Entrepreneurship is a fascinating and complex journey. It requires enthusiasm, effort, determination, and constant learning. But you don’t have to do it alone; it’s better to have support. In Catalonia, there is a wide network of organizations and programs that accompany entrepreneurs through all phases of their project, from the initial idea to business consolidation.
Below, we present the main resources for entrepreneurship in Catalonia, and how they can help you plan, launch, and grow your own business.
1. From Idea to Business Plan
Every entrepreneurial project begins with an idea. But before investing time and money, it is essential to design a viable business model, validate it in the market, and plan its launch and operation.
In Catalonia, many institutions help you do this:
Autoocupació, municipal services for entrepreneurs, such as Barcelona Activa, and other entities within the Department of Business and Work’s Emprèn network, support entrepreneurs from the very beginning. They offer information on available resources and a free, personalized guidance and advisory service to help you assess the viability of your project and plan its implementation.
This initial support is key to starting on the right foot and avoiding costly mistakes.
2. Training for Successful Entrepreneurship
Most entrepreneurs possess extensive technical knowledge in their field but lack experience in business management. Entrepreneurship is not just about having a good idea; it also requires knowing how to sell, manage, and make decisions, among other skills. Therefore, training is one of the best investments any entrepreneur can make.
The Consorci de Formació Continua de Catalunya subsidizes a wide range of specialized training in various areas such as transversal skills, digital marketing, and financial management. The entities of the Emprèn network and the chambers of commerce also offer free introductory training capsules on different subjects relevant to entrepreneurship.
Participating in these training programs also allows you to meet other entrepreneurs who are in a similar situation.
3. Funding, the Fuel to Start
Funding is one of the main challenges when starting a business. However, today, access to financing has greatly improved, and there are options adapted to the reality of each project.
Notable options include microcredits for entrepreneurs from Microbank, loans of up to €30,000, for up to 6 years, with a grace period and no guarantees, based on the viability of each project.
There are also grants from the Generalitat for specific groups, such as aid of up to €16,576 for self-employment for unemployed young people aged 16 to 29 who start an activity as self-employed individuals.
Before applying for any loan or aid, it is important to seek professional advice to choose the most suitable option.
4. Buying an Existing Business
The initial stages of a business are always the most complicated: many businesses do not survive their first few years due to the difficulty of starting from scratch. This is why buying an existing business is becoming an increasingly attractive and frequent alternative.
The Centre de Reempresa de Catalunya offers a free intermediation and support service for the buying and selling of small operating businesses, connecting entrepreneurs with professionals or business owners who manage an already consolidated business but do not wish or are unable to continue, due to retirement, change of residence, or any other reason.
It has been demonstrated that the survival rate of operating businesses that change hands is higher than that of newly created companies.
5. Bureaucracy and Procedures
Today, establishing and registering a small business and formalizing a professional or business activity is quite easy and inexpensive.
Entrepreneur Service Points (PAE) are one-stop shops that allow you to quickly and electronically complete all the basic procedures to legalize your project and register with the competent administrations: the Tax Agency, Social Security, etc.
Avoid the ‘come back tomorrow’ runaround and find your PAE Point.
6. Affordable Spaces
Physical space can make a difference in the first few months. In Catalonia, there is a wide range of municipal business incubators, specialized incubators for technological projects, and private coworking spaces that offer offices, shared services, and technical support at very affordable prices.
In these environments, in addition to having a place to work, it is easy to meet other entrepreneurs and generate synergies.
7. You’re Already Started, Now What?
Once the business is up and running, the challenge becomes making it sustainable and growing it. It is at this stage that entrepreneurs need the most support. Making a business plan is one thing; making things happen is another.
Autoocupació‘s
voluntary mentoring program has proven effective in helping consolidate and grow newly created businesses: the 5-year survival rate is 91%. The program has over 1,000 businesspeople across Catalonia who, voluntarily and without expecting anything in return, share their time, experience, and network of contacts with entrepreneurs, helping them face their challenges and make the best decisions.
Self-employed individuals can also participate in the Department of Business and Work’s
Consolida’t program, which offers personalized technical advice.
Ask for help, you are not alone
Entrepreneurship is not easy, but in Catalonia, you have never been so well supported. Whatever stage you are at – maturing an idea, seeking funding, starting a business, or growing it – you will find resources, professionals, and programs adapted to your needs.
The most important thing is to take the first step: approach an institution that supports entrepreneurs and take advantage of all the resources available to you. With the support of entities like
Autoocupació, you will be able to say:
I am what I want to be!
