What is the Center for Family Business's mission?
- Empowering your family enterprise to thrive across generations.
- We understand the unique challenges and opportunities family businesses face, and our mission is to equip and connect multi-generational family businesses to build lasting legacies.
Why have a family business center?
- Support for longevity and growth:
- Our center is committed to the long-term health of family businesses and the economic vibrancy of Northeast Ohio.
- We provide resources, community and expert guidance to help you navigate the complexities of family business ownership.
- Family businesses drive the economy:
- 64% of U.S. GDP
- 62% of employment
- 78% of new job creation
(Source: Astrachan & Shanker, 2003)
How does family business success compare to nonfamily businesses?
- Family businesses are built to endure:
- While only 30% survive to the second generation, 13% to the third and 3% beyond, these rates are comparable to long-term survival rates for all businesses—showing the challenge is universal, not unique to families.
- Success for multi-generational family businesses is “somewhat between normal and extraordinary” although it doesn't mean there aren't steep survival drop-offs at each generational transition.
(Source: Zellweger et al., Family Business Review 2011; Craig Aronoff, 2001)
What do I gain by being a family business member?
- Membership gives you access to:
- Educational Programs: Succession planning, leadership development and strategic communication tailored for family businesses.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers who understand your challenges and aspirations.
- Peer Forums: Learn, share and grow in confidential, facilitated small groups.
- Expert Guidance: Receive actionable tools and strategies from industry leaders.
- Research-Backed Resources: Benefit from evidence-based practices to future-proof your business.
- We are building the intellectual and community hub for business-owning families in Northeast Ohio.
Who can join?
- Eligibility:
- Any family-owned business with two or more family members involved and a controlling interest.
- Only family businesses can join.
Can I join at any time?
- Flexible Membership:
- Yes! Membership lasts one year from your joining date.
What does membership include?
- Inclusive Access:
- All family members (working or not) and key non-family leaders.
- Attendance at all Center-sponsored programs and participation in peer forums.
Where are the programs held?
- Convenient Locations:
- Family Business Series programs at Tinkham Veale University Center, Case Western Reserve University.
- Other events at venues across Northeast Ohio.
Can I attend programs if I'm not a member?
- Try Before You Join:
- Family-owned businesses may attend a first program as our guest.
- Off-campus programs or "Company Chats" are often open to the public and have a per-person charge for nonmembers.
How do I become a sponsor?
- Industry-exclusive sponsorships available.
- Serve as subject matter experts with regular interaction with family business members.
- Event sponsorships are available
- For "Company Chats", a select number of sponsorships are available for the specific event.
- Please contact Laura Bonnet if interested in learning more about sponsorships.