Purpose

Mission

The Institute investigates issues related to small business.

Goals

While the main focus is Lethbridge and southern Alberta, investigations incorporate the wider national and international community of small business and fellow researchers. These stakeholders provide guidance and input regarding investigations.

Findings are disseminated through publications in academic and industry journals; and conferences and public presentations.

Processes involving the transfer of knowledge from research into teaching and practice have been established to incorporate appropriate material into the development and delivery of small business university programs.

Focus

Investigations focus on the types of privately held small business varying from start-up to multi-generation. The following aspects of small business are investigated:

• Entrepreneurship
• Family business
• Franchise
• Non-participating family members
• Not-for-profit
• Small business employees
• Succession
• Sustainability