“I’ve taken other valuation courses before, but none of them came close to the value packed into this program. I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to be in private equity. ”
Patrick ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Hands down the best course I have taken on business valuation in my entire 30 year career of being a business broker. This course is must for anyone interested in SME business transactions."
Frank ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Business Broker
Kiersten ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
CPA
Thanks to this training, I feel like I’ve leveled up. I’m now able to evaluate private businesses globally, build investor-grade valuations, and present proposals that earn trust. It’s an investment that already pays dividends.
Jacob ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Financial Analyst
Josh and team break down even the most complex valuation methods in a way that makes sense. The plug-and-play models saved me hours, and the skills I gained are already helping me with valuation projects.
Christian ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ETA Investor
As an acquiring entrepreneur, what I needed was not just valuation theory but a system I could apply immediately. This course delivered—real world methods, understandable instruction, and financial models I actually use in every analysis.”
Eesha ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Private Equity Analyst
Before this course, I was intimidated by financial statements and blind to many deal risks. Now I can spot hidden issues and opportunities, build a valuation I’m proud of, and negotiate confidently. This isn’t just theory—it’s real tools I use today.”
Ronald ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
M&A Professional
If you want to structure better deals, understand what’s really going on behind the numbers, and close more transactions—this is the training.
Jeff ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Managing Director
“As a credentialed valuation professional, I was impressed by how this course distills complex methodologies into actionable frameworks. It’s rare to find training that strikes the right balance between academic depth and practical application.
Instructor - Josh Himan
I’m Josh and my journey started 15 years ago when I left the military determined to buy a business. Despite holding a finance degree, when I got the financials for the business I wanted, I couldn’t make sense of how the numbers came together. I hired professionals, but their valuations conflicted. The pressure mounted as I was about to put up a significant amount of my net worth as collateral, and I could not sleep. From that moment, I vowed to never be put in this position again and have been on a quest to know how these private SME companies are valued.
My valuation and financial due diligence experience comes from being in the trenches with big checks being exchanged and the stress that goes with it. Over these 15 years I have analyzed hundreds if not thousands of these businesses and have made and lost money investing in them.
Along the way, I have become a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) and a Business Certified Appraiser (BCA), to go along with having read over 400 books on private business valuation and SME transaction analysis.
Having invested, operated, and valued hundreds of private businesses for private equity firms, business brokers, and aquisition entreprenuers has given me insights that I am eager to share with the world.
My goal is to teach you real-world application with academic rigor, and to take difficult concepts in finance and SME transaction analysis and break them down into manageable learning outcomes that practitioners can use right away.
- Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA)®
- Business Certified Appraiser (BCA)®
- Certified Machinery & Equipment Appraiser (CMEA)®
- Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA)®
- Professional Bookkeeper (PB)®
- Profit and Growth Expert (PGE)®
- Certified Turnaround Analyst (CTA)®
- Accredited Small Business Consultant (ASBC)®
- Masters of Science in Applied Economics (MSAE) — Johns Hopkins University
- Masters of Science in Finance (MSF) — George Washington University
- B.B.A. in Finance — Radford University
- Certificate Forecasting in Organizations — Johns Hopkins University
- Certificate Real Estate Finance and Investment — New York University
Instructor - Alex Melesko
I'm Alex, a quantitative expert and finance professional with extensive experience in data analysis and investment strategy.
Prior to Business Valuation Advisors, I was a Senior Data Scientist for Bridgewater Associates, the world's largest hedge fund, founded by Ray Dalio. I also have experience as a quantitative analyst at a mutual fund and as a corporate financial analyst.
Throughout my career, I have demonstrably improved investment processes by designing and building systems, as well as creating innovative analysis and investment techniques.
My background includes both fundamental and quantitative analysis and, have taught these concepts to hundreds of students being an adjunct professor.
My goal is to translate complex financial concepts into actionable strategies, to make this a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their understanding of the financial markets, both conceptually and practically.
- Charted Financial Analyst (CFA)®
- Master of Science in Computational Finance (MS) – Carnegie Mellon University
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Carnegie Mellon University
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Actuarial Science – University of Connecticut
Enrolled Students in Our Program
"Josh is the Professor Damordran of private businesses. He is skilled in explaining difficult terms in the valuation process. His practical everyday tools are amazing and I have never ever gotten this much value from an online course before."
"Josh is truly the best in the world at what he does and that is valuing companies for business transactions. We worked with accountants and other financial consultants that charged a lot of money but never gave us the financial tools to close deals. If you are looking to buy or broker business, I highly recommend you take this course, as its value will last your entire career."
"Accounting was my least favorite subject as an undergraduate student. Josh does a phenomenal job of explaining, in a logical progression, how financial data fits together for a business valuation, setting this apart from any other course I’ve ever taken! The lessons include a variety of fun learning tools that enhanced my retention of key points. After completing this course, I have the confidence to read financial statements and value any company that comes across my desk."
"This is the course I have been waiting for. As a Wall Street veteran, I was not looking for another generic course on business valuation or financial modeling. This course has given me incredible skills in not only valuing companies but also becoming a true deal engineer. If you are looking to master leveraged buyouts, I strongly recommend this course for its clarity and resource tools."
Part 1: Financial Statement Fundamentals for Small-to-Midsize Businesses (SME)
Unlike public businesses that follow Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), private companies financial statements are often prepared with varying levels of rigor and consistency. We need to know how these financial statements are prepared for spotting errors and assess their quality.
Part 2: Masterclass in Private Small-to-Midsize (SME) Fundamental Valuation
In Part 2, you will learn how to derive and forecast free cash flow and assess the risk of a private business—the central pillars of SME valuation. In this section we will learn to make EBITDA adjustments and normalize earnings. By applying structured analysis to SME financial statements, will uncover the true drivers of value and build forecasts that reflect economic reality.
Part 3: Masterclass in Transactions Analysis for Small-to-Midsized Businesses (SME)
In Part 3, we will learn to generate the Enterprise, Equity, and Goodwill values of a private business. We'll review working capital, equipment valuation, and intangible assets. Will finish with how real deals are structured—asset versus stock sales, seller net proceeds, and buyer deal engineering with earn outs and seller financing.
Part 4: Private Equity in Small-to-Midsize Businesses (SME)
In Part 4, Private Equity module delivers what other courses leave out: the nitty-gritty of PE deal structuring, investment return modelling, fund economics, and exit mechanics. Understand how leverage, equity, hurdle rates, and waterfalls combine to determine returns—and how to apply them in the small to mid-market world. It’s practical, rarely taught depth that bridges theory and real transaction practice.
Part 5: Market Approach for Small-to-Midsized Business (SME) Valuation
In Part 5, we learn how to validate data from private small to midsize business transaction databases. The advantage of this approach is we can produce a faster valuation and because we are only using data, removing biasness that we have in fundamental alternatives. We learn to apply regression analysis to the data to derive a value using transaction comps.
Earn Completion Certificates
Each course in the Program includes a completion certificate. These certificates are perfect for your including on your next interview, resume, or social media posting. They serve as a powerful way to showcase your dedication to mastering real-world valuation skills and help you stand out as a dedicated valuation expert.
Library Bonuses Include
Access to exclusive library of preprogrammed financial models and SME transaction document templates.
E-Book Library
70 + guides on valuation and small-to-midsize business mergers and acquisitions you won't find anywhere else. Here is just a sample of topics covered:
Master private business valuation for a fraction of the price of traditional educational formats.
This is the only course in the world that gives you step-by-step mastery in SME valuation, transactions, and private equity—complete with proven models, deal templates, and a library of resources you can apply immediately to your own business or client projects.
If you’re serious about mastering business valuation, this is the most cost-effective way to do it. With over $4,000 worth of courses, templates, and tools bundled into a one-time payment of just $349, you’ll get everything you need to confidently analyze, value, and close deals—at a price you won’t find anywhere else.
We have spent the past 15 years in the trenches of private business valuation, M&A, and real-world deal analysis, and we built this program to give you the exact tools, models, and methods I wish we had when we started.
Furthermore, we are confident it will save you years of trial-and-error and give you the confidence to analyze and value businesses like a pro. But if you go through the program and decide it’s not for you, you’re completely protected by our 7-day money-back guarantee.
- Financial Statement Fundamentals for Small-to-Midsize Businesses (Value $29)
- Masterclass in Private Small-to-Midsize (SME) Fundamental Valuation (Value $99)
- Masterclass in Transactions Analysis for Small-to-Midsized Businesses (SME) (Value $249)
- Private Equity in Small-to-Midsize Businesses (SME) (Value $99)
- Market Approach for Small-to-Midsized Business (SME) Valuation (Value $99)
- Valuation Model and Spreadsheet Library (Value $999)
- Library of 70+ E-books on Valuation and SME Transaction Topics (Value $199)
- SME Business Transaction Templates Documents (Value $399)
- Entrepreneur Through Acquisition Tools and Documents (Value $399)
- SME Private Equity Fund Document Templates (Value $399)
- Lifetime Access to Future Courses
- Business Valuation Advisors Mastermind Community with Live Lessons and Networking
Patrick ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ever feel like most valuation courses leave you with half the picture?
I did too. The academic ones gave me theory with no application. The practitioner ones gave me “rules of thumb” but no real framework. Neither prepared me to actually value a business with confidence.
That’s why I went deep. I earned graduate-level training in finance and economics, collected certifications like CVA, BCA, and FMVA, and read over 400 books on valuation and private equity. At the same time, I’ve been in the trenches—operating, buying, and selling real SMEs, negotiating deals, and putting my own capital on the line.
- Courses that talk theory but ignore practice
- Trainings that focus on “rules of thumb” but skip the why
- Missing SME realities—owner adjustments, earn outs, seller notes
- Missing pieces: Working capital, CapEx, risk adjustments left out.
- Teaching designed for Wall Street, not Main Street
👋 Hey, I’m Josh Himan, creator of the SME Valuation Mastery Program.
Over the past 15 years I’ve valued hundreds of businesses, earned multiple valuation certifications, and sat on both sides of the table in M&A deals.
Inside, you’ll learn step-by-step how to analyze financials, spot red flags, and apply the right valuation methods with confidence.
You’ll get the exact frameworks, models, and templates I use in real deals with brokers, investors, and entrepreneurs—so you can go from “I don’t know where to start” to “I can confidently value this business.”
And the best part? You don’t need years of trial and error. You can get up to speed in days.
Mike
I’ve spent years in business brokerage, but I always felt like my valuations were more art than science. This program gave me the frameworks and tools to back my numbers with confidence. The models alone save me hours every week, and my clients notice the difference."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Michael R., Business Broker
Sammie
As a first-time buyer, I was overwhelmed by financials and didn’t know who to trust. This course broke it down step-by-step and showed me exactly how to value a business without second-guessing myself. For the price, the value is insane.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sammie, Acquisition Entrepreneur
Jared
Josh clearly knows the academic side inside-out, but he’s also been in the trenches of real M&A deals. That combination makes the training incredibly practical.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jared, Private Equity
The Most Comprehensive Private Business Valuation and Deal Analysis Course in the World
Step-by-Step Guide
Course Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people finish in 30 days or less, depending on your background in finance or accounting. If you’ve had some exposure, you may fly through; beginners may want to spread it out a bit to absorb the details.
Yes — the course is designed to start with basics (financial statements, accounting adjustments, etc.), then gradually build up to more advanced valuation methods. You don’t need to be an expert to begin, but you will leave with strong knowledge even if you start from zero.
Yes — every enrollee gets a full valuation model and a suite of tools (spreadsheets, case studies, adjustment templates) that you can use with real businesses anywhere in the world. The idea is not just learning theory, but having actionable tools.
Absolutely. If within the first 7 days you feel like you're not learning new skills (for whatever reason), simply contact us for a full refund. We believe strongly in risk-free learning.
You get lifetime access to the course content, library of tools, all future updates (lectures, case studies), and the private community. That means you can revisit materials whenever you want & stay current.
Yes — upon finishing all main modules and any required assessments, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. This shows you’ve completed the full curriculum & can be used to showcase your competency to employers or your social media.
Yes — while the core valuation methods are universal whether you’re buying a retail business, a service company, or a manufacturing firm.
Yes — the course content is rigorous, both academically and practically. It will absolutely improve your resume / portfolio & prepare you for roles such as business analyst, valuation specialist, or private equity / deal advisory work.
The core course is 100% self-paced. You can log in anytime, anywhere, and move through the lessons on your own schedule. Any live Q&A sessions or updates are recorded and added to the library so you never miss out.
The program is specifically designed for small to mid-sized enterprises (SMEs), typically in the $0M–$50M revenue range. These businesses have unique challenges (owner adjustments, seller financing, working capital swings) that big-company valuation courses rarely address.
Not at all. While we do cover financial formulas and valuation methods, everything is taught step-by-step in plain English. If you can use Excel at a basic level, you’ll be fine.
Yes — many students take this course to understand the value of their own company before selling, raising capital, or restructuring. The tools and templates can be plugged directly into your numbers.
Definitely. Acquisition entrepreneurs and search fund operators use this exact framework to avoid overpaying and to identify hidden risks before they close a deal.
The valuation methods and frameworks apply globally. Many students from Canada, Europe, Asia, and beyond have successfully applied our valuation tools.
Yes — the material overlaps heavily with topics in CVA, ASA, CFA, and FMVA programs, but it’s far more practical. If you’re planning to pursue one of those, this course will give you a huge head start.Yes — the material overlaps heavily with topics in CVA, ASA, CFA, and FMVA programs, but it’s far more practical. If you’re planning to pursue one of those, this course will give you a huge head start.
The program includes video lectures, step-by-step walkthroughs, downloadable models, templates, and case studies. You can stream lessons on desktop or mobile and download materials for offline use.
Not at all. The program is designed for entrepreneurs, business brokers, investors, advisors, and operators—anyone who needs to understand what a private business is worth and why.
Yes — owner adjustments (a.k.a. “add-backs”) are a core part of SME valuation, and the course covers exactly how to spot and normalize them so you get to the true economic earnings of a business.
Yes — by understanding valuation from both buyer and seller perspectives, you’ll be able to support your numbers in negotiations, spot weak arguments from the other side, and structure fairer deals.
Free content is scattered, inconsistent, and often contradictory. This program is a structured, battle-tested curriculum built on 15 years of real deal experience, advanced certifications, and hundreds of valuations. You’re not piecing things together — you’re getting a complete framework that works.
Yes — the course covers market comps, precedent transactions, and industry multiples, including where to find reliable data and how to adjust it for SMEs.
Absolutely. The valuation methods here give you a credible, defensible basis to present your numbers. Investors respond better when you show rigorous analysis instead of guesses or inflated figures.
Yes — many students use this program to prepare for private equity, M&A, consulting, or FP&A interviews. You’ll gain both the theory and practical examples that stand out in case studies and technical questions when it comes to valuation.
Still on the Fence?
Read this...
I understand the hesitation of making this investment...
After all, you've never met me, and it's hard to know for sure if this Program will help you until you get started.
So, just to be clear: I have no interest in taking money from someone who doesn't receive value in return.
If you purchase, and for any reason don't find it helpful, you can get a full refund with no strings attached.
(So you literally have nothing to lose)
That means you get:
- Access forever
- New content for free
- One-time payment
- Full refund if it's not for you
More Testimonials from Students
"Josh’s course is incredible. I finally enrolled. Honestly, I wish I had taken this before spending thousands on other programs."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Karen Business Broker
"I really enjoyed learning how Josh breaks down valuation. His process is so well thought out, and I’m excited to keep building my skills with his approach."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐David Valuation Analyst
"Very practical, very clear. Everything was explained so well that I could immediately adapt it to my own deals and model."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Rich PE Investor
"Worth every penny! Excellent course for learning SME valuation step by step. Thank you Josh for making this accessible."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Ben Business Exit Advisor
"First course I’ve taken on valuation that felt clear and approachable. Josh explained everything in a way that wasn’t intimidating at all. Loved it."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Madeline MBA Student
"Great course in valuation. I always struggled with working capital adjustments, but this course laid it out so clearly."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Muhammed Business Acquisitions
"This is the first course that actually explained owner adjustments and capital expenditures in a way that made sense."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Selena M&A Consulting
"Great course! I loved how the templates are ready to use and easy to customize for my own models. "
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Kevin Business Appraiser
"Excellent course! I’ve read valuation books before, but this is the first time it all clicked together for me."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Jacob Exit Advisor
Thanks for visiting and feel free to reach out to us with any questions!
Financial Statement Fundamentals for Small-to-Midsize Business (SME)
7 Chapters
Masterclass in Private Small-to-Midsize (SME) Fundamental Valuation
6 Chapters
Masterclass in Transactions Analysis for Small-to-Midsized Businesses (SME)
4 Chapters
Private Equity in Small-to-Midsize Businesses (SME)
1 Chapter
Market Approach for Small-to-Midsized Business (SME) Valuation
6 Chapters