Judicial liquidations on the rise, turnover in decline, creation of establishments at an all-time low… The Gironde economy is doing poorly at the end of 2024, as revealed by the latest barometer from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bordeaux-Gironde (CCI), and does not spare shops, cafes and restaurants. However, a new generation with projects – in their twenties and thirties – is arriving on the Bordeaux market. Sandrine Jacotot, elected in charge of shops, markets and local events, views these young entrepreneurs favorably.
Is Bordeaux really seeing the arrival of a new generation of entrepreneurs?
There is in fact a new generation, more and more young people, who are trying to implement new projects in Bordeaux. These are often beautiful projects, very committed, with a lot of values emerging from them. We are very attentive to new players who wish to establish themselves and we are here to support them.
The current economic situation does not seem to discourage them…
You shouldn’t be too negative and alarming. Bordeaux is a national leader with more than 9,500 businesses, including 2,500 food businesses. We have seen an increase in bars and restaurants in recent years: they represented 14.7% in 2017 and 18.3% in 2023. We must encourage these young people who are nevertheless widely informed about the challenges they face. They have all the elements and cards in hand to succeed. When you decide to start a business, you know what you are getting into. These young people are athletes who embark on a long-distance race, for at least three years, before being able to fully develop their turnover. They know it.
“When you decide to start a business, you know what you are getting into”
Are these new project leaders therefore beneficial for Bordeaux?
Of course ! They are the future and obviously bring a lot of positive things. They have a lot of strengths: they are very good communicators and they know how to make great presentations. They bring attractiveness to the city and visibility to surrounding businesses. It’s better to have a neighbor who is a hit than another who doesn’t do his job well.
