Beyond Search Funds: Integrating Employee Ownership into the Booming ETA Model

Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) is rapidly transforming the small business economy, with its rising popularity among investors, searchers, and business owners seeking succession solutions. Yet, while ETA has emerged as a high-growth investment strategy, its traditional structure often excludes workers from wealth creation and relies on external equity dilution and personal guarantees—barriers that limit its accessibility and impact.

This session will examine how ETA can be transformed into a catalyst for economic justice by integrating Employee Ownership (EO) models. It will showcase innovative approaches that move beyond traditional ETA structures, ensuring that employees directly benefit from business success rather than being excluded from wealth creation. By challenging the status quo and introducing practical, scalable funding solutions, this session will demonstrate how ETA can evolve into a more inclusive and sustainable model, driving both strong financial returns and long-term economic empowerment.