In this episode hosts dive deep into the realities of entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA). They explore why buying a business is not the "easy" path many imagine, the tools and strategies to streamline the search process, and the importance of self-awareness and honesty when taking on the responsibility of business ownership.

From leveraging tools like HubSpot, Apollo, and local databases to the nuances of search criteria, Monique, Kinza, and Jed share practical advice for aspiring business buyers. They also tackle misconceptions about small business ownership, discuss the challenges of transitioning into entrepreneurship, and provide actionable insights for evaluating potential deals.

If you're considering buying a business or navigating the world of SBA loans, Keira’s wealth of experience and advice is a must-listen. Plus, she shares her current work as an SBA loan broker and her mission to debunk myths and provide realistic, actionable guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Topics Discussed:

• Why the current economic environment is fueling interest in business acquisition.
• Tools and platforms for finding on-market and off-market deals.
• The importance of defining clear search criteria (industry, geography, profitability).
• Leveraging personal strengths and unique attributes in the acquisition process.
• How industry-specific search tactics differ (e.g., landscaping vs. well drilling).
• The psychological and financial realities of owning a business you “cannot quit.”
• The risks of early exit strategies and misconceptions about SBA loans.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• HubSpot: hubspot.com
• Apollo: apollo.io
• Simply Noted: simplynoted.com
• BizBuySell: bizbuysell.com
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Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquemills/

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Guest Co-Hosts:

Company --> thechiefrebel.com

Book --> https://www.thechiefrebel.com/book

LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/kinzaazmat/

Company --> Sunset Coast Partners

LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedmorris/

Newsletter --> https://stillsearching.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com