Inside the bETA Accelerator: How a 10-Week Accelerator Supercharged My ETA Journey

Today I want to share an experience that was key to my ETA journey and a big reason why I was able to get a countersigned LOI in just 10 weeks: the bETA Accelerator from New Majority Capital.

The bETA Accelerator is a 10-week intensive program designed to teach you how to buy a business and manage it post-acquisition. That’s already pretty great, but what makes bETA truly special is the people. Rarely have I encountered a group of individuals who are so impressive, self-aware, kind, and vulnerable—all at once.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how bETA is structured, what you can expect, and how to get in. Maybe bETA could also help you in your ETA journey?

How is bETA Structured?

The accelerator starts before the accelerator starts. Literally. Once accepted, you receive a very detailed email with all the pre-work you need to complete, ranging from writing your bio to finishing a finance course. The homework is a requirement to take part in orientation and become part of the program. Hey, the program is no joke. It demands commitment, and you get a lot in return.

The orientation is a two-day, in-person meeting in your cohort’s city. Mine was in Washington DC. I flew in from Seattle with the red eye and it was absolutely worth it.

Orientation is intense (in a good way). You meet your cohort, a group of accomplished, kind, and thoughtful people. There’s minimal downtime and a ton of content, but it’s engaging, and the time flies.

During orientation, you:

• Learn about NMC and meet the team (including leadership!)

• Dive into the ETA opportunity and acquisition process

• Review CIMs

• Craft your investment thesis

• Participate in team-based group activities

• Are split into teams of six to collaborate throughout the program

• Are assigned a dedicated Business Advisor for both group and one-on-one support

My favorite moment? Hearing from entrepreneurs who had acquired businesses. Lesson learned: a business doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to fit your criteria and risk profile.

The breaks were thoughtful, the catering was great, and the venue helped foster connection. I left orientation feeling energized and ready to search.

Weekly Curriculum Highlights

The following nine weeks continued to provide me with the knowledge I needed to keep building momentum in my search. Sometimes the content came just in time as I was progressing in real time with deals. Each week featured two sessions: the first was content heavy, while the second offered insights from a guest entrepreneur or expert with valuable real-world experience. Here’s a breakdown of the weekly topics:

Week 1: Finding the Right Business

Week 2: Finance & Valuation

Week 3: Deal Structuring

Week 4: HR and Leadership

Week 5: Raising Capital & Negotiation

Week 6: Marketing

Week 7: Operations & Technology

Week 8: Deal Presentation

Week 9: After the Acquisition

Week 10: Graduation

Why bETA Was Exactly What I Needed

When I began my ETA research, it quickly felt isolating. I had no one to bounce ideas off, no one to validate my thoughts, and no one to confirm if I was doing any of it right. I looked at several ETA programs like SMB Bootcamp and the Acquisition Lab, but the $10K+ price tags didn’t align with my budget. I needed my savings to fund the acquisition.

Then I found bETA. It was free. Yes, free. Yes, I also can't believe it. And on top of that, for our cohort, they:

• Covered hotel stays for non-local fellows

• Provided food during in-person sessions (that tasted well people)

• Offered a $250 Kumo discount (Kumo = deal aggregator platform)

• Ran weekly challenges. If your team won, you could earn:

  • A pre-LOI due diligence package (valued at $350)

  • A $5K voucher toward a Quality of Earnings (QofE) report

If you consistently participated, completed your homework, and secured both a signed LOI and an active term sheet within six months of the program, the first ten fellows were eligible to participate in a paid focus group worth $10K.

But the most valuable thing? The community. A real, no-ego, generous group of people who wanted to see each other win.

What You Can Expect

You should plan to dedicate at least 6 to 10 hours each week to get the most out of the program. Expect two live Zoom sessions per week (cameras on!), each lasting two hours. In addition, you’ll meet weekly with your team for an hour to review progress and complete assignments, and pair up with a peer for deeper discussion (30 min). You’ll also want to schedule a 30-minute one-on-one session with your Business Advisor—they’re a great resource for navigating tricky moments and making connections.

And yes, there’s homework. It’s valuable and practical, and I recommend using a live deal if possible. The assignments reinforce what you learn and help you apply it right away to your search.

This is a lot, but you are not alone. And the program manager for the cohort will guide you through it like Jasmine (shout out!!!) did for us. She ran the show flawlessly and kept us organized, informed, and motivated.

What Could Be Improved

While the program was incredibly comprehensive, one area that I wish had been covered in more depth was due diligence. Once I got my countersigned LOI, I realized I had to figure out due diligence largely on my own. That said, the connections I made through bETA helped me navigate this stage. Several peers and mentors generously shared templates, resources, and advice that guided me through what could have been an overwhelming process.

How to Apply

Go to the New Majority Capital website and look for open cohorts. You should also follow NMC on LinkedIn and Instagram so you don't miss out on new opportunities. The application process starts with an info session where the program is introduced and you can ask questions. Then, you'll submit your application, complete a pre-recorded video interview, and if selected, move on to a live interview with two members of the NMC team. Disclaimer: This process might look different for you than it did for me. I am just relating my experience. 

Who It’s For

Everyone interested in buying a business can benefit, but if you’re a self-funded searcher, this program is especially helpful. It gives you structure, support, and a team to walk alongside you.

Final Words

This isn’t a paid review. It’s just my honest take. I’m truly grateful to NMC—and even more so to the amazing people I met through the program. The guidance, camaraderie, and insight they shared helped me feel more confident and better prepared to take on ETA.

And yes, we’re still in touch. They’re the kind of people you want in your life.

If you're starting your ETA journey and feeling overwhelmed, I can't recommend bETA enough. You’ll learn a lot. But more importantly, you won’t have to do it alone. There are two more cohorts planned this year: Detroit and North Carolina. So keep your eyes open and apply!

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