Confindustria Lombardia launches Bridge Up for family businesses

Confindustria Lombardia has launched ‘Bridge Up’, a project designed by its Young Entrepreneurs division to facilitate structured generational transitions within family-owned businesses. The initiative aims to ensure financial sustainability and preserve the regional entrepreneurial heritage during the critical shift from second to third-generation leadership.

Data from Confindustria Lombardia highlights an urgent demographic challenge: between 2000 and 2025, leadership roles held by individuals over 50 in Lombardy increased by 62%, rising from 772,000 to 1.25 million. Conversely, governance roles held by those under 30 fell by 45%, and the 30-50 age bracket decreased by 31%. Currently, individuals over 50 hold 67% of director positions. Stefano Rossi, President of the Young Entrepreneurs of Confindustria Lombardia, stated the project seeks to provide support through financial partners to help family businesses maintain value amidst increasing credit limitations and growing private equity opportunities.