# America’s Family-Owned Businesses Outpace Traditional Corporations in Longevity, New Family Enterprise USA Survey Shows

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/pr-news/americas-family-owned-businesses-outpace-traditional-corporations-in-longevity-new-family-enterprise-usa-survey-shows
- Published: 2026-07-29T09:03:00+07:00
- Author: MarketersMEDIA Newswire

_Survey Shows 83% of Family-Owned Business Still Operating after 20 years, with 
32% Going Strong Between 50 and 100 Years_

Washington, DC (Hagerstown, MD), United States, July 29, 2026 — **America’s Family-
Owned Businesses Outpace Traditional Corporations in Longevity, New Family Enterprise
USA Survey Shows**

_Survey Shows 83% of Family-Owned Business Still Operating after 20 years, with 
32% Going Strong Between 50 and 100 Years_

A new survey [found 83% of family-owned businesses ](https://familyenterpriseusa.com/family-business-survey/)
have been in business for 20 years or more, a sharp contrast to mature, publicly-
traded companies with an average life span of 18 years.

           The survey, from Family Enterprise USA, details the longevity, ownership,
and employee levels of America’s family-owned businesses, a key driver of the U.
S. economy. Family-owned businesses [contribute $7.7 trillion annually](https://familyenterpriseusa.com/family-business-survey/)
to the U.S. economy and support 83.3 million jobs, according to research.

           According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly half (48%) of
all businesses fail within the first five years, while only about one third, or 
35%, are still operating after 10 years. Large, mature corporations on the S&F 500
have an average life span of 18 years.

 This is in sharp contrast to family-owned businesses which last substantially longer,
with some 32% in business 50 to 100 years, and 26% in business from 30 to 50 years,
according to the family-owned business survey. The study also found 14% of family-
owned business have been operating for over 100 years.

 Results from the 2026 Annual Family-Owned Business Survey by Family Enterprise 
USA (FEUSA) are based on a survey among 710 family-owned business respondents from
46 states.

 **Employee and Ownership Strength**

           The survey results also show family-owned businesses with 68% having 
family members working in the business and over half of the businesses (51%) employing
more than 51 workers. 

           In addition, the survey shows 11% of the family businesses are big employers,
employing over 500 employees.

 The survey, which covered a wide range of topics, from top tax and economic concerns
to cyber-security issues to ownership issues, found family-owned businesses plan
to stay family-owned.

 When asked who they “anticipated being the next owner” of the business, 72% said
the business will “stay in the family.”

 It was found only 9% would sell to “Non-Family Employee” and 3% would sell to “
Private Equity.”

 When it came to “Holding Ownership,” the survey shows 78% are “Pass Through Entities,”
such as S corporations, limited liability companies, or partnerships. Some 22% were
held in C Corporations, trusts, or other entities, the survey found.

 “Family-owned businesses are long-term, powerful drivers of our economy,” said 
Pat Soldano, President, Family Enterprise USA, survey organizers.“We see time and
again family business are the most stable economic force we have in our country 
and yet they have challenges larger, traditional corporations never face, such as
paying higher taxes and the threat of large Estate Taxes upon the founder’s death,”
she said. “This research is an important annual tool to educate our policy makers,
so they understand the importance and size of family businesses in our economy, 
and to make better policy decisions to help family-owned businesses grow and prosper
for generations to come.”

 For an Executive Summary of the 2026 Annual Family-Owned Business go to: **[FEUSA 2026 Annual Family-Owned Business Survey](https://familyenterpriseusa.com/family-business-survey/).**

**About Family Enterprise USA**

**Family Enterprise USA promotes family-owned business creation, growth, viability,
and sustainability by advocating for family businesses and their lifetime of savings
with Congress in Washington, D.C.  FEUSA represents and celebrates all sizes, professions
and industries of family-owned enterprises and multi-generational employers. FEUSA
is a 501.C3 organization**

﻿﻿

Contact Info: 
Name: Bob ChewEmail: [Send Email](https://send.releasecontact.com/89199167)
Organization: Family Enterprise USA and Family Enterprise USA ActionAddress: 712
H Street NE Suite 1330, Washington DC, United StatesPhone: 310-383-0528Website: 
[https://familyenterpriseusa.com/](https://familyenterpriseusa.com/)

Video URL: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBV5HEsFKss](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBV5HEsFKss)

Release ID: 89199167

Should there be any problems, inaccuracies, or doubts arising from the content provided
in this press release that require attention or if a press release needs to be taken
down, we urge you to notify us immediately by contacting [error@releasecontact.com](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/pr-news/error@releasecontact.com)(
it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters,
sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite
your request). Our efficient team will promptly address your concerns within 8 hours,
taking necessary steps to rectify identified issues or assist with the removal process.
Providing accurate and dependable information is central to our commitment.

**Source** : [America’s Family-Owned Businesses Outpace Traditional Corporations in Longevity, New Family Enterprise USA Survey Shows](https://news.marketersmedia.com/americas-family-owned-businesses-outpace-traditional-corporations-in-longevity-new-family-enterprise-usa-survey-shows/89199167?rand=206000)

    ```wp-block-verse
    The information provided in this article was created by MarketersMEDIA Newswire, our news partner. The author's opinions and the content shared on this page are their own and may not necessarily represent the perspectives of Thailand Business News.
    ```
