Buy and Run an Established Business: A Path to Entrepreneurship

MONTREAL, Sept. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Club M&A Canada announced registration for the first cohort of its Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) program, developed with the McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship.

The program launches at an important time for business succession in Canada. According to the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), nearly one in five Canadian businesses is expected to undergo an ownership transition within the next five years, representing more than $300 billion in business revenue.

The intensive program will take place in Montreal from October 27 to 30, 2026. It is designed for professionals, executives, managers and aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to become owner-operators by acquiring an existing small or medium-sized business, as well as those planning to launch a search fund.

The program covers the key stages of an acquisition: developing an investment thesis, sourcing and evaluating targets, understanding financial, tax and legal considerations, structuring acquisition financing and preparing the post-acquisition transition. Instructors include active transaction professionals, lawyers, tax specialists, investors, lenders and entrepreneurs who have completed acquisitions.

Club M&A also announced the appointment of Marc Deegan as Program Director. Founder of R33 Ventures, an advisory firm specializing in lower middle-market transactions, he teaches entrepreneurship through acquisition in the MBA program at Concordia University's John Molson School of Business.

"We are building the program I wish I had before buying my first business at 27," said Ugo Dionne, President of Club M&A Canada. "Our goal is to give future business buyers the knowledge, network and support required to turn their project into a real transaction."

The program welcomes candidates without prior mergers and acquisitions experience. Admission is by application.

First Cohort Details

Dates: October 27-30, 2026

Location: Montreal

Admission: Upon qualification

Information and registration:

https://www.maclub.ca/fr/entrepreneuriat-par-acquisition

About Club M&A Canada

Founded in 2009, Club M&A Canada is a national network dedicated to mergers and acquisitions. It brings together professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, lenders and transaction experts through chapters across the country.

Media Contact

Ugo Dionne

President, Club M&A

514 995-5050

ugo@maclub.ca