Why Join?
The UToledo Family Business Center exists to help family businesses succeed by supporting both the business and the family behind it. Through education, connection, and practical resources, we help our members grow, endure, and strengthen their communities.
We offer holistic support through:
- Peer-learning opportunities and small group engagement
- Programs that support both family dynamics and business strategy
- University-backed education and expert-led programming
- Trusted and confidential spaces to ask questions, explore new ideas, and find clarity
Our proven process: Join → Connect → Engage → Grow → Sustain
We guarantee a trusted and confidential space where you have access to expert-led programming, peer connections, and tailored resources designed to support your unique journey.
We provide the space, tools, and guidance — the rest is up to you.
What’s Included in Membership
Your membership includes your entire company — and your entire family — even if they don’t work in the business. Everyone receives access to exclusive programming, resources, and connections designed specifically for the unique dynamics of family-owned and privately held businesses.
As a member, you receive access to:
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- Three Community Events
Signature gatherings that bring together the community for learning, conversation, and networking - Monthly Info Sessions
Sponsor-led programs that deliver deep dives into niche, content-rich topics — all presented through a family business lens - Executive-in-Residence (EIR) Program
This exclusive, donor-funded program brings together a hand-selected cohort of members each year to explore a timely, high-impact topic—such as leadership, governance, or next generation planning. Led by an outside expert, the EIR experience offers in-depth learning, connection, and real-world application, all at no cost to participating members. - Five Roundtables
Peer discussion groups focused on shared roles and experiences:- Manufacturing
- Women, Wisdom and Wine
- Leading Generation
- Rising Generation
- Human Resources
- Access to the NWO M&A Club
Opportunities to engage in strategic regional conversations on mergers, acquisitions, growth, and succession. - Student Engagement on Campus
Connect with UToledo students and academic departments—such as business, engineering, and athletics—through events like the annual Golf Outing and other collaborative programs. - Guidance from an Informed and Connected Staff
Our experienced Center team is here to support your journey as a family business — offering insight, helping you find the right tools, and connecting you to trusted resources and people who can help. Whether you're navigating a challenge or planning for the future, we can point you toward peer connections, national and international family business networks, and relevant educational content that fits your situation. - Connections That Expand Your Network
We actively facilitate introductions to fellow members, family business peers across the country, and aligned national and international centers. These relationships often lead to new opportunities, shared solutions, and long-lasting business friendships. - Curated Resources for Both Family and Business Success
From governance models and communication tools to event recordings and best practice guides, we provide access to timely, relevant content that supports both your company’s growth and your family’s alignment.
- Three Community Events
Optional Add-Ons:
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- Affinity Group Program (additional fee)
Structured, confidential peer groups. These small groups meet regularly and offer a trusted space for honest dialogue, idea exchange, and support from peers in similar roles - Certificate Programs (additional fee)
Our certificate programs provide needed, applicable content in an environment where participants in small cohorts learn from experts as well as peers. Our programs are custom developed for the unique needs and dynamics of a family business. Additionally, some of our programs qualify for Ohio TechCred.
- Affinity Group Program (additional fee)
What Makes Us Different
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- Peer Connections: Forge lasting relationships with other family business owners
- Shared Learning: Exchange best practices in a trusted, confidential environment
- Expert Network: Tap into experienced advisors, faculty, and business leaders
- Exclusive Events: Participate in member-only workshops, roundtables, and gatherings
- Academic Integrity: All programs are backed by the University of Toledo’s Neff College of Business
Who Should Join?
- Multi-generational family businesses looking to grow and sustain across generations
- Sole owners, with or without family involved in the business
- Partner-owned or closely held companies facing similar long-term challenges
- Professional advisors who serve family businesses
- Sponsors who want to support and connect with this community
Our members represent every stage of the business lifecycle. What they share is a desire to build something that lasts.
Membership Options
Traditional Member
For established family-owned or privately-held businesses
- $500 per year
- Full access to educational programming and networking events
- Participation in roundtables and forums
- Access to info sessions and webinars
- Ability to participant in our EIR program
- Access to Center affinity groups (additional fee)
- Access to Certificate Programs (additional fee)
- Company name and link on the FBC website
- Opportunity to bring guests to select events
- Eligibility for case study and classroom project collaboration based on availability
Friend of the Center
For business owners, families, or individuals looking to expand their impact
- $1,500 per year
- All Traditional Member benefits included
- One free participant in an affinity group
- Opportunity to gift a one-year membership to a family business of your choice
- Invitation to annual donor recognition event
- Recognition in donor communications and member materials
- Professional Service Provider benefits if your family business is a professional service provider
- $1,000 receipted as a gift
Professional Service Provider
For advisors or service firms who have experience with, and passion for working with family businesses
- $1,500 per year
- Listing in the Professional Service Provider Registry
- Company logo, link, and description on the FBC website
- Promotion via social media and the registry
- Preferred resource for affinity groups and program input
- Opportunity to bring a guest to events
- $1,000 receipted as a charitable gift
We'd love to meet with you personally, tell you about the Center and learn more about your company. Please e-mail Steve Hardy at Stephen.Hardy@utoledo.edu to set-up an appointment!
