A successful merger and a promising future for the Family Entreprise Foundation

Business families are at the heart of the Canadian economy, generating 48.9% of private sector GDP and accounting for 63.1% of all domestic private companies. They have always faced common challenges that directly impacted not only their leadership role in our communities, but also their generational sustainability.

Supported by several partners, the de Gaspé Beaubien Foundation created the Business Families Foundation (BFF) in Canada more than 30 years ago. Its goal was to help, support and encourage business families all over the world. the de Gaspé Beaubien family is thrilled and proud to see their initiative carry on, thanks to a strategic merger between the BFF and the Family Enterprise Foundation.

The Family Enterprise Foundation (FFE) is the product of this union. It comes into the world at a pivotal time, when the global economy is still recovering from the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic. More than ever, family businesses need to seize every opportunity to contribute to the economic recovery, and to benefit from all the support and resources such a foundation can offer.

Business Families Foundation (BFF): A legacy rich in learning

Having a heart for helping Quebec and Canadian entrepreneurs along with their desire to sustain their family business for future generations led Mr. and Mrs. de Gaspé Beaubien to develop the Business Families Foundation over 30 years ago. Ever since then, they have developed a unique concept based on many years of involvement, both in terms of research and the development of support and mentoring resources with family businesses.

These types of resources were scarce when they began this work, with only legal and financial writings and services available to family businesses. They wanted to do more, not only for their own children, but for other families as well. They wanted to be able to pass along not only legal and financial information, but also other resources crucial to creating a successful family business, such as dealing with the importance of family dynamics, the notion of ownership and a philosophy of support between family members.

Their experience in setting up a large family media business encouraged them to join other entrepreneurial families. Thus, their support has not only helped these "learning families" and made them more self-reliant but has also contributed to an economic boom.

"We are very pleased and greatly reassured by the continuity of our family entrepreneurship support project. After investing more than 30 years of our lives in the Business Families Foundation, knowing that this project will continue over time is music to our ears. We wish the FFE a long life.” - Philippe de Gaspé Beaubien.

Mr. and Mrs. de Gaspé Beaubien will now serve as honorary members of the Board of Directors of the Family Enterprise Foundation (FFE), while continuing to serve as Presidents of the de Gaspé Beaubien Foundation. They devote their time and energy to philanthropy through their Family Foundation.

Imparting their wisdom and knowledge and serving others remain their passions and are at the heart of everything they do.

About the FEF (Family Enterprise Foundation)

As the unified voice of family businesses in Canada, the Family Enterprise Foundation (FEF) is a charitable organization focused on providing educational and other resources for the research and sustainability of these family businesses. It promotes the success and longevity of Canadian family businesses on a national scale.

As a representative of Canadian family businesses, the FEF develops tailored training and specialized educational tools, some of which also train and certify family business advisors.

Conclusion

The successful merger of the Family Enterprise Foundation heralds a bright future for entrepreneurial families and their businesses. The mission of supporting, assisting and encouraging business families will ensure their sustainability and harmony for generations to come.

Mr. and Mrs. de Gaspé Beaubien are convinced that it is through the support of organizations such as the BFF and the FFE that research can be conducted to better understand the challenges faced by family businesses in Canada and the opportunities available to them. Mr and Mrs de Gaspé Beaubien will continue to put all their heart and passion for family entrepreneurship into the FFE, alongside their dear partners and valued collaborators.