Business initiative is the driving force of innovation, the creation of companies and economic growth, making it possible to continually introduce new ideas, innovative approaches and advanced technology. Naturally, many entrepreneurs create family businesses. Entrepreneurship and family business are two different worlds, but they are closely related.

IESE is a school created by and for entrepreneurs. Since its foundation, entrepreneurship and development of family business have been a symbol of its identity. Over thirteen years ago, Family-Owned Business Chair and Bertrán Foundation Chair of Entrepreneurship were created to selectively promote this content. Now to support and promote this vocation, IESE has created the Center for Family-Owned Business and Entrepreneurship, which coordinates both Departments and constitutes an interdisciplinary work platform designed for exploring the problems and challenges faced by entrepreneurs and family businesses. 

Mission
The Center has the mission of promoting and supporting entrepreneurship and family business through research, dissemination and the exchange of information and experiences among the academic and business communities.

Objectives
The fundamental objectives of the Center are:

A. To promote research:

• To explore the processes, concepts and techniques that allow the introduction of a more enterprising style of management in all organizations, and especially family businesses.

• To research and establish lines of cooperation with other academic and research institutions, as well as with other national and foreign centers of business initiative and family business.

• To promote research and development of entrepreneuriship and family business, coordinating the interests of the business community, entrepreneurs and  professors and researchers in the different IESE Departments.

B. To promote training and information:

• To promote training for entrepreneurs, shareholders and administrators of family businesses.

• To promote the development of entrepreneurs who are leaders and capable of developing sustainable organizations.

• To emphasize the social contribution made by entrepreneurs and family businesses.

• To disseminate knowledge on research through publications.