquiring and operating a small closely-held business.

WHY DARDEN for ETA?

1. The Core: The Darden School of Business is known for its strong core curriculum designed to deliver excellence in general management education. “The Core” covers the breadth of essential disciplines required to lead a small, medium, or large enterprise.

2. The Faculty: Darden faculty excel at teaching. Darden faculty consistently receive top rankings among business schools for teaching excellence.

3. The Case Method: Darden faculty expertly employ the case method to facilitate active participation and develop critical thinking skills. This methodology requires that students evaluate a business situation, analyze the available information and produce a recommended path to address the topic. These skills are integral for small business owners to effectively manage their businesses.

In addition to offering the core curriculum, Darden supports students interested in exploring and pursuing ETA with additional elective courses, independent studies, faculty mentorship, ETA student club, internship support, speakers and by co-hosting the Southeast Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Conference.

Darden has a strong track record of producing successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. Many Darden alumni have gone on to lead established companies, and pursue entrepreneurial ventures through acquisition. Darden students leverage their large and supportive alumni community for support in exploring the ETA career path, executing in the acquisition phase and to excel as leaders of their organizations.

Darden’s comprehensive general management education provides an ideal foundation for a recently graduated MBA to successfully own, operate and grow a small business.