Each year during spring break, in a course intended to promote the understanding of family businesses, the Smith Family Business Initiative leads a weeklong student trek (NBA 5920) to Italy to explore the country’s many significant family businesses, Italian history, and culture. For those interested in learning about family businesses, Italy is an important destination. There are estimated to be around 784,000 family businesses in the country, comprising over 85% of the total business landscape and providing around 70% of employment. What distinguishes Italian family businesses is their remarkable longevity: among the world’s 100 oldest businesses, 15 are Italian. Notably, five of these – including Fonderie Pontificie Marinelli (founded in 1000), Barone Ricasoli (1141), Barovier & Toso (1295), Torrini (1369), and Marchesi Antinori (1385) – rank among the top ten oldest family businesses still in operation today.

Through these visits, the group seeks to peek behind the scenes at business operations and speak with family members to understand the values and beliefs underpinning the foundation of these companies. This program is open to graduate students across Cornell. It is a 1.5 credit course. Please register for the info session on December 4th via Zoom to learn more.

About the Matthew Unger MBA’23 Fellowship for Experiential Learning

The Matthew Unger MBA ’23 Fellowship for Experiential Learning provides financial support of up to $5,000 for up to two students to participate in the Family Businesses in Italy Trek (March 29-April 5, 2025), led by the Smith Family Business Initiative (SFBI) at the SC Johnson College of Business. Generously established by recent alumnus Matthew Unger, ‘MBA ’23, this fellowship is open to all graduate students at Cornell University, and its objective is to eliminate potential participation barriers for persons of color and other underrepresented groups, ensuring equal access among all students to this transformative experiential learning opportunity. There are two spots available for this fellowship program this year. We are seeking applicants who would greatly benefit from this unique opportunity to explore family businesses through the Italy trek. Selection will be based on a combination of merit and financial need. Ideal candidates will demonstrate not only strong academic and leadership potential but also a willingness to support the SFBI team and contribute to the success of the trek by fostering a collaborative and positive group experience. Email Susan Hu at yh789@cornell.edu with any questions.

Apply here: https://johnson.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9KtXagCfHMPCt38

DEADLINE: Jan. 8, 2025, 11:59pm ET