WHERE FAMILY BUSINESS, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, & SUSTAINABILITY MEET

At the University of Vermont’s Grossman School of Business, the Family Business Institute is pioneering family business research and education at the heart of business as a force of good for our planet and people. Our research-based internationally renowned in-person and online courses, forums, awards, and case competitions support the learning and networking needs of students, educators, family business advisors, and leaders.

Founded in 1998 thanks to generous funding from Ned Grace, Robin Tauck, Chuck Tauck, and Gallagher, Flynn & Company, the Family Business Institute has grown from a locally focused membership organization to a worldwide leader at the vanguard of research and education on sustainability and innovation of enterprising families.

Today, the Family Business Institute supports flagship initiatives and an unparalleled curriculum that bring together the brightest minds to explore how many of the world’s most iconic mission-driven family businesses and their leaders operate their enterprises sustainably.

 

LEADING FAMILY BUSINESS RESEARCH AND EDUCATION IN VERMONT AND BEYOND

UVM’s Family Business Institute is a leader in the field and classroom. Our programming is the direct result of our unparalleled publication record in top journals and location in beautiful Vermont – which happens to be home to the most Certified B Corporations per capita in the country. A significant proportion of these acclaimed enterprises are family businesses.

A selected list of our initiatives includes:

  • Schlesinger Global Family Enterprise Case Competition
  • Family Business Awards
  • Family Enterprise Research Conference
  • Family Business Forum Virtual Series

WORLD-CLASS CURRICULUM

The Family Business Institute supports credit-bearing in-person and online courses in family business, innovation, and sustainable development for undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. Students benefit from coursework directly influenced by thought leaders and scholars from around the world. Opportunities to interact with acclaimed family business strategists, educators, advisors, and leaders in intimate, small group learning experiences are integral to our courses.

RENOWNED FACULTY & RESEARCH

Our faculty are engaged in innovative research related to entrepreneurship, longevity, sustainability, and both early-stage and transgenerational mission-driven businesses. Faculty members are active in the editorial boards of prestigious entrepreneurship, family business, and sustainability journals, including service in editorial positions. Our work reflects our strong focus on case-based teaching and new case development to support educational programs.

TRANSFORMATIVE ACADEMIC AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

The Family Business Institute hosts interactive programming, intercollegiate competitions, stakeholder engagement, and awards and recognition of trailblazing family businesses every year. These academic and community outreach initiatives have attracted thousands of students, faculty, and outstanding family business leaders to engage directly with our community and beyond.

 

Schlesinger Global Family Enterprise Case Competition (SG-FECC)

Vermont Legacy and Family Enterprise Awards (VLFEA)

Family Enterprise Research Conference (FERC)

Family Business Sustainability Forums

Graduate Family Business Sustainability Club

Snapshot

12th Family Business Awards
Nominations due: May 15th, 2023
Awards Ceremony: September 29th, 2023

11th Schlesinger Global Family Enterprise Case Competition (SG-FECC)
January 10-13, 2024
University of Vermont
Burlington, VT
Secure your spot: SG-FECC Registration

Family Enterprise Research Conference
FERC Listserv Instructions

Courses

Certificate of Graduate Study in Sustainable Family Enterprise
BUS 3350 – Entrepreneurial Family Firms

Sustainable Innovation MBA
MBA 6010 – Entrepreneurial Family Business

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
BUS 36450 - Entrepreneurial Family Firms