9 to 5 to CEO: From Employee To Entrepreneur Through Acquisitions

9 to 5 to CEO: From Employee To Entrepreneur Through Acquisitions📍 Walsh College Auditorium, Troy Campus

📅 Tuesday, October 21, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Doors open at 5pm for Registration/Check-In and Networking

Presented by: Oakland Thrive, Walsh College & Capital Business Brokerage

Info: -Light refreshments served
-Attendees can connect with SBA lenders, panelists, brokers, and business support partners
-Resource tables from Oakland Thrive, Walsh College, and Capital Business Brokerage
-Early access to the “Business Acquisition Starter Toolkit”

Info: Speakers:

Justin Ibe, Small Business Consultant, Oakland Thrive
Daniel Sem, President, Walsh Ventures
Haroon Bhatti, Managing Director, Capital Business Brokerage
Theme: How small business acquisitions provide a direct and impactful path to entrepreneurship.

Info: Learn more about: -Michigan’s new $500K pilot program for employee ownership
-The role of inclusive ownership in statewide economic development
-The role of aspiring entrepreneurs in shaping Michigan’s Main Street future
-Why now is the moment for aspiring entrepreneurs to act

Info: -What makes a business sellable
-What serious buyers need to know
-Market data, valuations, and financing trends (SBA 7a/504)
-Why businesses under $2M are ripe for acquisition

Info: Panelists & Topics:

Yasmin Whitmer, M&A Attorney, Whitmer Group
▸ Legal process, LOIs, due diligence, and risk mitigation

Huntington Bank has been Confirmed, waiting on who they will send
▸ SBA loans, seller financing, and structuring deals

Leslie Jones, CPA & Founder, L.M. Jones and Associates
▸ Financial analysis, tax implications, and red flags

Haroon Bhatti, Owner and Business Broker, Capital Business Brokerage
▸ Deal flow, common mistakes, and exit strategies

Info: -Audience Q&A with panelists and partners
-Continued networking over refreshments
-Explore partnership opportunities with Oakland Thrive, Walsh College, and business lenders

Host or Publisher Walsh College - Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship