What's it all about?

The Schlesinger Global Family Enterprise Case Competition, organised by the Grossman School of Business in Vermont, is one of the world’s most prestigious case competitions and is the only one specifically dedicated to the topic of family businesses. It is regarded as the unofficial world championship of family business education.

How does the SG-FECC work?

An independent panel selects the cases for the competition. These were initially developed exclusively for the competition by the world’s most prestigious business schools (e.g. Harvard, Ivey, IMD) The competition comprises one case, which the teams receive a week before arriving in Vermont and which they present on the opening day. On each of the following two days, each team is given a further case, which they must complete unaided within four hours.

When is the SG-FECC taking place?

8–11 January 2025

Who can take part?

The competition is open to all students at Hochschule München who wish to engage in-depth with the topic of family businesses. One team of students with a bachelor's degree and one team of Master's students may enter. Teams must be present in Vermont during the competition. Each team consists of up to four students and one coach.

What are the costs involved?

The participation fee is 500 USD per person and is non-refundable. The fee covers all meals, social events, local transport and other expenses. Travel and accommodation must be paid for privately.

Before the competition

As part of a seminar (5 ECTS), students are prepared by their coach with the knowledge and skills required to participate successfully in the SG-FECC. The approach to case study analysis, teamwork and presentation are practised in detail together in advance. We hold preparatory meetings via Zoom at irregular intervals and would be delighted to invite you to attend.

During the competition

During the competition, the coach must not interfere with the teams’ work on the case. After the case presentations, the coach discusses the jury’s feedback with the teams and helps them to refine their strategy.

Follow-up report from 2024