Elena Dybova: Children of Family Entrepreneurs in the Focus of the Russian President

Vice President of the CCI RF Elena Dybova stressed that “the Chamber is purposefully investing significant effort in preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs—those who will carry forward their families’ businesses. The idea of establishing a systematic approach to working with entrepreneurs’ children emerged naturally, directly responding to requests from family business owners voiced during the implementation of the CCI RF project ‘Family Companies of Russia.’”

The program for children from entrepreneurial families goes beyond teaching basic business skills. Its primary goal is to ensure a smooth and natural integration of the younger generation into the operations of the family company. At its core is the transfer of real-world experience: children learn hands-on business practices from their parents, absorb the philosophy of the family enterprise, develop a responsible attitude toward their work, and cultivate appreciation for their local communities. Meanwhile, the older generation naturally assumes the role of mentors within their familiar working environment. As Dybova noted, practical involvement combined with mentorship has proven to be the most effective way to instill not only professional knowledge and skills but also a strong value-based approach to work.

The initiative also delivers important social benefits. Involving children in the family business strengthens family bonds, creates opportunities for shared experiences, fosters meaningful intergenerational connections, and enables the transfer of professional expertise and know-how. This helps shape a model of a united and harmonious family in which every member’s contribution is valued.

“Many family companies were established in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and today their children are reaching the age at which they are ready to take part in managing, developing, and scaling these businesses. That is why the ‘Hopes of Russian Business’ project is especially relevant today,” emphasized CCI RF Vice President Elena Dybova.

By building a structured system to prepare successors for family enterprises, the CCI RF, as one of the country’s key institutions for business development, is laying the groundwork for a future in which small and medium-sized enterprises can grow steadily. In the long term, the family business segment may become dominant, maintaining its strength through its inherent advantages: a deep commitment to reputation—and therefore to the quality of goods and services—a focus on long-term growth, and a genuine passion for both the business and the local community.