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.
Outreach
Our ability to grow the global network of family business students, alumni, and business owners.
Inreach
Our ability to connect and educate our students.
Research
Our ability to create and disseminate new knowledge in the family business space.
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.
Upcoming Events
2026 Family Businesses in Italy Trek
Featured News and Stories
From ideas to insight: Lessons from Cornell’s Sam Seltzer ’48 Mentors Forum
Luca Mosena MBA ’27 shares how mentor conversations are shaping his goals in business and family enterprise
From Paris to Cornell: Road to finals at Family Business Case Competition
SKEMA participates in the Cornell Family Business Case Competition for the first time, placing third
At the helm: Johnson grad navigates a new era for Resolve Marine
Blending family legacy, innovation, and Cornell talent, Joseph Farrell III, MBA ’16, is tackling global maritime crises.
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.