08:22:23 - This week in The Hub - Main Street Weekly

What you need to know about buying, growing or selling small to medium businesses. The news, the pods, the social influencers. Curated from the world of SMB (small to medium business)

We do the research and bring you what’s pertinent when you want to grow, scale, buy or sell your first or your next business.

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In the News, Blogs, and AI …

Navigating Corporate Finance: A Comprehensive Guide To Mergers And Acquisitions

The mergers and acquisitions (M&A) landscape has transformed into strategic tools encompassing growth and sustainability. This exploration delves into the crossroads of M&A and environmental aspirations, underscoring their strategic significance and the hurdles encountered in eco-conscious M&A transactions. (600 words) Read more here…

OpenAI bought the makers of a Minecraft clone

OpenAI has acquired a small company called Global Illumination and says it will work on products like ChatGPT.

OpenAI says it has acquired Global Illumination, a small company based in New York that describes itself as a “digital product company.”

In its announcement, OpenAI didn’t disclose the terms of the acquisition but said that Global Illumination’s “entire team” has joined the company to work on its “core products,” including ChatGPT. Beyond that, OpenAI didn’t specify what the Global Illumination team would be doing at the company. OpenAI didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment. (246 words) Read more here…

How AI can improve your business process automation

Camunda CEO Jakob Freund is a process automation expert. Here, he explains how organisations can use AI to improve and streamline automation workflows.

While AI technology has been around for decades, discussions of its promise and potential have reached a fever pitch in 2023. Experts say new generative AI tools alone could add up to $4.4tn of annual economic value. Other studies predict “Industrial Revolution-level” efficiency gains from the proliferation of AI in the workplace. (1012 words) Read more here…

M&A Checklist — How to Prepare Your IP for the Legal Due Diligence Process

The deal market reached historic levels in recent years, with record-setting merger and acquisition activity in 2021. Markets have since cooled, with capital becoming harder to find. But any company preparing to sell within the next five years should consider the more common IP issues that arise during the legal due diligence process.

IP Ownership

Nearly all purchase agreements require the seller to warrant that it owns or licenses the intellectual property necessary for operation of the business. In most cases, this can be broken down between two central areas – technology and branding. (599 words) Read more here…

How To Nurture Your Social Media Community For Business Growth

Struggling with social media engagement in an age dominated by AI and automation? Perhaps we've been overlooking one crucial element: the human factor. As we navigate the digital future, the focus needs to shift: blending technology with the human touch is vital. It's not enough to just exist online anymore. Building, nurturing and leveraging a community is the new priority for business growth. (1049 words) Read more here…

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In the Pods …

Daniel Sweet Teaches The Importance Of Focus When Acquiring Businesses - 2nd Interview | How2Exit E134

Dan is the Managing Partner of Sweetview Partners - an acquisitions and operations company based in Houston TX. His 27 years of experience in the technology industry led him to begin his journey into Texas-based tech company acquisitions five years ago. His extensive experience has led to recently creating an apprenticeship course for self-funded seekers who are looking to do their first acquisition.

Daniel discusses the importance of focus and specialization when searching for businesses to acquire. He advises against being all over the place and emphasizes the need to concentrate and bring down focus, as it makes a positive difference. [55:06] Listen here…

To learn more about Daniel Sweet and his expertise in business acquisition, visit Sweet View Partners. For those interested in acquiring their first business, check out the Zero to Loi* course, which provides valuable guidance and insights for aspiring acquirers. *Affiliate link

Holdco Entrepreneurs: A Peek Behind the Curtain | Kelsey Lehrich Interview | Acquiring Minds

Today's episode is a fun look at the small business holdco phenomenon. My guest is Kelcey Lehrich, co-founder of the holdco conference HoldCoConf. Our conversation is anchored around a survey of holdco operators that Kelcey and his team recently ran. A bunch of interesting findings here, and Kelcey, as a guy who is both a holdco entrepreneur himself and the guy who runs a conference on the topic, brought lots of anecdotal color to the conversation. [37:55] Listen here…

BIGGEST Merger of Dan's Life (Buying Into a $72M/year Events Biz) | The Money Mondays - E30

In today's episode, Dan Fleyshman breaks down all the behind-the-scenes details from his recent acquisition deal, which has now become the biggest merger of his life. As a serial investor and entrepreneur, Dan acquired an equity stake in a $72M/year events business, and here's why… [53:16] Listen here…

Asking My Friend How He Went From $0 To +$100M Before Age 30 | My First Million - E486

Shaan Puri and Sam Parr talk with Syed Balkhi about moving from Pakistan with no money to building a 9-figure WordPress empire before he turned 30. Learn why he turned down a $70M offer, why he bought a gas station as a baby shower gift, the difference between recurring revenue vs. re-occurring revenue, and much more. [1:16:40] Listen here…

How Entrepreneurs Can Exit their Business without Exiting with Jason Duncan | Growth Now Movement

Join us for an engaging podcast episode as seasoned entrepreneur and business coach, Jason Duncan, shares his unique approach to helping predominantly male entrepreneurs (about 99% of his clients) "exit without exiting" their businesses. Discover the mindset shifts, delegation strategies, and the power of coaching that have propelled Jason's own entrepreneurial journey. Gain valuable insights on goal-setting, continuous learning, and personal development to stay ahead in the ever-evolving business landscape. Connect with Jason and unlock your full potential as an entrepreneur! [32:40] Listen here…

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Founding Member Shout-Out

Shout out to our new founding member, with over 30 years in M&A, this company offers a Resource Center helping you buy good businesses. Very underpriced - get it now before they finish upgrading the site and very likely up the pricing.

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Catch the latest issue of Acquisition Aficionado Magazine - a proud sponsor of The Hub! click here

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In the Knowledge

A Guide To Growing Your Business Strategically And Thoughtfully

Exponential expansion: It’s every small-business owner’s dream. Product or service expansion is a necessary step to grow and remain relevant. But to do so in a manner that doesn’t feel like taking one step forward and two steps back can be a real challenge. (892 words) Learn more here…

Your Hiring Process Is Preventing Business Growth: Here’s Why

Let's face it: Your hiring process isn't perfect.

Despite the amount of time and effort you invest in ensuring a seamless recruitment process, many companies admit that their hiring practices fall short of expectations. Most admit the hiring process is preventing business growth. (851 words) Learn more here…

How to Purge Bad Data and Deliver Data Quality for Business Growth

In the digital economy, data functions as the lifeblood of businesses: fueling strategic decisions, driving customer engagement, and shaping the competitive landscape.

Just as the circulatory system nourishes the body with a continuous supply of blood, business systems rely on continuous availability and flow of high-quality data. When tainted blood courses through the human body, the results can be harmful or even fatal. Similarly, bad data coursing through an organization’s systems can have grave consequences. (972 words) Read more here…

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In the BIG Guys Corner … (middle market and above)

Blackstone ‘Tac Opps’ Arm Rounds Up $5.2B for New Bets

Blackstone Inc. wrapped up a record $5.2 billion fund for deals that defy easy categorization and aren’t constrained by any particular investment style.

The fund, Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Fund IV, surpassed a $4 billion target for rounding up investor dollars, said a person familiar with the matter. The haul gives Blackstone cash to hunt for deals after banks pulled back from financing following the collapse of three lenders this year. (357 words) Read more here…

Permian Resources to buy Earthstone in $4.5 bln deal

Aug 21 (Reuters) - Permian Resources (PR.N) said on Monday it would buy Earthstone Energy (ESTE.N) in an all-stock transaction valued at about $4.5 billion, including debt, boosting the shale producer's presence in the Delaware Basin.

Delaware Basin, a part of the wider Permian Basin, is a prime target for producers looking to increase their inventory. (360 words) Read more here…

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In the Sosh … who to follow this week

Becki Darlin

Fractional CMO Helping SMEs Thrive Post-Acquisition | SMB Investor & Growth Partner | Empowering Women in ETA

“Our WAEE (Women's Acquisition Entrepreneur Empowerment) is dedicated to empowering women like you to enjoy success acquiring & growing small businesses.

Together, we'll create a more equitable environment for women entrepreneurs, where diversity and inclusion are celebrated.”

Connect with her on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Email.

Ross Tomkins

Investor, Business Mentor, Author, Mens Health Advocate

“With over 20 years experience in the healthcare sector I have a global focus and vision of improving health and wellbeing worldwide and am the Founder of TDH Capital. TDH began in 2006 and has evolved over the years into its current form, acquiring ten other businesses along the way.”

Connect with him on LinkedIn, and his website, normedica.co.uk.

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In the calendar …

The Exit Meetup by Flippa, In a City Near You Soon

The Exit Meetup is a local meet-up for like-minded business owners.

Meet others, and talk about growth and the opportunity to buy or sell. Plus, hear from a successful acquisition entrepreneur. This is an informative and entertaining meetup aiming to connect owners and investors in a fun environment. Check it out

SMB Acquisitions Entrepreneurs Bi-Monthly Networking

A twice-monthly networking meeting where acquisitions entrepreneurs come together online to build teams, share ideas and resources, and help each other succeed. The first and Third Tuesday of each month. Check it out

Buy Grow Sell Summit 2023 - 5 and 6 SEPTEMBER 2023 | LIVE Virtual Event

Registration is Free. “All Access” replay passes are available. This is the event of the year for Small Businesses. Get first-hand insights on how to ACQUIRE, SCALE, and EXIT businesses in today’s ever-changing landscape. This year, the Buy Grow Sell Summit will focus on getting ready for what’s next. Why? Because the SME Landscape does not stand still. The only way to succeed in business is to be aware of opportunity and prepared to adapt. Check it out

The Southeast Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Conference - September 8-9, 2023 - Duke University - Durham, NC

The annual Southeast Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Conference is hosted by the Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the Duke Fuqua School of Business, Batten Institute at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and Georgetown University McDonough School of Business. This conference is designed to educate, encourage and equip current and recent MBA students and mid-career professionals in the Southeast US to pursue the acquisition and operation of a small or mid-sized business. Check it out…

2023 Hold Co Conference - Sept 18-20 - Cleveland Ohio

The official “Un-Conference” of micro-PE. Where Holding Companies Meet, Learn, Scale, and Grow. Check it out

Next SMB Event - Sept 28, '23 - Austin, TX

This will be an afternoon/evening mixer for SMB owners, investors, and operators. We'll be in the Hill Country of Texas with - Catered food - Live music - Pool - Fire pit - Fly in, build your network, make some IRL friends

Contact @JoshuaMSchultz on twitter for details

The Self-Funded Search Conference - Sep 30 - Oct 1, 2023 - Dallas, TX

The Self-Funded Search Conference is the first and only conference dedicated exclusively to the self-funded search model of entrepreneurship through acquisition (“ETA”) – exclusively for self-funded searchers. This annual conference is hosted by the Self-Funded Search Association (“SFSA”), a not-for-profit organization (NFPO) for individuals who are seeking to purchase a company through the self-funded path to entrepreneurship through acquisition. Check it out

Rice's Entrepreneurship through Acquisition Conference - Saturday, October 14 - Houston, TX

The State of Search in the U.S. Conference focuses on search fund entrepreneurs, bringing them together with investors, students, and faculty. By Rice Entrepreneurship Association. Check it out

10th ANNUAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP THROUGH ACQUISITION CONFERENCE - Wednesday, November 1, 2023 - Chicago, IL

The Booth-Kellogg ETA Conference is an annual event that brings together search fund entrepreneurs, investors, MBA students, faculty, and other participants in the ETA ecosystem to meet one another and share insights into this rapidly-growing area. The 10th Annual Booth-Kellogg ETA Conference at the Marriott Magnificent Mile | 540 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL. Check it out

Capital Camp - May 21-23, 2024 - Columbia, MO

Check it out…

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