Financial Foundations for Family Business Leaders
We built this program after working with three generations of family business owners who told us the same thing: business school didn't prepare them for the actual challenges of running a family enterprise. This isn't theory — it's practical financial management designed specifically for Australian family businesses.
Built Around Real Family Business Challenges
Most financial education assumes you're working with shareholders who only care about quarterly returns. Family businesses operate differently — you're balancing current operations with multi-generational wealth, navigating family dynamics alongside business decisions, and planning for succession while managing today's cash flow.
We spent two years developing this curriculum with input from family business accountants, succession planners, and owners who've successfully navigated transitions. The result is a program that addresses the specific financial complexities you face, from establishing fair compensation structures to planning estate transitions that don't trigger family conflicts.
Starting April 2026, our cohort meets twice monthly for interactive sessions. Between meetings, you'll work through case studies drawn from actual family businesses (with details changed, obviously). No exams or grades — just practical application of concepts to your own business situation.
Three Phases Over Nine Months
Each phase builds on the previous one, moving from foundational concepts to complex planning scenarios. We've structured it so you can implement what you're learning while still progressing through the program.
Financial Clarity
Months 1-3- Separating personal and business finances effectively
- Cash flow forecasting beyond basic projections
- Understanding true business profitability
- Setting compensation structures that work for everyone
- Tax planning strategies for family enterprises
Growth Planning
Months 4-6- Evaluating expansion opportunities realistically
- Working with banks and understanding financing options
- Managing working capital during growth phases
- Bringing in non-family executives (when and how)
- Risk management specific to family businesses
Succession Planning
Months 7-9- Valuing the business for transition purposes
- Estate planning that protects both family and business
- Navigating difficult conversations about succession
- Preparing the next generation financially
- Exit strategies when succession isn't viable
How We Actually Teach This
Look, nobody learns financial management by sitting through lectures. We use real scenarios, facilitated discussions, and peer learning because that's what actually works when you're dealing with complex family dynamics.
Case Study Method
Every session starts with a real situation (anonymized, naturally). We walk through how different families handled similar challenges — what worked, what didn't, and why. Then you apply those lessons to your own business context with guidance from facilitators who've been through this.
Peer Discussions
Half the value comes from talking with other family business owners facing similar issues. These aren't networking sessions — they're structured conversations where you can actually discuss challenges you wouldn't bring up in casual business circles. The confidentiality agreement everyone signs helps with that.
Practical Worksheets
Between sessions, you'll complete exercises using your actual business numbers. We provide templates for everything from cash flow analysis to succession planning frameworks. These aren't busywork — they're tools you'll continue using after the program ends. Several participants from our 2025 pilot still reference their completed worksheets.
Expert Sessions
Four times during the program, we bring in specialists — a family business lawyer, a succession consultant, an M&A advisor, and a family therapist who works with business families. They share insights you won't find in textbooks and answer questions specific to your situations. These sessions consistently get the highest feedback ratings.
2026 Program Schedule
We run two cohorts annually to keep group sizes manageable. Sessions are held on alternating Tuesday evenings (6:30-9:00pm) with occasional Saturday morning workshops for topics that need more time.
| Cohort | Start Date | End Date | Meeting Schedule | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn 2026 | April 8, 2026 | December 16, 2026 | 1st and 3rd Tuesday evenings | Open |
| Spring 2026 | September 15, 2026 | June 8, 2027 | 2nd and 4th Tuesday evenings | Open |
| Private Cohort Option | By arrangement | Flexible timeline | Customized to your business needs | Contact Us |