ETA Academy Opens Waitlists for Three New Business-Buying Programs

Jennie Wedd Updated: July 7, 2025

Toronto, ON – July 8, 2025 – Venture for Canada (VFC) is excited to announce that waitlists for the Fall 2025 cohorts of ETA Academy are now open. Following the success of its sold-out pilot cohort, which achieved a 96% satisfaction rate, ETA Academy is expanding to help even more Canadians step confidently into business ownership through Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA).

“The program was fantastic. It really highlighted all the different aspects of acquiring a business in Canada, something I haven't found in any other acquisition programs. It opened the gate to what was previously a walled garden.”
– Aaron Biblow, ETA Academy Pilot Participant

With 76% of Canadian small-business owners expected to retire in the next decade, there is a generational opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to take the reins of established, profitable companies. ETA Academy is Canada’s first community-based program designed to support participants through every stage of buying an existing business, offering practical, expert-led training and a strong network to navigate the acquisition process with confidence.

ETA Academy is now scaling nationally, with three tailored pathways designed to meet Canadians wherever they are on their ETA journey:

Explore – ETA Academy 101 (50 seats):
A 4-week, expert-led virtual program for those just starting to explore if ETA is right for them. Participants gain a clear, Canadian-focused introduction to sourcing, valuation, and financing.

Investment: $1250.

Learn More.

Plan Your Search – ETA Academy Bootcamp (50 seats):
A 5-week hybrid program with in-person sessions in Calgary and live virtual workshops. Designed for participants ready to begin searching, it helps them build a deal pipeline, analyze companies, and explore financing options with expert guidance and a supportive peer network.

Investment: $2500.

Learn More.

Execute Your Search – ETA Academy Accelerator (15 seats, launching in 2026):
A high-touch program for active searchers preparing to close their first acquisition. Participants receive personalized, one-on-one guidance from seasoned ETA experts through sourcing, evaluation, financing, and negotiations.

Investment: $7000-9000

Learn More.

"ETA Academy was built to address one of Canada’s biggest entrepreneurship gaps—support for those who want to buy existing businesses instead of starting from scratch," says Scott Stirrett, Founder of Venture for Canada. "Our pilot program proved there is strong demand for this type of practical, community-based training, and we’re thrilled to be able to scale this programming to support even more Canadians."

ETA Academy was designed not just to address Canada’s looming small-business succession crisis but also to broaden access to business ownership, especially for those who have historically been underrepresented in this space.

“We’ve launched three new programs to support aspiring business owners at every stage of their journey,” says Gina Patterson, Chief Program Officer at Venture for Canada. “Canada’s economic future depends on who gets the chance to lead. By growing and diversifying the pipeline of future owners and operators, we’re not just filling succession gaps. We’re unlocking new ideas, stronger businesses, and more resilient communities. This is about building a more inclusive, productive, and prosperous country for everyone.”

Waitlists for Fall 2025 are now open.

Interested participants and partners are encouraged to visit the dedicated landing pages above to learn more, join a waitlist, or share this opportunity within their networks.

About Venture for Canada

Venture for Canada is a national charity that fosters entrepreneurial skills and mindsets in young Canadians. Our vision is a Canada where young people can equitably realize their entrepreneurial potential to build the most prosperous place in the world. We recruit, train, and support young people to work for innovative Canadian small businesses and startups. Through our programs, participants develop the network, knowledge, and entrepreneurial skills to have more impactful careers.

About ETA Academy

ETA Academy is Canada’s first community-based programming designed to support aspiring business owners through every stage of buying an established business. Developed by Venture for Canada with input from over 80 industry experts, it offers practical, expert-led learning and a strong peer network to help Canadians navigate the acquisition process with confidence.

Venture for Canada Media Contact

Jennie Wedd

Senior Manager, Marketing & Partnerships

jennie@ventureforcanada.ca