Assistance on supporting female business owners in Spain: What support options are available?
In the vibrant landscape of Spanish entrepreneurship, women are making their mark. With over 650,000 women entrepreneurs in the country, initiatives are being put in place to support this growing demographic.
One such initiative is the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a two-month program supported by the US Embassy. This program offers masterclasses, mentoring, and online training through Arizona State University's DreamBuilder initiative.
For those seeking financing, regional Sociedades de Garantía Recíproca (SGRs) such as Avalmadrid or Avalis can be approached. However, for region-specific help, looking up "Ayudas para los emprendedores/as" and your autonomous community is recommended.
The Instituto de las Mujeres offers bonuses of up to €800 per project to help cover guarantee costs. Additionally, the Programa de Apoyo Empresarial a las Mujeres (PAEM), managed by the Instituto de las Mujeres, provides tailored support for women entrepreneurs.
In the realm of academia, Innovatia 8.3, a collaboration between the Instituto de las Mujeres and the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, supports women in launching science-based startups.
For those in rural areas, the "Desafío Mujer Rural" scheme offers financial relief, training, and networking opportunities. Co-funded by the European Social Fund, this scheme aims to improve competitiveness in rural economies by supporting business start-up and consolidation.
The European Innovation Council's Women Innovators Prize celebrates women behind groundbreaking innovations. On the financial front, the NEOTEC Program, managed by the CDTI, has a budget of €20 million in 2024, with at least €5 million reserved for women-led projects, encouraging innovation and technological differentiation.
Since 2023, Spain offers a reduced social security contribution rate of €80 per month for the first 12 months for self-employed workers, known as the "Tarifa Plana." In regions like Madrid and Andalusia, this fee is reduced to zero.
Moreover, regional financial aid for women entrepreneurs varies by autonomous community and includes subsidies for hiring women, especially over 45 years old or victims of gender-based violence, with monthly subsidies up to around 525 euros and support for converting temporary contracts to permanent ones.
Lastly, the "Desafío Mujer Rural" scheme, like other regional aids, empowers women entrepreneurs by providing these resources for entrepreneurship and innovation. These initiatives are a testament to Spain's commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
