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The George Washington University is committed to sustaining The Council for Family Enterprise whose primary mission is to ensure the survival and growth of family firms and develop a long-term relationship with the family business community.

We offer executive development programs, workshops, networking opportunities, presentations, roundtables, interbusiness exchange opportunities, and a host of other services that can provide family firms with a rich learning experience. Through these programs, we provide a framework for family businesses to develop their own unique ways to address the intricate issues they face, such as strategic planning, family dynamics, day-to-day management, and financial and estate planning. We believe that the Council will help family businesses become self-sufficient in confronting their challenges and capitalizing on their strengths.

We define a family business as an entity that is owned, controlled and/or operated by two or more members of a family. A large number of businesses in the Greater Washington Metropolitan area are family businesses. The Council can provide a unique environment for these family enterprises to learn, develop and increase their awareness of effective methods to continue the health of the enterprise.

The Council is part of the School of Business and Public Management (SBPM). It is hosted within the Management Science Department. The Council has an Executive Director who is a full-time faculty member, a Director of Programs & Operations, a Director of Marketing & Development, and clerical and administrative staff. The Executive Director is appointed by the Council's core faculty, inaugural members and founding sponsors who act as advisors, board members and resources.

Our location in the nation's capital where policy making, international transactions, technological innovations, research breakthroughs, and intellectual stimulation are imbedded in our regular operations, makes us a unique and invaluable resource from which family firms can benefit.