At the University of Vermont (UVM) Grossman School of Business, we believe that understanding and fostering successful family businesses is a force of good for our planet and people. Our Family Business Initiative is pioneering family business research and education. 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. 

Leading family business research and education in Vermont and beyond 

The UVM Grossman School’s Family Business Initiative 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. 

Today, the Family Business Initiative 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.

Founded in 1998, thanks to generous funding from Ned Grace, Robin Tauck, Chuck Tauck, and Gallagher, Flynn & Company, the Family Business Initiative 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.