Is Business Ownership Right for You? Eight Questions to Ask First | Sleeping Giant Capital

Owning and leading a business is one of the most rewarding career moves an experienced leader can make. It’s also one of the most demanding. Before you apply to the Acquire Program, it’s worth asking yourself the same questions we explore with every applicant.

The Eight Questions

1. What interests you about the program? Be specific about what you hope to learn and decide.
2. Are you interested in acquiring a West Michigan business? Sleeping Giant is a place-based investor, and that focus shapes everything we do.
3. Have you started your acquisition journey yet? There’s no wrong answer. Many participants are just beginning.
4. How has your career prepared you to pursue this? Think about the teams, operations and P&L responsibility you’ve carried.
5. Why are you interested in acquiring a business? Your motivation will carry you through a long search.
6. Can you dedicate 10–15 hours a week to the program? That’s the time commitment for Acquire’s course materials.
7. Are you looking to make a career pivot in the next year? Acquire is useful whether your pivot is tomorrow or three years away.
8. Why do you want to be a CEO, owner and operator? Ownership means responsibility for employees, customers and a legacy.

Who the Path Tends to Fit

Most CEOs-in-Residence are mid-career professionals, often post-MBA or equivalent, with more than 10 years of experience that includes senior operating responsibility. They want to acquire and operate a business rather than start one, and they value long-term, place-based ownership, continuity and responsible leadership.

If you’re not ready to leave your job, that’s fine. The Acquire Program is designed to fit around your current role, and enrollment stays confidential at your discretion. The cost and format page answers the most common questions.

Ready to take the first step? Every Sleeping Giant Capital CEO-in-Residence begins in the Acquire Program. Apply to the Acquire Program, or take the self-assessment first.