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Buying Your First BusinessFeatured

How to Buy Your First Business

A practical roadmap from first search to signed purchase agreement.

James HarringtonJames HarringtonAcquisition Entrepreneur, Harrington HoldingsBeginner 14 lessons 1h 59m 4.1 (9)
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About this course

Buying an established business can be faster than starting one. This course covers what to buy, how to search, how deals are financed with SBA loans and seller notes, and what first-time buyers most often get wrong.

What you will learn

  • Define an acquisition thesis and buy box
  • Understand SBA 7(a) and seller financing
  • Read a confidential information memorandum
  • Avoid common first-time buyer mistakes

Curriculum

8 modules · 14 lessons · 1h 59m

  1. Module 1

    Introduction

    2 lessons

  2. Module 2

    Core Principles

    2 lessons
    • Why Buy an Existing BusinessVideo · 10 min
    • SDE vs EBITDAWritten lesson · 7 min

  3. Module 3

    Deal Structure

    2 lessons
    • Asset Purchase vs Stock PurchaseVideo · 10 min
    • SBA 7(a) Financing BasicsWritten lesson · 7 min

  4. Module 4

    Financial Analysis

    2 lessons
    • Recasting Financial StatementsVideo · 10 min
    • Valuation MultiplesWritten lesson · 7 min

  5. Module 5

    Risk Management

    2 lessons
    • Customer ConcentrationVideo · 10 min
    • Owner DependencyWritten lesson · 7 min

  6. Module 6

    Real-World Examples

    1 lessons
    • Example: Valuing a Landscaping CompanyVideo · 10 min

  7. Module 7

    Case Study

    1 lessons
    • Case Study: HVAC Services AcquisitionCase study · 11 min

  8. Module 8

    Final Assessment

    2 lessons
    • Final AssessmentQuiz · 4 min
    • Applied AssignmentAssignment · 9 min

Your instructor

James Harrington

James Harrington

Acquisition Entrepreneur, Harrington Holdings

James has acquired and operated seven lower-middle-market service businesses. He teaches search, SBA financing, negotiation and the transition after closing.

Business AcquisitionSBA FinancingOperations
All courses by James

Member reviews

  • “Solid course. I would have liked one more real-world example.”

    IDImani Delgado · Sep 6, 2026

  • “Great instructor. I rebuilt my underwriting model after the financial analysis module.”

    OCOlivia Castellano · Jun 29, 2026

  • “Professional, concise and free of hype. Recommended for any member.”

    EPElliot Prescott · Jun 22, 2026

  • “Changed how I evaluate every deal I look at.”

    KMKendall Montgomery · Jun 11, 2026

Related investment opportunities

Once you complete this course, related club investment opportunities in this category will appear here. The Academy teaches how an investment works before you evaluate one.