Business · Companies · 21 hrs ago
A lack of successors threatens thousands of Italian small businesses
Thousands of Italian small businesses risk closing because their owners are nearing retirement and cannot find anyone to take over.
The problem affects businesses across the country, including family firms in fashion, furniture, food and manufacturing.
These companies have helped build Italy’s economy and international reputation, and many still have customers and are profitable.
A study cited by the National Confederation of Artisans and Small and Medium Enterprises found that more than 300,000 sole proprietorships are run by people aged 70 or older.
Their number rose by nearly 9% in a decade, while businesses run by people under 35 fell by 24%.
Closures could take skills and customer relationships with them, not just jobs and economic activity.
Business groups are calling for easier transfers, better access to financing and support for young people and workers who want to take over.
Thousands of Italian small businesses risk closing because their owners cannot find successors.
Many are established and profitable businesses whose owners are nearing retirement.
More than 300,000 sole-proprietor businesses are run by people aged 70 or older, according to a study cited by the CNA.
The number of businesses managed by people under 35 has fallen by 24% over the past decade.
Industry groups are calling for measures to help new entrepreneurs take over businesses and gain access to financing.
- Who
- Italian small businesses and their ageing owners, who are struggling to find successors.
- What
- Thousands of businesses risk disappearing because no one is willing or able to take them over.
- When
- The report was published on November 14, 2026; the cited figures cover the past decade.
- Where
- Italy.
- Why
- Owners are approaching retirement, while their children may not want or be able to continue the business and finding buyers or young entrepreneurs can be difficult.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The number of businesses managed by people under 35 fell by 24%, while the number of businesses run by people aged 70 or older rose by nearly 9%.
El País published its report on the succession challenges facing Italian small businesses.
- Businesses run by people aged 70 or older
- More than 300,000 sole-proprietor businesses
- Increase in businesses run by people aged 70 or older
- Nearly 9% over the past decade
- Businesses managed by people under 35
- Fell by 24% over the past decade
- Agriculture
- Nearly one-third of holders are at least 70 years old
- Report publication date
- November 14, 2026
What people are saying
El relevo generacional es uno de los grandes desafíos de política industrial que Italia debe afrontar
Cada empresa que cierra porque no encuentra a alguien dispuesto a continuar con ella no supone únicamente la pérdida de una actividad económica, sino también de conocimientos, experiencia profesional, relaciones con clientes y proveedores y, a menudo, de un patrimonio construido durante décadas de trabajo