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
A Journey Through Italy: Lessons and Landscapes
MBA student Olivia Johnson shares her experience in and insights from the 2025 Family Businesses in Italy Trek.
Innovation Keeps Centuries-Old Family Business on the Leading Edge
On an Italy trek, an MBA student explores how a company blends tradition with consumer trends and modern marketing to thrive in Italy and beyond.
From Spring Trek to Italian Citizenship: A Baker Program Student’s Journey
Louis Guzzo, MPS ’23 obtains Italian citizenship three years after the Smith Family Business Institute’s Family Businesses in Italy trek.
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.