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

Entrepreneurship doesn't mean you have to start a company from scratch. Learn about alternative options from industry experts.

About this Event

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

Agenda


🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
5:00 – 6:00 PM Registration Check-In & Networking Hour

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”

🕑: 06:00 PM - 06:10 PM
Welcome & Opening Remarks

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.

🕑: 06:10 PM - 06:20 PM
Expanding Ownership Across Michigan
Host: Justin Ibe, Oakland Thrive

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

🕑: 06:20 PM - 06:50 PM
The State of Small Business Acquisitions
Host: Presenter: Haroon Bhatti, Capital Business Brokerage

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

🕑: 06:50 PM - 07:20 PM
What It Takes to Close a Deal
Host: Justin Ibe, Oakland Thrive

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

🕑: 07:20 PM - 08:00 PM
Networking & Live Q&A

Info: -Audience Q&A with panelists and partners

-Continued networking over refreshments

-Explore partnership opportunities with Oakland Thrive, Walsh College, and business lenders

Also check out other Business events in Troy.