Family Owned and Operated

What this mark certifies

This mark confirms that a business is genuinely owned by a single family and that a family member is actively involved in running or governing it. Family ownership carries a strong association with continuity, accountability and personal standing behind the business, and it is a claim many businesses make loosely. The mark separates the genuine article from the marketing line.

The mark requires both ownership and involvement. A family that holds the shares but has no active role does not meet the operated limb, and a family member who runs the business without majority family ownership does not meet the owned limb. Both must be present at the same time.

Certification requirements

• A minimum of 51% of the business is owned by members of a single family, related by blood, marriage, adoption or a long term domestic partnership.

• A minimum of one family member holds an active role in the day to day operation or the governance of the business.

• The business has operated under the family's ownership for a minimum of twelve months at the date of assessment.

• The business holds a current Australian Business Number.

Evidence required

• Ownership records showing the family shareholding.

• A statement of the family relationships among the owners, with supporting identity evidence.

• Evidence of a family member's operational or governance role, such as a position description, a directorship record, an employment record or payroll records.

• A signed ownership and involvement declaration.

How it is assessed

The certifier verifies the ownership percentage, confirms the family relationships among the owners, and confirms that a family member holds an active operational or governance role. The certificate records the certified family ownership and involvement position.

Re-verification and monitoring

Certification is valid for twelve months and is subject to annual re-verification, at which the ownership percentage and the active family role are confirmed again.

Grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation

Certification is refused, suspended or revoked where family ownership falls below 51%, where no family member remains active in the operation or governance of the business, or where the family relationship or involvement information is found to be untrue.

Contractual obligations on the badge holder

In addition to the core terms of the CAQA Certified Licence Agreement in Section 4, a holder of this mark agrees to the following obligations specific to this badge.

1. 1

   The holder must maintain single family ownership of a minimum of 51% and an active family role in operation or governance throughout the licence term.

2. 2

   The holder must notify CAQA in writing within fourteen days of any change in ownership that reduces family ownership below 51%, or of the cessation of the active family role.

3. 3

   The holder must provide updated ownership records within ten business days of a request by CAQA.

4. 4

   The holder warrants that the family relationship and involvement information provided is true and complete.