Family Business

The Family Business Program was founded over three decades ago by a handful of New Hampshire family businesses and their close advisors. The concept followed programs in other states:  an open learning format for topic discussion and idea generation;  specific guidance for family businesses; and an alignment with a higher education institution. Although the the types, sizes and industries of family businesses vary, there are commonalities in the things that they will all face during the family business life-cycle.  

SUBSTANCE

Members of the program will face many truths and realities of running a family business. Whatever they are grappling with or reaching to solve has already been faced by many others. The Family Business Program is a place where they can participate every month and know that others around them have solved similar issues and are willing to share their own experiences. The secret ingredient is that commonality.  

EXPERTISE

Program topics are determined by the members. Through regular surveys and an annual brainstorming session, family business members share what they would like to learn in the coming year.  It’s the Center’s job to set the stage for these intimate, interactive and thought-provoking sessions.  

Our  presenters are there to open minds around particular issues and present strategies and tactics that apply to family businesses.  Presenters leave our members with key takeaways and create a foundation for asking  the right questions needed to resolve these issues within their unique business environment.  Teaching members how to navigate around common issues and avoid potential pitfalls, is always at the front of the Center’s programs.  

CELEBRATION

At the Center for Family Business, we recognize and celebrate the ‘family advantage'.  Only in a family business do key members inherently know what the other is thinking;  the trust factor is deep and real.  

Every family has a story and every business has a story. Combining those stories is powerful. However, the true power of a family business isn’t what they tell about themselves; it’s what others say about them.  Family businesses are the lifeblood of the economy and the community. Studies show that the workforce for family businesses has more staying power, which leads to greater stability and certainty for the business. 

Family businesses care deeply, and that filters into all aspects of what they do, including how they treat their customers. It’s palpable. It really comes down to this; in family businesses, the legacy matters to every generation during their ‘turn’ at the helm.