2026 Goals
The IFOB thrives on memberships, sponsorships, and volunteers. We aim to grow engagement statewide – not just with family business owners, but also their employees – while maintaining our 95% retention rate.
This year, we launched the Maine Futures Scholarship for graduating seniors from public, private, or homeschool backgrounds pursuing post-secondary education at Maine institutions. With over 40 impressive applicants, we awarded $2,500 to one student and $1,000 to another, renewable for up to four years. We wish we could support them all!
From networking events and peer groups to educational programs, golf instruction, our annual scramble and gala, plus a robust website featuring job boards, member directories, special offers, a portal, and podcasts – IFOB is a one-of-a-kind resource for Maine’s family businesses. We want more families and their teams to discover how we can help them connect, grow, and succeed.
Fundraising events/Opportunities
We host 40-plus events annually with hundreds of attendees – from our “How To” educational series and Chit Chat with Derek & Cat podcast, to the Maine Family Business Awards and trade show, New Year Party, National Family-Owned Business Day, Wine & 9 women’s golf clinics, and our 9- and 18-hole Golf Scramble. Peer groups include CEO Central, Women’s Leadership Forum, Next Gen Exec I, Next Wave, Working Parents, EOS Think Tank, and our newest initiative – the Maine Futures Scholarship.
Businesses and individuals can support IFOB by becoming members, sponsoring programs, donating, and attending events. Our funding comes entirely from those who value the vital role of family-owned businesses. Every dollar raised directly fuels this programming and helps us continue growing our impact and the economy.
Giving Opportunities
Our events foster prime networking, relationship-building, and education among those navigating the unique challenges and opportunities of family-owned businesses.
We offer two membership types:
1. Family Business Members – Two or more family members working in or owning a business with a shared long-term vision.
2. Associate Partners – Non-family service providers (e.g., banks, attorneys, coaches, and sole proprietors).
Members receive benefits like educational programs, directory and job listings, special offer promotions, company news, podcast features, and more.
Sponsorship opportunities include exposure in our Kindred Connector (bi-monthly e-newsletter with 3,500+ readers), awards program, website, and trade show. Our gala draws over 500 attendees and live stream viewers. We welcome creative in-kind contributions, donations, estate giving, and scholarship support – and invite all to nominate family-owned businesses each year.
Volunteer Opportunities
We are always looking for guest speakers who can share their educational wisdom with our audience or be a guest on our video podcast. We welcome ambassadors to usher in our guests at our events including our awards, New Year party, Scramble and Business After Hours. We have 21 board members and a few committees that help us with our mission.