Own Your Future: The ETA Cohort for Aspiring Acquirers 

Are you a second-year MBA student* at Duke with a clear ambition to own and lead a small business—either right after graduation or following your first post-Fuqua role? The ETA Cohort is your launchpad. This year-long program is designed for students who are serious about pursuing Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) and ready to commit time, energy, and intention to that path. 

As a member of the cohort, you’ll gain: 

  • Dedicated mentorship from Duke’s I&E ETA Advisory Council
  • Insightful conversations with guest speakers active in the ETA ecosystem
  • Financial support for immersive, off-campus site visits
  • A tight-knit community of peers to challenge, refine, and support your ETA journey 

Key Program Commitments: 

  • Weekly meetings during the lunch break on Mondays (11:30pm to 12:25pm)
  • Asheville site visit (Fall 1 - September 24th)
  • Leadership session with an executive coach (Fall 1 - October 8th)
  • Charlotte site visit (Fall 2 - November 5th)
  • Optional independent field trip to be determined by the student and program staff

Next Steps: 

Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort will open in April 2026.

*Note the ETA Cohort is open to all graduate students in their final year of study at Duke