REBTES
Developing Regional SME Business Transfer Ecosystems
- Duration: • Phase 1: 1 May 2025 – 30 April 2028, phase 2: 1 May 2028 – 30 April 2029
- Project website (in English): https://www.interregeurope.eu/rebtes
- Lead partner: Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences
- Partners: Regional Council of South Ostrobothnia (Finland), Regional Chamber of Craft and Small Business Maribor (Slovenia), SMEs & Entrepreneurship Policy Centre (CEPOR) (Croatia), Department of Investment Policy, Projects, International Relations, Tourism and City Promotion of Ivano-Frankivsk City Council (Ukraine), Wallonia Enterprise Support and Strategy (Belgium), Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Belgium), Utrecht Municipality (Netherlands), and HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht (Netherlands)
- Total budget: €1,489,562
- Funding programme: Interreg Europe 2021–2027
- Representatives of the regional stakeholder group: South Ostrobothnia Entrepreneurs Association, Into Seinäjoki Ltd, Järviseutu Business Services JPYP, Uusyrityskeskus Neuvoa-antava
The project in Short
REBTES aims to develop policy instruments that support strong business transfer ecosystems and thereby foster the growth, employment and continuity of SMEs in European regions.
Europe’s entrepreneurs and population are ageing. At the same time, the number of intra-family successions is decreasing, making it important that business owners have alternative exit strategies. Most transfers of SMEs, especially micro-enterprises, take place within the company’s local area or region. Dynamic, well-developed and lasting regional business transfer ecosystems are critical in this process, as they ensure that sellers and potential buyers can find each other.
REBTES brings together partners from five European regions that represent different stages of development in their business transfer ecosystems. At the beginning of the project, a mapping of the ecosystems will create a baseline overview. This will be followed by a structured learning process consisting of knowledge-sharing workshops, study visits, staff exchanges and bilateral learning. These activities are organised based on each region’s strengths and challenges, with the aim of promoting interregional learning and identifying good practices. Actions within the local ecosystem, together with the structured learning, support policy development.
Project News
REBTES -project started in May 2025. Article on the SEAMK website in Finnish.
The Regional Coordination Group of stakeholders started their work in South Ostrobothnia in September. Article on the SEAMK website in English.
The REBTES introduction video has been published. In English.
