PROGRAMS
Family Business Program
Atlantic Canada has the highest density of multi-generational family businesses in Canada. It is critical to assure that these businesses will continue to be headquartered in the region. The next generation faces unique challenges as they establish their own identity as part of the family business(es).
As such, Family Business Cohort (EChO) was established in 2009 by the Wallace McCain Institute (WMI). The goal is to provide a network of peer to peer support to the next generation of family business leaders in order to improve succession success. The first forum was dedicated to family businesses on the New Brunswick Business Council.
Family Business Cohort launching January 2027
We are currently accepting applications for Family Business Cohort launching January 2027.
Complete the application here here.
Meet our Executive in Residence
Meet David Blom, Executive in Residence for our Family Business Cohort (EChO)
David Blom brings the discipline of a CA and CPA together with his FEA and ICD.D credentials, giving families a clear-eyed view of the numbers and the boardroom alike. As COO he keeps the firm running so advisors can focus on the work, and he is most at home helping owners structure governance that holds up across generations.
IS THIS YOU?
The profile of the participants in the ECHO program ranges across a wide variety of family business members. Do any of the following resonate with you?
- “I don’t want this to fail on my watch.”
- “I don’t know if I am “the one” … he hasn’t clearly talked about it.”
- “I‘m too far into this to ask for help. I’m supposed to know.”
- “There is a huge expectation that goes with this last name.”
- “The trouble is, Dad is both a help and a hindrance.”
- “I wish that it didn’t have to be my father teaching me the business.”
- “I doubt my abilities because there is always a safety net under me.”
- “Some days I doubt he will ever let go and let me take the reins.”
- “Am I ready to run this… and what do I do if I’m not?”
- “My spouse and I want to do things differently with our kids.”
Customized Format
The program location, frequency, dates and format are customized to the group members that are chosen. The Expression of Interest survey form gathers input from potential members on their desired program structure. As an illustrative example, the most recent group of EChO meets bi-monthly for 2 full days at various retreat locations in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and 1X in Prince Edward Island. Tuition is $8500 per year. To graduate you must complete the full two year curriculum in family business dynamics led by Family Enterprise Executive Advisor along with our leadership modules in Year two.
Fill the Nomination form if you are interested in joining our next cohort