Of all businesses in the U.S., approximately 90% are family firms. Family businesses are responsible for two-thirds of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

In the current fast-paced and globally competitive environment, family-owned businesses, in particular, face many unique challenges. Because of family dynamics, these challenges often reach beyond traditional business assistance programs.

Since its founding in 1996, the Family Business Center at the University of Saint Francis has assisted family-owned businesses in meeting those challenges by offering a variety of programs and activities. These programs focus on ways that family members can better work and live together, perpetuate the family business, plan and manage succession, and generally enhance the ability of families to add human, intellectual and economic value to their businesses.

Quotes from our members

“In this rapidly changing business environment, we have relied on the Family Business Center at the University of Saint Francis as a quality resource for the challenge of seeing the future for Ottenweller Co. Additionally, the group has helped form our vision for ownership transfer from the third to forth generation of family owners.”

Michael Ottenweller, President
Ottenweller Company, Inc.

“With all the time constraints that come with juggling a hectic schedule due to business and family issues, the Family Business Center has given us the opportunity to step back for a few hours each month to learn, plan, and network. The Family Business Center not only promotes good business practices and skills, but also addresses the issues and dynamics that are often unique to a family business. We have found working with the group very beneficial.”

John Didier
Iron Out, Inc.