An Interview with Alejandra Ramírez, Director of The Vivero de San Blas of the Madrid City Council
22 de October de 2024
Today we talk to Alejandra Ramírez Cuenca, director of theVivero de Empresas de San Blas of the Madrid City Council
Alejandra, delighted to be able to do this interview as the director of such an innovative project so tell us, what exactly is the San Blas Business Incubator of the Madrid City Council? How did the idea come about?
The Vivero de San Blas of the Madrid City Council is a space aimed at promoting the growth and innovation of new companies. The idea arose from the need to support entrepreneurs in their early stages of development, offering a dynamic and collaborative environment where they could access resources, advice and a business support community.
The Vivero aims to be a benchmark in the creation of business opportunities and attracting talent to the city of Madrid.
When was the first Vivero de empresas created? What was the motivation that led you to participate and direct this project?
The first Vivero de Empresas in Madrid was inaugurated in San Blas in 2005, as part of the Madrid City Council’s strategy to boost economic activity in the city and support entrepreneurs in the creation of new companies. The San Blas nursery was the first of the Madrid Business Incubators Network.
My main motivation for taking over the management of the San Blas Vivero stems from a combination of three key factors. First of all, I have a deep passion for entrepreneurship and I firmly believe in the power of startups to transform ideas into realities that positively impact society. From the Nursery, I have the opportunity to support entrepreneurs in their first steps, offering an environment where they can develop, learn and grow.
Secondly, I am driven by the desire to make a positive impact in Madrid. The viveros of empresas help the creation of new companies, promoting job creation and boosting the economy in the district of San Blas and throughout Madrid. Contributing to the community and being part of the engine that drives economic and social development is a great satisfaction.
Finally, I have a strong commitment to technological innovation and from the San Blas Vivero, we are promoting the attraction of national and international talent. Therefore, we are delighted to have digital nomads and projects from anywhere in the world. Technology is key to the future of entrepreneurship and being part of this ecosystem is a very important personal and professional motivation for me.
Now looking to the future, what are the objectives and aspirations for the Vivero de Empresas de San Blas?
The San Blas Vivero aims to become a catalyst for national and international talent in the city of Madrid. The incubator accompanies entrepreneurs in all phases of their project, from the conceptualization of their ideas, their implementation, growth and internationalization.
I strongly believe in the importance of creating spaces where startups and start-ups have access to the resources they need to compete in a global, interconnected marketplace.
Today we are here to talk about the Madrid-T Place to Be project, which you have been part of in two of its round tables on entrepreneurship and companies. What kind of support and differential services does the vivero offer to startups that want to set up in Madrid?
The Vivero of San Blas offers a set of key services that help startups and newly created companies to grow sustainably. These include access to flexible and equipped workspaces, free training programmes and personalised advice, the possibility of connecting with a network of business contacts and potential investors. In addition, we offer support in the creation of business plans, business management and promote networking activities that facilitate collaboration between entrepreneurs.
Compared to other cities, Madrid has become a very attractive destination for entrepreneurs and from the nursery we want to enhance that advantage by offering services tailored to their needs.
Tell us what advice you would give to young people or professionals who want to launch their own projects in Madrid.
My main advice is to never stop learning, because entrepreneurship is a path full of challenges where adaptability is key. In addition, it is essential that they have a support network, whether through mentors, investors, or fellow entrepreneurs who can provide guidance and support during difficult times.
In Madrid, fortunately, there is a very dynamic ecosystem for entrepreneurship, so I encourage them to look for spaces such as the Vivero de San Blas, where they can get the resources and connections they need for their projects to be successful.
As you know, Madrid-t aims to turn Madrid into a talent hub, why should young talent invest in Madrid instead of in other cities around the world?
Madrid is a city that offers a unique combination of career opportunities, quality of life, and an ever-growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. The city has established itself as a technological and innovation hub, where young talent has access to multiple resources, both financial and training and networking.
Madrid is also strategically located in Europe, which makes it a gateway to international markets. I believe that the cultural diversity, business dynamism and institutional support provided to entrepreneurs in Madrid, make the Spanish capital an unparalleled place to develop a professional career and launch an entrepreneurial project.
