Acquisition Entrepreneur Accelerator program

Acquiring and operating an established business has become an increasingly popular route to success as a small business owner.

If you’re in the market, our Acquisition Entrepreneur Accelerator (AEA) pilot program is for you. 

This series of dedicated courses will equip a 2024 cohort with the necessary skills to purchase and grow an established business in Saskatchewan.

How does the AEA program work?

• One 3-hour course per week for 8 weeks.
• Each course will offer instruction on a specific, practical topic by a subject matter expert. 
• Each instructor will also be available for support for one week following each course. 

Who is this program right for?

• You are planning to buy an existing business in Saskatchewan within the next 6 months but have no idea how to navigate the process. 
• You have enough capital for a cash purchase, or have the minimum down payment required by your lender for financing.
• You need training in topics like: 
  • writing a business plan
  • creating financial projection spreadsheets
  • conducting due diligence in operational, financial, and legal matters
  • transitioning into new ownership 
• You can commit to completing the 8-week training program without any interruptions or withdrawals midway through.

What are the courses?

• Buying a Business: Introduction
• Developing an Effective Business Plan
• Creating Reasonable Financial Projections
• Due diligence – Operational
• Due diligence – Financial
• Due diligence – Legal
• Transition to New Ownership
• Finalizing for Financial Application

Who qualifies for the AEA program?

Maximum intake of this program is 10 candidates. Only candidates who meet specific criteria will be admitted, including:

• Reside in Regina and have actively searched for a business to buy.
• Have a concrete plan to acquire a business within the next six months. 
• Have the minimum down payment required by your lender.
• Must attend every scheduled class and commit to the successful completion of all program requirements.

Is there a cost to attend?

• The program is offered to accepted participants at no charge. 
• A fully refundable $500 deposit is required. This deposit will be returned to candidates upon successful completion of the program. Refund is forfeit if a course is missed.

Where can I learn more?

Download more information about the Acquisition Entrepreneur Accelerator program (3.31 MB).

How can I apply?

Contact Tim Xie, RPL’s Business Service Specialist, at 306.777.6013 or txie@reginalibrary.ca for an Expression of Interest (EOI) form and an in-person interview to go over your eligibility.