This program, made possible by the budgetary agreement between the Governing Team and EH Bildu in 2026, aims to tailor support to the specific needs of each business.
María Nanclares, Councilor for Economic Promotion, Employment, Commerce, and Tourism, explained that the goal is "to contribute to viable businesses nearing closure due to retirement being able to continue their activity through planned succession processes." She added, "This way, we promote the permanence of local businesses, preserve economic activity and employment, and maintain the value these businesses bring to the urban economy and city life."
For her part, EH Bildu councilor Aitziber Salazar highlighted the importance of "anticipating and having a plan" as retirement age approaches. "Receiving advice at such an important moment helps to organize the succession process, thus enabling a shop to remain open, pass on its legacy, and offer a job opportunity to someone who wants to start a business." Salazar reaffirmed her party's commitment to "a proactive model, where the City Council is an ally for those who bet on generational change in commerce."
The service is aimed at all retail businesses whose owners are over 55 years old, whether they wish to start planning the future transfer of their business in advance, have not yet considered it, or are even considering closing due to retirement.
The first phase of the project will focus on awareness-raising, emphasizing the importance of advance planning as a key factor in facilitating succession and business continuity.
The resource will begin with a personalized visit to the establishment to understand the business's situation, characteristics, and the owners' expectations regarding generational succession. Following this initial contact, an express diagnosis will be carried out, analyzing the business's current situation from various perspectives to identify critical points and opportunities for the transfer process.
With this information, a personalized itinerary will be designed to organize the necessary steps for the future transfer, taking into account the specific particularities and needs of each business.
Throughout the advisory process, businesses will receive professional support to resolve any doubts they may have about the transfer, thereby reducing uncertainty and facilitating informed decision-making. Additionally, interested parties will be informed about available public resources and aid to promote business transfers.
