Acquire Program: Cost, Format and Timing

Everything you need to know before you apply, from the course fee to what the CEO-in-Residence Program asks of you.

Apply to the Acquire Program

At a Glance

The Acquire Program:

Course fee: $5,000 for the 10-Week Deep Dive
Course fee: $5,000 for the 10-Week Deep Dive
10–15 hours per week of course materials
10–15 hours per week of course materials
Weekly one-on-one coaching with Derrick McIver, PhD
Weekly one-on-one coaching with Derrick McIver, PhD
Financial modeling coaching, webinar lectures and a bonus modeling module
Financial modeling coaching, webinar lectures and a bonus modeling module
Cohort-based, with the option to remain anonymous
Cohort-based, with the option to remain anonymous
Guidance on employer reimbursement
Guidance on employer reimbursement

Timing

Cohorts start four times a year
Cohorts start four times a year
Enrollment is rolling. Apply three to six months before you’re ready to make the leap.
Enrollment is rolling. Apply three to six months before you’re ready to make the leap.
Our most recent cohort sold out
Our most recent cohort sold out

What You’ll Learn

The Acquire Program is built around a structured curriculum that introduces you to the full acquisition journey, from exploring the ETA path to preparing for leadership after close. The 10-Week Deep Dive combines modules, coaching, and practical tools designed to build real readiness.

Sleeping Giant's Acquire Program is led by our co-founder, Derrick McIver, Ph.D.

Unlike other ETA programs, we offer weekly 1:1 coaching sessions with Derrick that make the course highly customized to your path to ownership.

Derrick M_Cropped
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Module 1: Why Acquire a Small Business

Understand the case for acquisition entrepreneurship and the realities of buying and operating an existing company.
Module 1: Why Acquire a Small Business
2

Module 2: Reflection and Leading Your Acquisition Process

Clarify your motivations, timeline, and readiness. Define the type of business and leadership role that fits you.
Module 2: Reflection and Leading Your Acquisition Process
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Module 3: Thesis Development and Sourcing Process

Learn how to shape your search thesis and build a sourcing plan based on industries, owner profiles, and deal characteristics.
Module 3: Thesis Development and Sourcing Process
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Module 4: Leading Selection and Evaluation

Identify what makes a business worth pursuing. Review key operational, financial, and strategic factors.
Module 4: Leading Selection and Evaluation
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Module 5: Leading Negotiation and Offer

Develop the skills to lead negotiations, structure an offer, and build trust with sellers.
Module 5: Leading Negotiation and Offer
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Module 6: Leading Due Diligence and Closing

Overview of diligence expectations, common risks, and how to prepare for a smooth closing process.
Module 6: Leading Due Diligence and Closing
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Module 7: Leading Growth and Transition

Understand CEO transition planning, early priorities, and how to lead through the first stages of ownership.
Module 7: Leading Growth and Transition

Additional Program Support

Participants also receive:
  • Weekly coaching calls with West Michigan’s ETA expert, Derrick McIver, PhD, co-founder of Sleeping Giant Capital
  • Financial modeling coaching
  • Webinar lectures
  • Guidance on employer reimbursement
  • Access to a bonus module with additional financial modeling resources and tools
Additional Program Support
Apply to the Acquire Program

Acquire Program FAQs

What if I’m not sure I want to quit my day job and take the leap to acquire a company right now?

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and are curious about running your own business one day, the Acquire program is a great place to upskill yourself and set yourself up for a pivot – whether that’s tomorrow or three years down the road.

What is the cost of the course?

The 10-Week Deep Dive is $5,000.

When does the next Acquire course start?

Cohorts start four times a year. Our most recent cohort sold out — apply now to hold your place in the next one. Enrollment is rolling, so we recommend you apply three to six months before you are ready to make the leap.

Will my current employer know that I’m taking the program?

The 10-Week Deep Dive will remain confidential at your discretion.

Are these courses individual or with a cohort?

Our 10-Week Deep Dive is with a cohort, but you have the option to remain anonymous.

What happens after I apply?

We review your application, and you can expect to hear from us within a week. Next comes a consultation call about your background and goals. Once you’re approved, you secure your seat and schedule onboarding before your start date.

CEO-in-Residence Program FAQs

How do I become a CEO-in-Residence?

All CEOs-in-Residence begin in the Acquire Program. After Acquire, qualified leaders may apply to become a CEO-in-Residence.

How old are CIRs?

We tend to work with individuals from 30-50 years old. All individuals have significant work experience and professional accomplishments that prepare them to be owner-operators.

Does this mean I have to quit my job?

Yes, the Residency is full-time. Research suggests that a search is most successful when you dedicate your full time and attention to acquiring a business.

Will I get paid to search for a business?

Yes, Sleeping Giant Capital invests in CIRs and offers six figure compensation that is competitive relative to market averages for entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) and search funds.

How long does the residency last?

A residency with Sleeping Giant Capital lasts 18-24 months. Our past experience suggests acquisitions can be completed in as little as 5-11 months.

What does the timeline look like to apply to the residency program after I take the Acquire Course?

Once you complete the Acquire program, you are welcome to apply anytime to our residency program. Our CEOs-in-Residence in the past have waited anywhere from 2 months to 1 year before applying for the Residency.

Where will I work during my search?

Sleeping Giant Capital has an office located in Downtown Kalamazoo where you will receive a dedicated team including research interns to help you create the most successful search.

Ready to Apply?

Tell us about your background and goals. You can expect to hear from us within a week.
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