Business succession is one of the biggest challenges for German small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): According to the DIHK Report on Business Succession, more entrepreneurs than ever before are looking to transfer ownership of their businesses — yet finding suitable successors is becoming increasingly challenging. For many businesses, succession has become a question of survival. 

Against this backdrop, the German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHKs) are inviting businesses nationwide to take part in the "To Be Continued!" action week from 15 to 19 June 2026. The goal is to raise awareness of the topic at an early stage, offer concrete support, and encourage more people to take on a business. 

As part of the action week, the IHK organisation will offer a wide range of information and advisory formats. Topics will range from legal and tax issues to financing and business valuation, as well as marketing, social media, or the use of artificial intelligence in everyday business. Both family-internal succession and external succession solutions will be addressed. 

Numerous IHKs across Germany will participate with practical offerings, such as individual consulting sessions, successor roundtables, business breakfasts, or formats specifically designed to bring together current business owners and potential successors.

The DIHK also supports the action week and bundles offerings nationwide. A selection of events can be found here. (only available in German)

The DIHK encourages everyone to learn more about the opportunities and challenges of business succession: ensuring that successful businesses continue operating in the future — true to the motto: To Be Continued!