Program Overview

Family Business Program

The Family Business Program at the University of Nevada, Reno is a unique effort that supports the entrepreneurial spirit and family values of University students, alumni, friends, and the broader community of Northern Nevada. The program provides learning opportunities and assistance to existing and aspiring family businesses, helping them to grow, innovate, and succeed in today's competitive market.

Program Description

The program leverages the University's substantial capability in innovation commercialization to help family businesses incorporate innovation into their operations in a variety of ways. Whether it is developing new product lines, finding new uses for existing books of business, or adopting new technologies, the Family Business Program enables family businesses to stay ahead of the curve and create greater value for their customers and key stakeholders.

Services and Benefits

The program offers a range of services and benefits to its members, including:

• Educational workshops, seminars, and webinars on topics relevant to family businesses, such as succession planning, governance, leadership, finance, marketing, and more.
• Networking opportunities with other family business owners, leaders, experts, mentors, and advisors.
• Resources and support to University students who come from family businesses.
• Exposure to best practices and real-life success stories from leading family businesses in different industries and from both within the local community and beyond.
• Thought leadership, research, and other valuable resources for family businesses.

Eligibility

These services are open to all family businesses, regardless of size, sector, or stage of development. The program also welcomes non-family businesses that are interested in learning from and collaborating with family businesses.

Family Business Program Events

The program hosts various events, including:

• Passing the Torch: Ownership & Control at Nevada Museum of Art

Advisory Board

The Advisory Board provides strategic guidance, feedback, and resources to the program, helping it achieve its mission and vision. The board members serve as ambassadors and advocates for family businesses, promoting programs and services to potential members, partners, and sponsors.

Advisory Board Members

• Jeremy S. Lurey, Ph.D. | Co-Chair
• Chris Yount, MBA | Co-Chair

Resources

The program offers various resources, including:

• Human-Centered Insights Fuel Family Business Growth
• AI & Modernizing the Family Business
• Poised for Exit Podcast: Family Business Succession
• Decision by Design: Proactive Steps for Family Governance
• Move Mountains Podcast
• NextGens Stepping Up as "NowGens"
• The Business of Fathers & Sons
• Public Perception of Family Businesses

Sponsors

The program benefits from and enjoys incredible support from several corporate sponsors, including:

• Family Legacy 1st
• Premier Private Client Insurance Services by Chivaroli
• Whittier Trust

These organizations not only make the program's events and activities possible but also provide direct consulting and advisory services to family businesses throughout the community.