Family businesses have received an increasing amount of attention of late, and rightfully so. They dominate the global economy, from the corner store to the Fortune 300. As publicly owned corporations grow larger, as political systems grow more fragile, and as uncertainty permeates through many corners of society, family businesses will continue to play a key role in building trust and driving innovation. Despite all of this, family businesses are still largely misunderstood; seen as small, insular and conflict ridden. The Smith Family Business Initiative was launched in 2014 to dedicate our efforts towards understanding what makes family business unique, amply positioned and ultimately well suited to tackle the business challenges of global economy. Learn what is now underway at the SC Johnson College of Business and across all of Cornell to connect, educate and inform students, alumni and leaders from family businesses all across the globe.