The Smith Family Business Initiative at Cornell is dedicated to supporting and strengthening the network of owners, leaders, and alumni that work in, with or for a family business.
Founded in 2014 from a generous gift from John and Dyan Smith, the Smith Family Business Initiative provides education, networking, and new knowledge for family business owners, successors, and students from across the globe.
Connect. Learn. Engage.
eCornell Family Business Leadership Certificate Program
This instructor-led Cornell Certificate Program will provide professionals with the skills to navigate the complexities of family business. Created by both practitioners and academics, this program will equip professionals with new tools and strategies to lead a thriving family business. You will receive the Family Business Leadership Certificate from Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business and 40 Professional Development Hours (4 CEUs).
Mentorscape
Interested in connecting with a Mentor? Check out the Cornell Family Business Mentorscape. This is an outgrowth of our popular Sam Seltzer ’48 Mentors Forum and provides year-round access to our slate of mentors. The SFBI has created this mentors’ platform to connect our Cornell students and recent alumni with the vast expertise within the SFBI network.
Peer Leadership Forums
The Cornell Peer Leadership Forums combine the expertise of our Cornell Family Business Fellows, access to Cornell faculty, and our extensive Smith Family Business Initiative global network. Forums will be carefully curated and formed. Each forum will be unique to its constituent members, and areas of growth and exploration will be driven by the members.
Events
Featured News and Stories
April 18, 2024
One Team’s Journey in the 2024 Cornell Case Competition for Family Ownership
Graduate students Rebecca Shao, MPS ’24, Mia Huang, PhD '25 and Vanessa Wang, MPS ’24, faced challenge and triumph at the Cornell Case Competition for Family Business
February 26, 2024
B-School Teams Focus on Flickr in Cornell 2024 Case Competition for Family Ownership
Olin Business School team wins the Case Competition for Family Ownership, the only such contest where students interact with a family business.
November 30, 2023
Cornell’s 2023 Families in Business Conference Ignites Thought Leadership
Clarence Rivette, MBA ’25, provides an overview and shares personal takeaways about the 9th Annual Families in Business Conference held in Ithaca.
Family Business: By the Numbers
- 5.5 million family businesses in the U.S.
- 24% family businesses that are led by a female CEO or President.
- 24 years average life span of a family-owned business.
- 77% new business ventures established in the U.S. founded with significant involvement of the family.