Abstract
<jats:p>Small family businesses are key players in regional economic development. In the municipality of Centro, Tabasco, these organizations face challenges related to business management, generational succession, and adaptation to competitive environments. In this scenario, leadership is a strategic factor in strengthening productivity, decision-making, and organizational sustainability. The objective of this study is to analyze the characteristics of leadership in small family businesses in order to propose a business development model that strengthens this sector. The research adopts a qualitative exploratory-descriptive approach through interviews with owners and managers. The results show that leadership is linked to the founder's experience, family values, and centralized decision-making, providing an opportunity to professionalize management</jats:p>