Strategic Plan 2026
Core Values
- Lead with trust.
- Build meaningful connections.
- Respect the whole family.
- Stay relevant and member focused.
- Champion the region.
Core Focus
Mission/Purpose: We exist to help family businesses succeed by supporting both the business and the family behind it. Through education, connection, and practical resources, we help them grow, endure, and strengthen their communities.
Vision: To be the region’s most trusted partner for helping family businesses succeed across generations.
Guarantee: 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.
1-Year-Picture
Future Date: July 1, 2026
Revenue: $565,000
Goals for the Year:
- Finalize the annual event calendar, with all events and roundtables scheduled at least three months in advance.
- Boost online visibility and engagement through consistent storytelling that showcases our people, partners, and impact.
- $4 million endowment
- 40 new members, with at least 80% being dues-paying family businesses.
- Achieve a 90% participation rate.
- Strengthen the Center’s long-term financial foundation by growing the endowment and adding new funding sources.
- Ensure all affinity groups are healthy, well-supported, and aligned with member needs to foster engagement and growth.
- Achieve a 90% retention rate.
- Develop and implement a strategic plan and begin operating under the EOS model, including weekly L10 meetings and quarterly reviews.
3-Year-Picture
Future Date: July 2028
Revenue: $650,000
What does it look like?
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- Recognized regionally as the trusted voice for family business.
- Serving 300+ family and privately held businesses across our region.
- Defined signature event that draws 300+ participants annually.
- Growth in endowment and reserves.
- Diversified funding sources beyond membership and sponsorship.
- 75% of multigenerational member companies have active peer group involvement.
- Endowment growth supports 1-2 new initiatives per year.
- High-performing team with defined structure and clear roles.
- CRM supports smarter communication and better member tracking.
10-Year Target
Future Date: July 1, 2035
Revenue: $800,000
By 2035, the UToledo Family Business Center will serve 500 family- and privately held businesses across a broader regional footprint. Nearly all multi-generational member companies will have at least one participant engaged in an affinity group. We will be the region’s go-to source for trusted content, referrals, and family business expertise. We will actively partner with community and civic organizations to advance success. Financial independence will be sustained by strong membership and sponsorship, and we will be recognized as a vital University partner and a trusted resource for family business success.
Quarterly Rocks
Future Date: March 1, 2026
Non-endowed Revenue: $110,000
- Develop & implement a standardized member onboarding process.
- 10 new members (at least 7 dues-paying) and two upgrades to Friend of the Center.
- 15/15/15 prospect/member/collab meetings/involved with chambers.
- Affinity Group check-ins to review survey data. Schedule socials.
- Onboarding/recruitment checklist and marketing support.
- Draft detailed explanation/process of all foundation funds.
- Streamline and document the full certificate program process, including roles, responsibilities, and timelines.
- Increase Center Staff's personal LinkedIn activity.
- What We Know, What We See social media campaign. Launch the new book review webpage and social media campaign.
- Identify, pursue, and submit at least one grant request.
- Develop a fundraising plan and draft three specific funding opportunities. Sponsorship increase proposal and meetings.
