Professional Organizations and Associations
Professional organizations and associations for family businesses offer valuable resources such as reports, case studies, and webinars to support students, scholars, and practitioners. Engaging with these groups can provide expert insights, practical strategies, and networking opportunities, helping address unique family business challenges. Some organizations also offer specialized training and certifications, contributing to the growth and sustainability of family enterprises.
Below is a selected list of such organizations and associations.
- African Family FirmsPurpose is to help African family businesses succeed. Programs and products are developed to build stronger families and healthier businesses.
- Cambridge Family Enterprise GroupSpecializes in advising and supporting family-owned and closely-held businesses with strategic planning, governance structures, and succession strategies.
- Family Business AllianceFBA serves nearly 200 family businesses, inviting businesses, families, and professionals to build community, enhance leadership, and navigate family business complexities for future success.
- Family Business CoalitionDiverse collection of organizations and industry groups united for the common purpose of protecting America’s family businesses across the country.
- Family Business Consulting GroupFBCG offers consulting, over 100 educational programs, and free resources on conflict resolution, communication, succession planning, and ownership changes for family businesses.
- Family Business NetworkFounded in 1989 and headquartered in Lausanne, unites 4,000 business families across 65 countries. It includes 17,000 members, with 6,400 from the Next Generation (18 to 40 years old).
- Family Business Performance CenterThe Family Business Performance Center, run by Pete Walsh, offers online videos, exercises, workshops, and coaching to improve family business communication and address challenges.
- Family Business UnitedFamily Business United is an organization dedicated to celebrating and supporting family businesses through advocacy, networking, and promoting best practices globally.
- Family Enterprise USAFEUSA represents all family businesses nationally, advocating for their unique issues, promoting job growth, and supporting Family Business Centers across the country.
- Family Firm InstituteBoston-based organization that supports family businesses worldwide with education, networking, and advisory services for sustainable success and growth.
- Institute for Family-Owned BusinessCommitted to supporting, strengthening, and empowering family-owned businesses throughout Maine.
- International Family Enterprise Research AcademyNon-profit association that encompasses an international network of academics, researchers and other family business key-stakeholders, dedicated to the advancement of family business research.
- National Federation of Independent BusinessNFIB is an association of small businesses in the U.S. that strives to advance the interests of small businesses.
- Prairie Family Business AssociationThe premier resource for family businesses in the Midwest region to grow, engage, transition and prosper.
- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce DirectorySearchable database of local chambers of commerce across the U.S., categorized by cities, states, and territories.
- U.S. Small Business AdministrationOffers family businesses educational resources, funding opportunities, and partner programs like SCORE, Women’s Business Centers, and Small Business Development Centers.
- Women in Family BusinessWIFB is a global initiative that offers women to share their thoughts on matters relating to the family enterprise and sustainable business practices.
