First successful pilot on business succession launched in Kerkrade
Kerkrade is the first municipality in Limburg with a successful pilot focusing on the transfer of family businesses and SMEs. The workshop series "My business in the shop window!" provided entrepreneurs with important information on the process of business transfer and sale. These workshops were organized by the Municipality of Kerkrade in cooperation with MKB-Limburg. Guided by experts, participants received practical tips on how to successfully transfer their business.
About 30% of family businesses in Kerkrade must decide in the next few years whether to transfer or sell their business. This is often a difficult and emotional process in which good preparation is crucial. "Family businesses are the backbone of our local economy," said Alderman Alexander Geers (Economy). "With this pilot, we want to support entrepreneurs in a smooth transfer so that their business - and jobs - are preserved for the future."
The workshop series consisted of three sessions. These covered important topics such as the choice between sale or transfer, the value of the business, and the legal and tax issues surrounding business succession. In addition to theoretical knowledge, the workshops offered entrepreneurs the opportunity to exchange experiences and network. Martijn van Helvert (MKB-Limburg) emphasizes the importance of this initiative: "It is essential that family businesses think about their succession in good time. Through projects such as this workshop series, we support entrepreneurs in this complex process so that their businesses can continue successfully and the regional economy is strengthened."
Because the pilot was a success, we are looking into offering the workshop series more often in the future. Entrepreneurs interested in participating should contact Ralph Wijckmans or Mara van Drunen by emailing ralph.wijckmans@kerkrade.nl or mara.van.drunen@kerkrade.nl.