Lessons in Private Equity Acquisition for Virginia Businesses with SBDC-ICAP

About this workshop

Most small businesses are not a fit for venture capital, but that does not mean there are no viable growth or exit opportunities available. This session explores alternative acquisition pathways for Virginia founders building durable, niche businesses with recurring or repeat revenue models.

Join SBDC's Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program (ICAP) and entrepreneur Joe Belsterling for a candid discussion about the realities of fundraising, company building, and the often-overlooked mechanics behind small private equity acquisitions and buyouts.

You’ll learn how to:

• Identify the differences between venture capital and private equity acquisition pathways
• Evaluate whether a durable, niche business model aligns with acquisition opportunities
• Understand the fundamentals of small private equity buyouts and acquisition math
• Recognize key factors that make businesses attractive to buyers and operators
• Learn from a Virginia founder’s firsthand experiences navigating growth, fundraising, and exit decisions

Who should attend

This workshop is designed for founders, entrepreneurs, and small business owners interested in alternative growth and exit strategies beyond venture capital. It is especially relevant for businesses with recurring or repeat revenue models, strong customer retention, and sustainable niche market positioning.

What you’ll walk away with

Attendees will gain practical insight into how boutique private equity firms evaluate and acquire businesses, along with a clearer understanding of how founders can position their companies for long-term sustainability and strategic opportunities. Participants will also hear real-world lessons learned from building and operating a Virginia-based ed-tech company.

Presented by

Joe Belsterling, Founder, Ten28 Holdings

Joe Belsterling previously founded and served as CEO of MajorClarity, Inc., a Virginia-based ed-tech company serving more than 6.5 million students and 5,000 schools across the United States. He currently leads Ten28 Holdings, a firm focused on acquiring and operating B2B durable businesses with recurring or repeat revenue and strong customer retention.

Presented in partnership with

This workshop is presented in partnership with SBDC-ICAP.