An increasing number of businesses in Vitoria-Gasteiz are facing the retirement of their owners without a clear succession plan. To prevent this situation from leading to closures, the City Council has decided to intervene.
The Action Plan for generational handover in commerce will commence this year in Vitoria-Gasteiz, providing free technical advisory sessions for those wishing to transfer their business. This initiative, part of the budgetary agreement between the municipal government and EH Bildu, has a budget of 65,000 euros for this service during 2026.
“"If we do not act in time, many merchants on the verge of retirement will close their businesses, not due to lack of viability, but due to lack of planning. Therefore, it is not enough to offer aid; we must anticipate and plan."
The plan aims to ensure business transfers are carried out with greater guarantees, preventing the closure of viable businesses. It targets local businesses with owners nearing retirement, seeking early intervention before closures become permanent.
A study on local commerce in Vitoria-Gasteiz indicates that 25% of owners over 55 are considering closure, and 39% have not yet decided their future. Most are small, family-owned businesses deeply rooted in the city, many relying on in-person activity and not considering online sales.
“"The goal is to promote the continuity and sustainability of local street-level commerce in Vitoria-Gasteiz through the effective promotion of generational handover."
The Generational Handover Plan also includes an additional 200,000 euros for the entire set of measures, from fieldwork to aid for those completing the transfer. The budget for commerce in 2026 will increase by 17%, reaching 2.7 million euros, to foster the proximity, quality, and sustainability of traditional businesses in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
