Frequently Asked Questions

Where do we begin?

• Our mission: We believe in the power of educated family enterprise community members who share a transformational purpose.
• Our commitment: We bolster family enterprises to become aware and intentional of the impacts we generate—positive, negative, or unintended.
• Our dedication: We foster the most comprehensive next-generation leadership development.
• Our focus: We emphasize personal growth and appreciate the importance of individual fulfillment for each student we engage with.
• Our courses: CBS offers the highest number of family enterprise electives among peer schools.
• Our activities: Outside the classroom, we connect family enterprise community leaders with resources, expertise, education, and a network of like-minded families and individuals.

The Global Family Enterprise Program is self-selecting. There are no majors, concentrations, or separate certificates at Columbia Business School. By taking our classes, attending our activities, joining the student-led Family Business Club, or as an alum, joining the Family Enterprise Alumni Circle, your community joins with ours, and the relationship lasts a lifetime.

Yes! Whether you're part of a family enterprise or simply passionate about this field, there are opportunities for you to create an intentional and positive impact. All MBA and EMBA students can benefit from learning about family enterprises.

Family enterprises are the backbone of the global economy, owning at least 80% of the world’s businesses and employing the majority of workers worldwide. These enterprises not only shape economic landscapes but also lead in private equity and venture capital investments through family offices. Furthermore, families are at the forefront of philanthropy and social enterprise, driving positive change and innovation across the globe.

Many! The Family Enterprise Alumni Circle is a dedicated networking and learning group for CBS alumni who own, manage, and/or advise family firms. We host social and educational events throughout the year, providing special access to global scholars and international leaders, many of whom are CBS alumni.

Additionally, alumni make up an important part of the audience at our annual Conference and BBH Family Business Leadership Speaker series. Alumni who didn't take our electives during their CBS journey can audit our courses with faculty permission, and to engage with us in executive education courses.

Yes! Our courses are available year-round, including during the summer for J-Term students. EMBA students are welcome in all of our electives, and EMBA sections of Family Business Management are scheduled to accommodate EMBA student schedules.

We work with alumni and business leaders, as well as the Career Management Center, to identify and place students in internships at family-owned businesses and family offices. Contact us to learn more.

There are many ways to get involved with us! Alumni have opportunities to speak in classes, at events and activities, and give back philanthropically to support our mission. Contact us to learn more.

You don't have to be a CBS alum to support our mission and share your story with our community leaders. Contact us to learn about opportunities to speak in classes and events and give back philanthropically to support the important work that we do.

The Family Business Club (FBC), supported by the Family Enterprise Program, fosters a vibrant community among students interested in family business. Open to all, regardless of direct involvement in a family business, the FBC offers exclusive access to speaker events, site visits to family-owned companies, and a robust network of alumni. Members benefit from unique opportunities for growth and development, whether returning to a family business post-MBA or exploring this vital business sector.