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Discover How To Buy Your First Business.
Cocoon Growth is where it's at for those dreaming of owning their own business. Our academy and expert advice give you the simplified keys of knowledge to buy your first business. We're all about practical tips, real-world know-how, and are committed to helping you pursue your entrepreneurial journey!
PROGRAM CURRICULUM
With Cocoon Growth, learn how to buy, value, structure, and finance a small, profitable business. Don't have any money ready to go, we can help you with a solution for that. Worried that you need to have years of experience, no problem, we have what you need to get started. We get it, buying a business can be scary, you have questions and we have the answers. Check out the program below! Let's turn your dreams into reality!
About This Program
An investment for a comprehensive course with 9 lessons, 3.5 hours of video content, and individual quizzes at the end of each lesson to ensure you’re processing the information so you can then apply it to your business venture.
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WELCOME
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LESSON 1: I’m considering buying a business but what skills do I need?
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LESSON 2: What needs to happen before I start looking for a business?
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LESSON 3: What type of business should I buy?
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LESSON 4: How do I find a business?
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LESSON 5: How do I create my support team?
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LESSON 6: What basic due diligence is required and how do I make sure I do it right?
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LESSON 7: How much should I pay for the business?
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LESSON 8: How do I afford and finance the deal?
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LESSON 9: How do I close the deal?
Meet Your Business Coach
Sheldon Ohringer has led mergers and acquisitions activities for multiple public companies evaluating hundreds of deals resulting in the successful close of dozens of individual companies. As a co-founder, Sheldon served as CEO at Caleris, an outsourced technology and customer service helpdesk company. From its inception in December 2003, Caleris grew by more than 1000%. It expanded from one technical support center to four in the 10 years under Sheldon’s leadership and earned awards like TAI Economic Growth (2005, 2006) and Top Growth Company (2008). After becoming a leading tech company, it was acquired in 2014.
Sheldon also led FirstWorld Communication's transformation from a $1M CLEC to a $100M internet infrastructure company, successfully IPOing at over $1 billion. His leadership extends to ICG Telecom Group, US Long Distance, and Telecom USA. Active in Iowa's entrepreneurial community, Sheldon is involved with Plains Angels, Global Insurance Accelerator, and more.
Additionally, Sheldon is a partner in both, Formation Partners, a business advisory firm, and Mango Seed Investments, an Iowa-based seed fund. With 40+ years in business, he's a telecommunication entrepreneur, co-creating Cocoon Growth to share expertise in buying businesses.
Make your dream a reality, learn the tactics necessary to buy a business.
STILL NOT CONVINCED?
FAQ
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Why buy an existing business?
Many businesses already have established customer bases and cash flow. It can make the barrier to entry for entrepreneurship much easier if you aren’t confident in starting something from scratch.
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I’m not independently wealthy?
No problem, there is a common way to buy a business for little to no money down. This strategy is often referred to as seller financing or a seller's note. Sheldon addresses this in more detail in the financing section of the course.
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What if I already own a small business?
Buying a competitor or other business can be an easy way to earn more market share or couple complementary products together. You probably are set up for a successful analysis of a business with your current business ownership experience.
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What if I have questions throughout the program?
We have a private business plus package. Shoot us an email at [email protected] and we can give you the details. This package is reserved for those who have taken the course and are actively pursuing a business.
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Is there a student discount?
Today we do not offer a student discount. We are confident in the value this course delivers. It will be the best dollars you’ve ever spent if you’re willing to put in the work and follow the steps.
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I want to sell my small business. Would this program be beneficial?
This program, although not specifically made for selling, can help you glean the appropriate materials you need to prep. It will describe in detail what buyers are looking for so you can be prepared for a quick turnaround.
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On average how long does it take to buy a business?
This completely depends on the business. Some can be as quickly as 30 days, while others, many months. A few factors that play into this are size of business, industry, and reason for selling. Your first deal usually takes longer as well since you are working through a new process.
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Will there be updates or additional content added to the program?
We always look to refine and improve the course. There is continuallearning to be done no matter how many deals you have closed in the past. As new experience allows, content and resources may be added to ensure our students have the best chance of success.