Lyon, July 7 – The CCI Lyon Métropole Saint-Étienne Roanne unveiled an ambitious roadmap for the second half of 2026, accelerating its investments to support local businesses. This announcement comes as part of its mid-year review, addressing a challenging economic environment marked by a slowdown in activity and an increase in business failures.
CCI Shifts from Support to Investment
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) has observed an economy under significant strain. In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, business failures increased by nearly 8% in 2025. Concurrently, regional business turnover declined by 2.2%, investment decreased by 6.2%, and industrial activity contracted by 4.7%. Businesses are also grappling with rapid changes driven by artificial intelligence, cybersecurity threats, energy transitions, and recruitment difficulties.
According to Philippe Valentin, President of the CCI Lyon Métropole Saint-Étienne Roanne, this situation necessitates a change in approach. The institution aims to evolve beyond its traditional role of accompaniment, positioning itself as a key economic player capable of investing, uniting regional partners, and providing operational solutions for business leaders.
Key Initiatives: Business Transmission, Cybersecurity, and AI
One of the primary projects is focused on business transmission. The CCI plans to launch a 5-million-euro fund between late 2026 and early 2027. This fund aims to facilitate the acquisition of SMEs, commercial enterprises, and industrial businesses. The objective is to secure transmission operations, support new owners, and prevent the disappearance of viable companies, particularly as nearly 40% of leaders of VSEs, SMEs, and industrial ETIs anticipate selling their companies within the next five years.
Another critical priority is cybersecurity. Since June 1st, Cyber Assistance Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes has been operational within the Écully Security Hub. This free, 24-hour service supports businesses that have fallen victim to cyberattacks, offering immediate assistance and access to a regional network of experts.
The CCI also intends to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence by SMEs. Following the launch of the IA Tour in the Loire, a partnership with Les Entrepreneurs Rhône will enable the development of specific support for business leaders, including pilot companies, workshops, and tools tailored to various industries.
Investing in Training and Economic Attractiveness
The second half of the year will also see several significant investments in infrastructure. Two specialized training institutes are planned: one dedicated to logistics professions and another to tourism, addressing the growing recruitment needs of businesses. Additionally, the CCI is preparing to create an incubator for industrial startups by 2027.
In the real estate sector, the consular chamber announced its capital entry into SERL Immo to contribute to the development of new reception capacities for businesses in the Lyon metropolitan area. It is also participating in Foncière 42 in the Loire and will invest in a student residence near emlyon business school to enhance the region’s attractiveness.
Several economic events will mark the autumn season. These include the launch of APESA 69, designed for entrepreneurs in difficulty, the economic back-to-school evening on September 7th, and the fourth edition of GOFab! Industrie du futur on October 13th. These initiatives underscore the CCI’s commitment to playing a more significant role in the economic transformation of the region.
Source: lyon-entreprises.com
