Raising a search fund/Which MBA programs to apply to

[quote="searchfundman"] Dear Community,

Long time user on WSO, but have made the following thread to provide anonymity.

I joined my family's struggling small business after 1 year at a top BB with an Ivy League Econ degree. After a wonderful two years of substantially increasing revenues (doubled revenue) and profitability for my family's small business, I've decided to apply to business school to raise a search fund to acquire my own business.

I'm specifically looking at m7 programs. I have been told by admission consultants that H/S are unfriendly towards small business entrepreneurs despite my GMAT/GPA stats being in the range for both Harvard and Stanford. Thus I had the following questions:

1. Is it true that H/S are unfriendly towards small business entrepreneurs? It seems that many business schools are pushing towards applicants with leadership qualities/entrepreneurial types. Though I have been told its more for "VC Backed" entrepreneurs than traditional small business types.
2. How can I best present myself on my application. Should I explicitly state my search fund goals or go about it another way?
3. Other than H/S how are the other M7 schools for raising a search fund? I have read on WSO that most search fund money goes to H/S students.
4. How are condensed programs schools such as Columbia's J term or Kellogg's 1 year MBA program for raising a search fund? Is the summer internship necessary for raising the fund? These programs seem pretty attractive as they are slightly cheaper and would save a year of my time. I don't need a summer internship as I don't intend to go back into the job market.

Would appreciate any guidance on this as search funds are a more nebulous topic. If there are any admission consultants that could provide guidance also that would be great as I'm looking for one! Thank you WSO

Hi Searchfundman,

1. I've had clients get into H/S with backgrounds in small, family business. Since you've already worked in BB, you had a brandname behind your small business experience. So is it true? Not from my experience.

2. Be true to your goals. Just make sure you have reasons for attending and skills you are seeking that can be satisfied by the MBA programs to which you apply.

3. Wharton.

4. I would talk to current students/alumni to see if the J term and 1 year have a history raising search funds. I don't personally think the summer internship is necessary, but I have never raised a search fund.

5. Happy to help you offline at [email protected] if you want to give me more details about your qualifications. These assessments are difficult to do when shrouded in mystery.

Warm Regards, Natalie