Introduction: What Is SMBootcamp?
Buying a small business can be one of the most life-changing decisions you’ll ever make — but the learning curve is steep. Where do you find deals? How do you evaluate them? What does an SBA loan process actually look like? How do you avoid the pitfalls that sink first-time buyers?
SMBootcamp, founded by serial acquirer Sam Rosati, answers all of these questions — and more — in an intensive 3-day training program held in Tampa, Florida. Featured on VerSquare.com as a top training provider for aspiring acquisition entrepreneurs, SMBootcamp has become one of the most respected programs in the small business acquisition space.
Who Is Sam Rosati?
Sam Rosati isn’t a business school professor teaching theory from a textbook. He’s a serial acquirer who has personally bought and operated 12+ companies. That real-world experience is the foundation of everything SMBootcamp teaches.
Key highlights of Sam’s background:
- 12+ acquisitions completed — across multiple industries and deal structures
- Hands-on operator: Sam doesn’t just buy businesses — he runs them, grows them, and optimizes them
- Built a curated Deal Team of trusted SBA lenders, M&A attorneys, and other professionals
- Passionate educator: Founded SMBootcamp to share the playbook he wishes he’d had when he started
When you learn from Sam, you’re learning from someone who has been in the trenches — negotiating deals, managing due diligence, navigating SBA lending requirements, and operating businesses post-acquisition.
What Does SMBootcamp Cover?
The 3-day intensive in Tampa is designed to take you from curious to capable. Here’s what participants can expect:
Day 1: Foundations of Business Acquisition
- The acquisition entrepreneur mindset: Why buying a business beats starting one from scratch
- Deal sourcing strategies: Where to find businesses for sale — brokers, off-market deals, and proprietary deal flow
- Evaluating opportunities: How to quickly assess whether a deal is worth pursuing
- Understanding valuation: SDE, EBITDA, multiples, and what drives business value
Day 2: Structuring and Financing Your Deal
- SBA loan fundamentals: How SBA 7(a) loans work, eligibility requirements, and what lenders look for
- Deal structuring: Asset purchases vs. stock purchases, seller financing, earnouts, and equity injection strategies
- The Letter of Intent (LOI): How to write an LOI that protects you while keeping the seller engaged
- Due diligence deep dive: What to look for, red flags to watch for, and how to verify the seller’s claims
Day 3: Closing the Deal and Operating Your Business
- Navigating the closing process: From loan approval to signing day — what to expect
- Post-acquisition playbook: The first 90 days of owning your new business
- Growth strategies: How to increase revenue, improve margins, and build value
- Building your team: When and how to hire, delegate, and scale operations
The Curated Deal Team
One of SMBootcamp’s most valuable features is access to Sam’s curated Deal Team — a hand-picked network of professionals who specialize in small business acquisitions:
- SBA lenders who understand acquisition financing and can move quickly
- M&A attorneys experienced in drafting and negotiating purchase agreements for small business deals
- CPAs and financial advisors who can help with due diligence, tax planning, and deal structuring
- Business brokers who can connect you with deal flow
Having pre-vetted professionals ready to go eliminates one of the biggest challenges first-time buyers face: not knowing who to trust. Sam has already done the vetting for you.
Who Is SMBootcamp For?
SMBootcamp is designed for a specific type of person:
- Aspiring acquisition entrepreneurs who want to buy their first business
- Corporate professionals looking to transition from W-2 employment to business ownership
- Current business owners who want to grow through acquisition
- Anyone serious about learning the acquisition process from someone who has done it 12+ times
What Sets SMBootcamp Apart from Other Training Programs?
- In-person intensive: Three days of focused, immersive learning — not a drip-fed online course you’ll never finish
- Practitioner-led: Sam has 12+ acquisitions under his belt, not just academic credentials
- Curated Deal Team: Instant access to pre-vetted lenders, attorneys, and advisors
- Tampa location: A focused environment away from your daily distractions
- Community: Connect with fellow aspiring acquirers who share your ambitions
- Actionable curriculum: You leave with a concrete plan, not just inspiration
How GoSBA Loans Provides Free Education and Support
Programs like SMBootcamp provide incredible value for aspiring business buyers — but not everyone can invest in a premium training program right away. That’s where GoSBA Loans comes in.
GoSBA Loans offers completely free education, support, and SBA lending services for anyone looking to buy a business. Here’s what we provide at zero cost:
Free SBA Lender Matching
- Access to 50+ SBA lenders — we match you with the lender most likely to approve your specific deal
- $320M+ in funded deals — our track record proves we know how to get deals done
- No cost to you — ever. Lenders pay GoSBA, not borrowers.
Free Business Plan Creation
- Every SBA loan requires a business plan — and GoSBA creates yours for free
- This is a $2,500 to $5,000 value that you’d otherwise pay a consultant to produce
- Our business plans are specifically designed to meet SBA lender requirements
Free Guidance Through the Entire Process
- From your first inquiry to closing day, GoSBA’s team guides you through every step
- We’ve helped hundreds of buyers navigate the SBA process — we know what lenders want, what trips people up, and how to keep deals on track
Education Through Experience
While training programs like SMBootcamp provide the classroom education, GoSBA provides the hands-on support when you’re actually in the deal. Think of it as your real-time tutor during the most important financial transaction of your life.
Pros and Cons of SMBootcamp
Pros
- Led by a serial acquirer with 12+ completed deals
- Intensive 3-day format ensures focused, immersive learning
- Curated Deal Team provides instant access to vetted professionals
- Practical, actionable curriculum based on real-world experience
- Networking with fellow aspiring acquirers
- In-person format builds deeper connections and learning retention
Cons
- Requires travel to Tampa, Florida
- Premium pricing — this is an investment in your education
- 3-day format may be challenging for those with tight schedules
- Limited seats may mean waiting for the next cohort
Is SMBootcamp Worth It?
If you’re serious about buying a business and want to learn from someone who has done it over a dozen times, SMBootcamp is an excellent investment. The combination of Sam’s personal experience, the curated Deal Team, and the intensive format creates a learning experience that online courses simply can’t match.
That said, if you’re not ready for a premium training program, GoSBA Loans offers free support to help you get started on your acquisition journey. You don’t have to go it alone.
Ready to Start Your Acquisition Journey?
Whether you’re fresh out of a training program or just starting to explore business ownership, contact GoSBA Loans today. We’ll match you with the right SBA lender, create your business plan for free, and guide you through every step of the process — all at absolutely no cost.
Your path to business ownership starts with a single step. Take it today.
