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Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the training and learning strategies adopted by family businesses in Ireland. Design/methodology/approach - In order to implement the study a database of family businesses was compiled. A number of sources were used to compile the database. Primary data from a stratified random sample of independent unquoted businesses were collected. Data were collected from 121 family businesses using a postal questionnaire. Findings - The key findings of this study are that family SMEs [small and medium enterprises] appear to prefer an informal learning strategy than a formal strategy and family SMEs are hindered by the lack of financial resources so as to enable learning and training to occur within the business. Research limitations/implications - This study used a single-respondent, self-administered questionnaire. Future research should incorporate analysing other members of the family business - family and non-family members - so as to get a 'wider' understanding of learning and training in family businesses in Ireland. Originality/value - This paper presents original findings in a highly relevant, but under-researched field - family businesses in Ireland, the issue of learning and training of family businesses.