Generational renewal in rural businesses: webinar presentations and recordings now available

Explore the resources from the Rural Pact Good Practice Webinar on generational renewal in rural businesses of 10 June 2016, outlining practical approaches supporting business creation, development and transfer in rural economies beyond agriculture. 

Browse the video recordings and speaker presentations, and look out for the webinar highlights report, expected in the coming weeks! 

A central message emerging from the webinar was that generational renewal requires more than identifying successors for existing businesses. Tailored advisory services, mentoring schemes, matchmaking initiatives, simplified administrative procedures and dedicated funding can all play an important role in facilitating business transfers, entrepreneurship and business continuity in rural areas. 

The webinar highlighted the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer in supporting rural entrepreneurship and business continuity. Examples showed how mentoring by senior experts and experienced business owners can help younger generations develop skills, build confidence and pursue professional opportunities. Incubation programmes, business planning assistance, start-up capital and vocational training are important enablers of business creation and development. 

The event emphasised that decisions to stay in, return to or invest in rural areas depend not only on economic opportunities, but also on housing, services, connectivity, mobility and quality of life. Integrated, place-based approaches combining these different dimensions are key for attracting talent and supporting demographic renewal. 

The webinar further explored the contribution of women, migrants, international students, newcomers and senior experts to rural economies. Practical examples from Austria, Spain, Germany, Slovenia, Czechia and Finland showcased approaches ranging from business succession support and intergenerational mentoring, to entrepreneurship incubation, talent attraction initiatives and programmes connecting people with rural opportunities.