The "Übernimm das Business" event took place as part of KANU, a collaborative project between HNU, the University of Augsburg, Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, and Kempten University of Applied Sciences. Together, these institutions aim to foster their students’ innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive, thereby contributing to the long-term development of Swabia as a hub for business and innovation. Students from all four KANU partner universities were represented among the 67 participants.
The event was opened by Ivanka Burger, Head of Project Development, Transfer, and Collaborations at HNU, and Karin Bräuer, Advisor for Northern and Western Swabia at the Swabian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The evening was hosted by Janine Anderson, Operations Manager of the Founders and Innovation Space, and Carina Volk-Schor, Research Associate and Project Manager at KANU.
Business Succession with Great Potential
In her keynote address, Karin Bräuer highlighted the economic significance of this issue for the region: According to a study by the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, approximately 24,900 family businesses in Bavarian Swabia are set to be handed over between 2027 and 2031. This affects some 109,200 jobs. She cited the impending retirement of many baby boomer entrepreneurs as the main reason. At the same time, she highlighted the support services already available to interested parties—including the “nexxt-change” business exchange, Unternehmenswerkstatt Deutschland, NEXTGEN4BAVARIA, and BAFA-funded consulting services. From legal issues to business plan development, prospective business successors can access a wide range of free support.
The event also focused on financing options. Antje Kunz from LfA Förderbank Bayern explained how business takeovers can be financially supported. In 2025 alone, the development bank committed 2.5 billion euros in funding, thereby supporting approximately 4,000 companies. Among other things, the event featured various financing models as well as discounted and secured loan offers for business succession planning.
Practical and personalized: A change of roles at Balboa Business GmbH
A particular highlight was the interview with HNU graduate Arthur Pracht—now the managing director of Balboa Business GmbH—and former managing director Peter Hamann. Moderated by Karin Bräuer, both spoke openly and honestly about the business succession process.
It became clear that succession doesn’t happen overnight. Trust, patience, and time are crucial factors for a successful transition. Arthur Pracht particularly emphasized entrepreneurial freedom and creative autonomy as major advantages over a traditional employment relationship. Peter Hamann now continues to support the company as an employee—so, in a sense, the two have swapped roles.
Networking in a relaxed atmosphere
At the get-together that followed, many participants took the opportunity to talk with the speakers in person. The relaxed atmosphere provided a space for conversation, networking, and further questions on the topic of business succession.
