The Center for Family Business provides educational programs, networking opportunities and peer forums specifically developed for multi-generational family businesses. Research has shown that family businesses are more likely to successfully transition through the generations when they engage in education and planning and have clear governance structures in place.
Programs cover topics such as succession, preparing rising leaders, communication, working together as family members, governance structures for the business and the family, strategic planning and estate planning. In addition to topics specific to family business, the Center’s programs, staff and resources are designed to support its members as they navigate the fast pace of change in business today. Machine learning, data analytics, supply chain logistics, and DEI in hiring and the workplace are affecting all businesses, and keeping up with this change can be overwhelming. The Center for Family Business speakers are thought leaders who provide tools and strategies for perpetuating your family business as well as working in today’s business environment.
"As a member of the Center for Family Business at Case, I've found their programs to be an invaluable resource for family business owners. Each session is thoughtfully designed to be not just informative, but also engaging, offering practical insights that can be immediately implemented to help our businesses thrive. Beyond the professional guidance, the most meaningful aspect for me has been connecting with a network of local family business professionals who understand the unique dynamics and challenges of working within a family enterprise."
Aimee Wrubel, Vitamix
The Weatherhead School of Management has served both publicly held and privately held family businesses for more than three decades. Weatherhead is also internationally recognized for developing transformational ideas that redefine the way management is taught and how business is done.
"The Center for Family Business is building the intellectual and networking hub for the Northern Ohio family business community. Designed in partnership with family entrepreneurs throughout the region, the Center proudly supports the bedrock of the regional economy – family businesses. From family business-specific programs to peer forums to specific research, the center is dedicated to serving the needs of this critical community."
Andrew Medvedev, Dean Weatherhead School of Management
The Center for Family Business members are part of a community of family business owners and leaders who are intentional about carrying on the legacy of their founders. They understand the benefits of education and planning for themselves, their businesses and their families; and that those benefits contribute to the health of the enterprise now and into the future. Members make connections with other family businesses who they can learn from and with whom they share a common bond.
"Being part of the Case Western Reserve University Center for Family Business has been an extremely beneficial experience. As a multi-generational business, we face the challenges of maintaining a healthy family dynamic while growing our company. The expert guidance and resources provided by the Center helped us navigate complex family dynamics, plan for succession, and implement strategies to ensure the longevity of our business. We have utilized many costly family business experts in the past with mixed results. The Center provides excellent learning opportunities with its programs. But what sets it apart is the ability to network and meet with many other family businesses and discuss the similar challenges that we all face. The ability to talk through issues with peers or provide guidance and support to another family business that is dealing with challenges that you may have already overcome is extremely valuable and rewarding.
The Family Business Center’s team of experts truly understands the unique challenges of family businesses and provides tailored solutions that address both the emotional and practical aspects of our business. We are grateful for their support."
John Orlando, Jr., Orlando Baking Company
Mission & Vision
The Center for Family Business aspires to be the premier institution of its kind in the United States in empowering generational success in family businesses. We support and assist multi-generational mid-market family businesses in navigating the complex intersection of family, business and ownership. The Center’s initiatives and activities are devoted exclusively to addressing the lifelong needs of all family business members—owners, senior leaders, rising leaders, family working and not working in the business, and non-family executives.
Building on the school’s network of more than 24,000 Weatherhead alumni, many of whom are family business owners, and leveraging support from government, non-profit and corporate partners, the Center for Family Business delivers an enterprise of resources to family-owned businesses. They include:
Educational Programs: Tailored to the specific needs of family businesses, covering crucial topics like succession planning, leadership development, and strategic communication.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with a community of family business owners who share similar challenges and aspirations.
Peer Forums: Engage in meaningful exchanges that foster growth and innovation within your family business.
Expert Guidance: Access to thought leaders, world-class faculty and industry experts who provide actionable tools and strategies for business perpetuation and modern challenges.
Research-Backed Resources: Benefit from data-driven insights and evidence-based practices that ensure your family business is well-equipped for the future.
The Center for Family Business is committed to education, community, and the longevity of family businesses. It's designed to resonate with family business owners looking for support and resources to navigate the complexities of their unique business environment.
"The Center for Family Business has been an invaluable resource in my journey as a rising leader in our family business. Its programs and peer forums have provided me with actionable insights, meaningful connections with like-minded professionals, and opportunities to forge new business relationships. These relationships have directly contributed to expanding our offerings by adding new local products to our shelves. The networking opportunities have been truly outstanding, delivering value to both my personal growth and our business success."
4th Generation Grocery Retailer