Institute for Family-Owned Business

Family-owned businesses represent approximately 90 percent of all businesses in Maine, yet less than 30 percent survive to the second generation and only 13 percent make it to the third generation.

The Institute for Family-Owned Business is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting family-owned businesses in Maine. We assist family-owned firms in meeting the unique managerial challenges associated with operating and sustaining a successful family enterprise.

Who We Serve

• Individuals within a family-owned business facing issues of power, control, compensation, communication, hierarchy inequalities, leadership development, or sibling rivalry
• Established companies confronted by succession issues
• Non-family business partners who work within a family-owned business
• Shareholders, spouses, and in-laws not working in a family business

By working with the Institute, firms identify which family dynamics most often affect business decisions and learn how to overcome these hurdles to continued growth and profitability. Institute-sponsored seminars and workshops will help companies in addressing topics of interest to them.

Our programs are presented in a verity of formats, ranging from small, interactive peer groups to large, speaker-led presentations. This structure allows you to determine your level of participation.

Building Your Business

We are dedicated to the profitability, viability, and continuity of Maine's family-owned businesses. As a member, you will have the opportunity to:

• Participate in several programs and seminars designed for family-owned business, families, and employees
• Utilize the resources to build a network among other family-owned business people with similar challenges
• Have access to professional experts
• Create a stronger family unit for a more productive business
• Become better educated for more successful family business stewardship
• Gain assistance in helping your business transition smoothly to the succeeding generation
• Learn effective family communication skills
• Share with others the experience you've gained from your family-owned business
• Enable family members to love their work and do a better job.

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