The Smith Family Business Initiative 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.
Celebrating Our 10-Year Anniversary
Today, September 10th, marks the 10-year anniversary of the Smith Family Business Initiative. As we look ahead to the Families in Business Conference on October 9 & 10, we invite you to join us in reflecting on a decade of progress and accomplishments. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our students, alumni, and supporters for their dedication and contributions to our continued success.
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).
Cornell Family Business Mentorscape
The SFBI has created a mentors’ platform with the goal of connecting our Cornell students and recent alumni with the vast expertise within the SFBI network. This is an outgrowth of our popular Sam Seltzer ’48 Mentors Forum and provides year-round access to our slate of mentors.
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.
Featured News and Stories
From Sales, Marketing, and Ops to Consulting: A Q&A with James “JJ” Myron, MBA ’23
Career Corner: Consultant JJ Myron pivoted from a sales, marketing, and operations role to advising clients on how to achieve their strategic goals.
Purpose, Legacy, Strategy: Winning Case Draws on Company’s History and Values
Hospitality management graduate student Ruby Lin recounts her team’s first-place finish at the Case Competition for Family Ownership.
From Technology Director to Chief Data Officer: A Q&A with Chaitanya Baddam, MBA ’23
Career Corner: Technology executive Chaitanya Baddam pivoted from insurance platform technology director to chief data officer at an insurtech startup.
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.