Estate Planning: Why the Advising Family Business Course Matters

Family businesses are at the heart of Canada’s economy, yet most won’t survive beyond the first or second generation: 70% of wealthy clients will lose their wealth in the first generation that inherits. Worse by the third generation, 90% of it will be gone.  When they fail, the impact extends far beyond the owners—employees, communities, and local economies all feel the loss. That’s why now is an ideal time to build your expertise in this area.  The good news:  you can learn more and earn CE Credentials with our limited-time 50% off Black Friday offer on the Advising Family Business course.

The Advising Family Business course from Knowledge Bureau is designed for professionals who want to step into that leadership role and be proactive with business owner clients who face significant financial decision-making with multiple stakeholders:  their family members, their business associates, clients, employees and suppliers.

This course will teach  you the insights to confidently quarterback the planning process so family enterprises can operate with clarity today and plan to transition confidently tomorrow. The course equips you to introduce unique strategies to align goals among family members, and implement solutions that stand the test of time.

A major focus of the program is learning to identify and separate family, business, and ownership issues - an essential step in keeping relationships healthy and operations running smoothly. You’ll also explore how to guide clients through shared goal-setting, succession mapping, and planning conversations that are often difficult but vital.

Course Chapters Include:

• Understanding the Family Business
• How to Work in Alignment with Your Family Business Clients
• Developing a Shared Vision
• Understanding Family Dynamics and Systems
• Planning and Real Wealth Management
• Advisory Products & Services
• The Priorities Pyramid
• The Succession Mapping Process
• Structuring Retirement Income
• Advising Family Businesses

Through the principles of Real Wealth Management – an intergenerational approach to the key elements of strategic family wealth management are interspersed.  You’ll learn to think about how the many stakeholders to the family business success can amplify their financial stability, structure retirement income, and build continuity plans that protect what is often their most valuable asset:  family harmony. You’ll also learn how to lead advisor teams, identify roadblocks before they derail progress, and uncover new advisory opportunities that deepen your value to clients.

Graduate Feedback:  “I enrolled in this course with the goal of helping more people—especially those starting their own businesses—by gaining the professional, step-by-step skills needed to serve clients with excellence and confidence. I’m happy to say those objectives were fully met.

The course content was solid, and I especially appreciated the group-learning aspects, which really enhance understanding. Everything in the program was valuable, and it truly empowers students to support others in meaningful ways. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking to build their knowledge and confidence.

With a bit more focus on calculation practice, it would be even better. Thank you for the opportunity to continue growing my skills.”

Bottom Line:  As advisors look ahead to 2026 and beyond, the need for knowledgeable, trusted guidance for family businesses has never been greater. If this is an area where you want to expand your expertise—or begin building it—this program offers a strong foundation to new goals for your high net worth family business clients. You’ll play a critical role in helping these businesses plan, transition and thrive. 

Black Friday Bonus: For those ready to take the next step, this course is available at 50% off for a limited time. A great opportunity to invest in your skills while helping Canadian family businesses secure their future. Use code 25BLACKFRIDAY