Programs / bETA
10-week, hybrid accelerator for underrepresented entrepreneurs interested in acquiring a small business.
Since 2023, bETA has grown from our first accelerator in Providence, RI to a national reach with alumni across 11 cohorts and 8 cities.
We’ve since trained bETA fellows in Atlanta, DC, New York City, Houston, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit, and Raleigh-Durham. In 2026 we’re excited to add our first West Coast cohort in Los Angeles!
Interested in entrepreneurship through acquisition? Learn more and apply to an upcoming bETA cohort.
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What you will learn.
Learn.
1.
From Day 1, bETA Fellows dig into the self-funded ETA process. Fellows will:
- Learn precisely what ETA is (and what it’s not)
- Have opportunities to develop their own investment theses
- Develop an understanding of ETA best practices from initial search to valuation to post-close transition
Search.
2.
bETA has an action towards bias and Fellows will act on their search in week 1. Fellows are equipped with knowledge on how to engage brokers, sellers, and other stakeholders to go from CIM to LOI to close.
Acquire.
3.
After you’ve learned and searched, it’s time to acquire. bETA Fellows are armed with all of the resources needed to successfully secure financing and close on their acquisitions. M&A attorneys, QoE providers, investors, lenders and other deal experts in the NMCF network will collaborate with Fellows to get their deals closed.
About beta
bETA is designed to prepare underrepresented entrepreneurs to acquire and run an existing small business.
Starting a business from scratch is hard. You have to validate your idea, raise funding, attract customers, build operations, and beat the daunting odds of a 90% failure rate.
Buying a business allows you to acquire a cash-flowing business from day one. There are many ways to be an entrepreneur!
Modules
bETA is comprised of 9 modules.
Each module is designed to deepen fellows’ knowledge about the process of acquiring a business – from finding a target, to conducting due diligence, from financing to scaling post-acquisition.
Orientation.
1.
Finding the right business.
2.
Finance & Valuation.
3.
Structuring.
4.
Negotiations & Legal.
5.
Marketing.
6.
Operations & Technology.
7.
HR & People.
8.
After the acquisition.
9.
FAQ
We’re here to help. Reach out with more questions.
bETA is open to individuals across the country embarking upon ETA (entrepreneurship through acquisition) as a self-funded searcher. Select seats in each cohort are reserved for residents of the specific state or region.
The curriculum is delivered by faculty from Babson College and other partner institutions.
Yes! All sessions will be free to you as a bETA fellow.
bETA Fellows are responsible for their transportation to in-person sessions. NMCF will provide complimentary hotels and meals.
Yes. The accelerator will also teach you how to actively engage with brokers and current listings of businesses for sale.
We look for individuals who:
- Have a strong interest in owning and managing a small business
- Have demonstrated leadership abilities
- Demonstrate good judgment, grit, and empathy
Here are some tips for a strong application!
- Record answers in a quiet, professional environment
- Aim for clear, concise, authentic storytelling
- Each response will be scored on a 1-5 rubric (Weak → Exceptional)
- Strong answers are: specific (providing concrete examples), reflective, mission-aligned and authentic.
- Find a quiet space for an uninterrupted 30-minute conversation with good lighting
- Come prepared having reviewed in detail a CIM (Confidential Information Memorandum) – either provided by NMC or uploading your own CIM
- Each responses will be scored on a 1-5 rubric (Weak → Exceptional)
- Strong answers are: clear and memorable, well-aligned with bETA’s offering and design, provide insight on what is driving an applicant’s search, and demonstrate a thoughtful assessment of a business through the CIM analysis
Typically lenders require a 680 credit score to get approved for a bank loan. Credit score requirements vary based on the lender. bETA fellows have access to complimentary resources to improve credit scores by the conclusion of the accelerator.
bETA will expose individuals to pre-acquisition funding options to cover costs such as legal and financial due diligence. Participating in bETA does not automatically guarantee any fellow to funding.
Financing options vary based on the deal. During bETA, fellows will be exposed to a variety of financing options and deal structures.
bETA does not provide college credit. All fellows who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate of completion. The certificate can be used to demonstrate that you possess the relevant knowledge when it comes to acquiring and operating a business. This gives investors, lenders, and sellers confidence in you as a buyer.
Sessions will be held either virtually or in person in the respective cohort city. Individuals accepted into the accelerator will be provided with detailed logistics before Orientation.
A detailed cohort schedule will be distributed to individuals who are accepted and enroll in a cohort.
Testimonials
Hear what participants have to say.
Ben O.
Raul M.
Paul C.
Gideon A.
Gabriel M.
Gabe P.
Devin F.
David O.
Join us
Find a cohort near you, and apply today.
New Majority Capital Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
