Cámarabilbao, along with six other entities, has signed a collaboration protocol to boost the transmission of commercial businesses in Bilbao. This initiative aims to ensure the continuity of shops, as approximately 1,000 business owners are expected to reach retirement age in the city within the next five years.
The protocol was unveiled at the Edificio del Ensanche, which houses the entrepreneurship, SME support, and commerce services of the Bilbao City Council. The agreement brings together Cámarabilbao, the Bilbao City Council with its society Bilbao Ekintza, the Basque Government, the Provincial Council of Bizkaia with its society DEMA, CECOBI, BILBAO DENDAK, and BIZKAIDENDAK to work jointly and coordinatedly.
According to studies by the Bilbao City Council, about a thousand owners of Bilbao's businesses will reach retirement age in the next five years. Kontxi Claver, Councilor for Economic Development, Commerce, Tourism, and Employment of the Bilbao City Council, stated that "the repercussions these forecasts may have on the commercial fabric of the Villa compel us to act proactively to offer a real alternative to potential closures through business transmission." She added that this is a phenomenon occurring across Europe, but one they wish to address "in time and with alternatives" in Bilbao.
The signatory entities include: Cámarabilbao; the Bilbao City Council and Bilbao Ekintza; the Basque Government; the Provincial Council of Bizkaia and DEMA; CECOBI; BILBAO DENDAK, and BIZKAIDENDAK. Representatives from these organizations attended the presentation, where the protocol details were explained by Councilor Kontxi Claver, alongside the Vice-Minister of Commerce, Tourism, and Consumption of the Basque Government, Jakes Aguirrezabal; the Director of DEMA, Gloria Múgica; and the Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, Mikel Arieta-Araunabeña.
Kontxi Claver emphasized that the implementation of this Protocol is "a major step" for the commercial sector, enabling "joint, coordinated work with greater strength." She highlighted that it is "developed from Bilbao for Bilbao" and that tackling business transmission collaboratively will be "the safest option with the greatest chance of success."
According to Jakes Aguirrezabal, "we increasingly have an aging commercial sector," which is why the Basque Government promotes strategies and programs for those "considering entrepreneurship." He stated, "We want anyone thinking of opening a new business or transferring or acquiring an existing one not to be deterred by a lack of support."
Gloria Múgica, Managing Director of DEMA, pointed out that her provincial agency will contribute four years of experience from the business transmission program NegoziOn. She explained that this program "demonstrates that business transmission is one of the most effective tools for preserving cohesion, economic activity, employment, and the accumulated knowledge" of their businesses. DEMA supports both those "wishing to pass on the baton" and those "seeing a real opportunity to start a business with greater guarantees."
Mikel Arieta-Araunabeña, Secretary General of the Bilbao Chamber of Commerce, affirmed that "all entities are aligned with the same objective: to boost business transmission to generate employment, maintain effective projects, and strengthen the commercial and social fabric." He noted that the Chamber acts as a "transmission belt," providing information, training, advice, and support throughout the process.
The main focus of the agreement is the use and promotion of Transmission as a formula for maintaining businesses and as an opportunity for entrepreneurs. Existing programs will be optimized with ancillary services such as advice and training. Businesses and potential entrepreneurs will be attracted through events and talks, and the sector will be informed about the possibilities of business transmission.
The first steps are already yielding results, with an increase in both the number of businesses and entrepreneurs approaching the participating entities. Contact has been made with businesses whose owners will retire in the next 5 years to inform them about transmission processes and available support resources.
Existing programs such as Berriz Enpresa (Basque Government/Cámarabilbao) and NegoziOn (Provincial Council of Bizkaia/DEMA) will be coordinated and optimized. Bilbao Ekintza will serve as an information and guidance reinforcement point.
Both programs offer business owners a presentation letter, valuation support, promotion, and buyer search. Entrepreneurs will receive suitability analysis, business plan support, and accompaniment. Contract drafting, purchase-sale, and rental agreements are also included.
Specific financial aid is available to facilitate the continuity of viable businesses through their transfer. The Basque Government's MerkaEkin 2026 call and the Provincial Council of Bizkaia's Entrepreneurship Initiatives Promotion Program 2026 offer specific support lines. Bilbao Ekintza also provides complementary aid for commercial space rentals and knowledge transfer.
