BSC Kranj, Regional Development Agency of Gorenjska Region has initiated a pilot project, or preparatory action to facilitate the regional action plan formulation to improve regional Business transfer services to SMEs. The process of preparing the regional action plan is to conduct a series of ten workshops to assist, guide and formulate individual succession plans for the recruited and participating family businesses.
The importance of succession planning in Slovenia
Currently 86% of all businesses are family owned and, in this group, more than 60% of all businesses are still led by the first generation, these statistics reflect vividly in the participating group. It was initially planned to offer business succession planning and support for 5 to 10 companies, however due to increased interest and demand for such services, 18 companies are participating in the preparatory action workshops. The participating companies are located all across Slovenia and not only from the Gorenjska region.
Preparatory action implementation and impact
The first workshop was held on 20th September 2018 and intended to introduce the Interreg Europe STOB regions project, conducted by Dr. Jaka Vadnjal, an expert on family businesses and the topic of succession, as well as an opportunity for participants to introduce themselves and their company. The pilot has gathered a diverse group of businesses at varying stages of succession; including companies who have officially completed the succession process but with first generation still holding management positions, as well as companies planning a succession within one year and those planning a succession within the next 5 – 7 years.
The next workshop will be held in October 2018, with the final workshop scheduled for March 2019. The aim is to formulate individual succession plans for all the participating family businesses.
