Everything You Need to Know About a Family Business Management Program 2025

Family-owned businesses are the backbone of the global economy. Interestingly, a McKinsey report forecasts a 10% to 15% increase in Family-Owned Businesses (FOBs) in India by 2047. Currently, family-owned businesses contribute more than 75 per cent of the national GDP. This increase in FOBs demands the need for second- and third-generation leaders who can efficiently handle their family-run businesses. 

A family business management programme is a learning programme designed for young entrepreneurs and aspiring leaders who want to join their family-run business. In this blog, we will take you through the curriculum of a family business management programme and more. Read ahead to know more.

What is a Family Business Management Programme, and Why Enrol in this Programme?  

A Family Business Management Programme is an advanced educational course designed to equip members of family-run enterprises with the skills, knowledge, and strategic mindset needed to manage and grow their businesses effectively.

Here are two reasons for enrolling in this general management course: 

1.This learning programme is designed to groom the next generation of leaders. With subjects such as strategic management and leadership, finance and investor relations, and marketing and branding, this programme equips learners with the skills and knowledge required to run a business. 

2.Most family business management programmes equip learners with skills to navigate the problems of contemporary businesses. Moreover, these courses also teach learners how to utilise new-age tools, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to enhance business outcomes.

Understanding the Curriculum of a Family Business Management Programme  

The curriculum combines core management learning with tailored, specifically designed for family-run enterprises. Common areas of study include:

●      Business Strategy and Planning

●      Leadership and Governance

●      Financial and Wealth Management

●      Human Resource Management

●      Marketing and Sales Strategies

●      Operations and Supply Chain Management

●      Innovation, Technology and Digital Transformation

●      Family Dynamics and Conflict Management

●      Global Business Perspectives

Experiential learning is a key element. Programs often include industrial visits, networking opportunities, alumni interactions, and mentorship sessions — ensuring participants learn not just in classrooms but in real-world business environments.

Eligibility Criteria  

The Family Business Executive Education Programme is designed for individuals occupying leadership or senior positions within family-owned businesses who hold a bachelor's or master's degree in business management or a related field from a recognised university. 

Here's who can enrol in this learning programme:  

1.Business owners or scions who are actively engaged in the management or leadership of their family enterprise.

2.Top-level professionals reporting directly to the family business owner, with a minimum of 10 years of post-qualification work experience.

Benefits of Family Business Management Programs

Learners enrolling in a family business management programme benefit from: 

1.Tools for addressing disputes constructively.

2.Frameworks for smooth generational transitions.

3.First-hand insights into international markets.

4.Connections with peers, alumni, and industry leaders.

5.Real-world case studies, projects, and industrial visits.

Final Thoughts

Family businesses continue to be pivotal to India’s and the world’s economy. But preserving legacy is no longer enough to sustain a business; individuals need the right skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of the modern business environment. And a family business management programme from renowned institutes like IIM or others does that and more. The IIM family business management programme, or any learning programme from another institute, empowers the next generation of leaders to innovate, scale, and lead with confidence. Whether their goal is to take over a thriving enterprise, launch their own venture, or professionalise operations, these programs are the bridge between legacy and future readiness.