FAQs

Q: My family business is interested in learning more about the Centre for Family Business before we make a commitment. Are there special offers for prospective members?
A: Absolutely! Our members would agree that personally experiencing one of our monthly Breakfast Seminars is the best way to truly appreciate the quality and value of a CFFB membership. First time guests are entitled to a complimentary guest pass to an upcoming breakfast seminar of their choice!

Q: Can anyone becoming a CFFB member - what defines a family business?
A: Only family firms may become members of CFFB. A family business is defined as "two or more members of a family, working together in business."

Q: Can non-family business members attend events?
A: Absolutely! Listed under each event we have included a 'who should attend' section. Founders, successors, key non-family members, spouses, significant others and inactive family members are all encouraged to participate. Through collective learning, your entire organization will gain the knowledge and insight that is required to immediately apply thought-provoking information, motivating ideas and practical skills. Your CFFB membership covers your entire organization.

Q: Are professional family business advisors able to attend breakfast seminars?
A: CFFB corporate partner representatives are entitled to attend any of our events, keeping in mind the sensitive and confidential nature of our learning environment. Professional family business advisors, who are not partner representatives, are required to attend with a family business client (does not have to be a CFFB member - first guests are entitled to one complimentary breakfast seminar pass)

Q: Why do professional advisors affiliate themselves with CFFB?
A: Critical to the success of the family business community is the participation of professional advisors with the Centre for Family Business. CFFB has created specific and targeted educational opportunities to enhance the professional relationship between advisors and business families. Through an ongoing commitment to continued education, advisors are better equipped to handle the unique challenges of family business enterprise, which increases their value to this specific community. We invite advisors to attend our monthly breakfast seminars with a family business client and realize the opportunities and benefits of positive association.

Q: Our family has already established our succession plan, is CFFB still relevant to our family business?
A: While succession planning is certainly a main focus and goal for CFFB members, the on going support and education that we provide is also an essential aspect in the ongoing success of your family business. CFFB has recognized many of its member families for having completed their succession plan and yet continue to provide value to these families and their businesses.

Q: Our company has recently evolved into a 'family business'. Will I find value from a CFFB membership?
A: Family businesses of all sizes from start-up micro to large multi-generational businesses belong to CFFB. We have found, that no matter how relevant the topic or effective the speaker, your experience at CFFB relies greatly on your own participation and the active participation of your peers. No matter what "size," CFFB has the tools and knowledge a business needs to strengthen the family and grow the business.

Q: How much time commitment is involved in a CFFB membership?
A: As a member, you can choose to attend as many events as you wish. We offer our seminars and workshops "buffet-style" so you can choose what best suits your needs. Attend all or some of the seminars and your family business will benefit. Our events are designed to fit into the time-strapped schedules of busy people.

Q: I received a complimentary guest pass for an upcoming breakfast event, however I am not available to attend on that date.
A: Coupons are interchangeable! Call the Centre to trade in your pass for an alternative date that works for you!

Q: How does CFFB operate?
A: We are a non-profit organization governed by our members and financially supported by our corporate partners. Our Board of Directors and Sub-Committees, which are formed exclusively of family business member volunteers from within our general membership, along with our Executive Director and Administrative Director, make up our lean workforce, ensuring that the family business community is receiving the value and support they have come to expect from our organization over the past 10 years.