Family businesses are the backbone of the economy of the United States. They create jobs, pay taxes and help build communities. Conflicts are part of a normal experience for many small start-ups and family-owned businesses. However, for those who are sharing space at home and work, a family business can also create challenges.

On August 18 the featured speakers at the Business for Breakfast series at the Meridian Technology Center for Business Development will discuss current research on family businesses and offer attendees tips on how to make them work. Featured speakers will be Dr. Matt Rutherford, Associate Professor, and Johnny D. Pope, Chair in Entrepreneurship, in the School of Entrepreneurship at Oklahoma State University, and OSU doctoral student Paul Sanchez.

During the event Rutherford, Pope and Sanchez will discuss the following:

Challenges and opportunities that come with family businesses
Understanding the different types of family firms
Gaining insight on creating balance at work and at home
To attend the August 18 Business for Breakfast event, please contact Diane Maddox at dianem@meridiantech.edu or call (405) 377-2220 or toll-free at (888) 607-2509. An RSVP is strongly encouraged.

The Business For Breakfast networking group will meet from 7:30 – 9:00 in Room 104 North in the Center for Business Development at Meridian Technology Center. The meeting includes a guest speaker and provides business owners and entrepreneurs an informal opportunity to network and share ideas and experiences. All networking sessions are free and include a continental breakfast.