The Bailey Program for Family Enterprise

Colorado is Better When Family Businesses Thrive

Family-owned businesses are the backbone of our communities. They are the trusted local brands, the beloved neighborhood spots, and the essential services we rely on. These businesses create jobs, invest in their people, and shape the identity of our great state. In fact, they contribute $7.7 trillion to the U.S. GDP and employ 59% of the country’s private workforce. more than just businesses, they are pillars of resilience, innovation, and trust. Yet, despite their deep roots and strong foundations, only 30% of family businesses survive to the second generation, and just 12% make it to the third.

The Bailey Program for Family Enterprise was created to support family businesses, family offices, and family advisors to benefit our public good. By empowering family enterprises, we not only secure their legacies but also contribute to a stronger, more vibrant Colorado.

The Challenge: Balancing Family & Business

Family Business Members Smiling together

Running a family business isn’t just about the bottom line—it’s about legacy, relationships, and long-term success. Families love their businesses and each other, but navigating the complexities of multigenerational ownership can be challenging. They need the right education, tools, and connections to sustain their business across generations.

We provide thought-leadership in the following areas:
✅ Family Harmony & Governance
✅ Financial & Legal Planning
✅ Social Impact & Community Engagement

Stronger Familes, Stronger Businesses

The Bailey Program for Family Enterprise is the first and only comprehensive ceducation community for Family Business in Colorado.

We empower family businesses, family offices, and advisors through world-class education, curated networking, research, and advocacy. The program was established in 2019 thanks to the generous gift from the Paul T. Bailey estate.

We are dedicated to preserving and strengthening privately held and locally owned businesses. Our workshops, events, and peer forums, are designed to support family businesses, family offices, and advisors—ensuring they have the skills and support to thrive.

Stay Connected With Us

Engage With Us

FAMILY BUSINESS

Gain strategic tools and new connections to navigate succession, governance, and growth while preserving your legacy.

FAMILY OFFICE

Gain insights and frameworks to manage multi-generational wealth, governance, and investment strategies for long-term success.

MEMBERSHIP

Join as a founding member and gain exclusive access to resources, expert panels, and industry connections.

CURATED WORKSHOPS

Attend workshops designed to help families and advisors navigate governance, leadership, and wealth management with practical, actionable insights.

SUPPORT

Partner with us to support the Family Enterprise Community and benefit our public good.

SIGNATURE EVENTS

Join family business leaders, advisors, and experts for dynamic Roundtables, insightful discussions, and meaningful networking.

Check out our Featured Event

Family Business Site Tour: Colorado Cherry Co.

When: Thursday, February 27, 2025 | 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Where: Colorado Cherry Co. | 1000 Champion Dr Unit 1A Windsor, CO 80550
Cost: Free for Family Businesses
Who Should Attend: This tour is open to family businesses who are members and prospective members of the Bailey Program for Family Enterprise.

Join the Bailey Program and Colorado Cherry Company for an afternoon of fun and delicious networking with other family owned businesses in Colorado. Be inspired and learn from the Lehnert family’s 96-year-old multi-generational story while enjoying their fresh baked goods!

RSVP to Attend

About Colorado Cherry Company

It all started when Grandma Lehnert perfected the art of the cherry pie. She didn’t stop baking, and neither will we. The Colorado Cherry Company is now a fourth-generation owned and operated business in the heart of the high country. You’ll find our original loveland location along Hwy 34 heading up to Estes Park. If you live in Denver and take Hwy 36, fear not. Our Lyons store is located in Lyons, Colorado.

As of 2017, the Colorado Cherry Company now operates a third retail location, and cafe inside the historic Stanley Hotel.

Stop by any of our stores, say hello, and grab a pie. You won’t regret it. Hey, who knows, you may even see Yogi Bear. He’s been known to hang around looking for any pie left untouched…

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Strategic Partner

Annual Sponsors

Learn More

If you have questions about the Bailey Program for Family Enterprise, our resources, our workshops or how to get involved, contact us at BaileyProgram.FamilyEnterprise@du.edu.

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Support Our Efforts

Are you interested in donating to the Bailey Program, or would you like to learn more about how your company can become a sponsor? Please visit our Support page or reach out to Helena Karchere at Helena.Karchere@du.edu or 303.871.4502.