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Family Enterprise Matters

Our whitepaper released in 2019, Family Enterprise Matters was the first of its kind and provided a detailed summary of the most comprehensive picture of family enterprises in Canada to date. It revealed new data and insights that showed how family enterprises are significant and influential contributors to industries such as agriculture, accommodations, food services, fisheries and retail, as well as in industrial and resource sectors such as construction, mining, manufacturing and transportation.

Ready, Willing and Interested – or NOT?

Our research, released in 2021, on the transition intentions of Canadian family business owners was supported by KPMG Family Office and conducted by Abacus Data. The first set of results were summarized in this report, Ready, Willing and Interested – or NOT? Canadian Family Business Transition Intentions. This research provided the most comprehensive picture of transition intentions in Canadian business families to date.

Who Are the Guardians of Family Legacy?

This report, released in 2022, served as a follow-up to Ready, Willing and Interested - or NOT? to provide an even further look into the transition intentions of Canadian family business owners. With insights and advice from experienced business owners and Family Enterprise Advisors (FEAs), and support from KPMG Canada’s Family Office, this report took an in-depth look at the commitment younger family business owners have towards preserving the family business and the key role they play in sustaining its legacy for future generations.

Alchemy and the Family Enterprise

This report, released in 2022, cast fresh light on family business attitudes toward finding purpose, conquering communication and leveraging learning. Drawing on data from nearly 300 families who took the Family Learning Discovery assessment at Family Enterprise Canada, this Alchemy and the Family Enterprise report uncovered key insights that provoked reflection and discussion within the business family space.

Preparing the Next Generation: A Family Business Roadmap

Released in 2023, this report was a second follow-up to our national research on the transition intentions of Canadian family businesses. It was based on interviews with the next generation family members of family businesses to provide an even more detailed understanding of the transition intentions in Canadian business families, and highlighted the need to identify a clear path to smooth transitions.

Are Canadian Family Businesses Engaging in Sustainable Development Practices?

In 2020, the Family Business for Sustainable Development (UNCTAD‑FBN‑I) initiative launched, propelling the Family Enterprise Foundation into action. This led to the formation of a committee comprising family business owners, entrusted with the task of evaluating the concerns and engagements of Canadian family businesses in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Fast forward to 2024, and the culmination of the Committee’s initial efforts were encapsulated in this report.

The Intergenerational Succession Journey Map

A first in Canada, our Intergenerational Succession Journey Map was originally launched in 2022 and then updated in 2025. It's the first interactive online tool that's freely available to assist family businesses in navigating the complexities of intergenerational succession. Designed to be used collaboratively by family members, this interactive map helps guide users through the critical components of the succession process across three fundamental areas: family, business and ownership.

Make a Real Impact

To remain a strong, independent supporter and voice for family enterprise, your donation will help us build the fundamental infrastructure necessary to carry out our mandate in providing research free from undue influence.

We collaborate with others to provide research-based empirical evidence that supports family enterprises and Family Enterprise Advisors (FEAs) with educational resources, research and a stronger voice.