Madrid is consolidating its position as one of the main hubs for entrepreneurship in Europe. The city, promoted by the Madrid Emprende programme, offers comprehensive support to entrepreneurs, including coworking spaces and advice. The reports highlight the growth of startups in Madrid, with 23% already consolidated. South Summit, a key event in the ecosystem, has contributed significantly to innovation in Madrid, attracting thousands of startups and generating employment and revenue.

From digital transformation to sustainability, Madrid is seeing the emergence of business opportunities in a variety of sectors. Technological innovation, circular economy and sustainable tourism are just a few examples of areas where entrepreneurs can find a promising niche. For this reason, the Madrid City Council has launched different initiatives:

1. Madrid Emprende: This initiative of the Madrid City Council is a point of reference for entrepreneurs looking for support and guidance. It offers a wide range of services, including one-on-one advice, business training, access to finance, and co-working spaces in business incubators.
2. Madrid Innovation and Technology Centers:: Madrid has several innovation and technology centers that support entrepreneurs and companies in specific sectors, such as technology, health sciences, the environment, and energy, among others. These centers offer incubation services, acceleration, access to financing, connection with investors and collaboration with research centers.
3. SMEs Innovation Check: The Ministry of Education, Science and Universities of the Community of Madrid promotes aid to encourage the use of R+D and innovation services by small and medium-sized enterprises (Innovation Check Program), within the framework of the regional research and innovation strategy for smart specialization (RIS3).
4. Business Incubator Network: Madrid provides affordable workspaces and support services to entrepreneurs and startups in different locations around the city. These incubators offer modern infrastructure, business advice, networking and access to finance to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.
5. Network of Industrial Factories: Originated in the Vicálvaro Industrial Factory in 2011, the main objective is to establish R+D+i centers to boost industrial and service activity in Madrid, not only for the companies directly involved, but also for the entire research infrastructure and production establishments in the city. This network focuses on individual entrepreneurs or innovative companies committed to the creation and development of innovative products and processes through the application of scientific and technological knowledge. Priority is given to companies with a maximum age of 8 years and oriented towards industrial and service innovation.
6. Madrid International Lab: Madrid International Lab is a workspace and collaboration space for international entrepreneurs who wish to establish themselves in Madrid. It offers advisory, training, networking and administrative support services to facilitate the integration of foreign entrepreneurs into the city’s business ecosystem.
7. Universities : Madrid has an outstanding network of universities that play a fundamental role in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. These institutions offer training programs, opportunities for collaboration with the business sector, and access to cutting-edge technological and scientific resources.

We can also find AJE Madrid, an association focused on supporting young entrepreneurs, facilitating business growth through advice, training and networking opportunities. Or Tetuan Valley, a small but influential accelerator for technology startups in Madrid. It offers a pre-acceleration program designed for early-stage entrepreneurs, with the aim of providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to turn their ideas into viable projects.

The support of the regional government has been essential to promote entrepreneurship in Madrid. hrough initiatives such as the Entrepreneurship Aid Program of the Community of Madrid where they offer various grants and subsidies aimed at promoting entrepreneurship in the region.

Madrid offers a wide variety of coworking spaces for entrepreneurs, from the most renowned to more personalized and welcoming options, ideal for freelancers and small startups. These spaces combine flexibility, networking services, and collaborative environments, adapting to the needs of professionals in different sectors and stages of business growth.

1. Impact Hub Madrid: Global coworking space focused on social innovation, with networking, events and mentoring programs.
2. Loom: Flexible coworking with spaces for small and large teams, with access to events and business training.
3. Utopicus: It offers high-end coworking, with private offices and advice for entrepreneurs and companies.
4. The Shed Coworking: A welcoming space, specialising in technology startups, with a collaborative and networking atmosphere.
5. WeWork Madrid: Global space with flexible offices, networking events, and services for businesses of any size.
6. Cink Coworking: Specialised space for startups and freelancers, with advice and training events.
7. La Piscine: Small coworking space in Malasaña, ideal for freelancers and creatives, with a relaxed and communal atmosphere.
8. Espíritu23: Collaborative space in Lavapiés, aimed at creative professionals, with workshops and cultural events.
9. Go2Work Espacios de coworking EOI: Designed to support entrepreneurs in the early stages of their projects, they offer a collaborative environment where entrepreneurs can work, share ideas and access training and advice resources.

From local aid to national and European programs, Madrid facilitates access to financial resources for early-stage or growing companies. These programmes promote innovation, digitalisation and sustainable development, contributing to the success of startups and SMEs in key sectors of the economy.

1. Aval Madrid: It is a mutual guarantee society that offers guarantees and financing to entrepreneurs and SMEs in Madrid. Its objective is to facilitate access to credit, offering guarantees for obtaining bank loans, leasing or lines of financing. It is aimed at companies seeking to grow or innovate in Madrid and the Community.
2. EIT InnoEnergy: This program focuses on startups in the energy sector. It provides funding, product development support, networking, and access to investors. Its mission is to drive the energy transition by supporting projects that offer sustainable and cost-effective solutions in areas such as renewable energy and energy efficiency.
3. Neotec (CDTI): This program, managed by the Center for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI), offers grants to technology startups with innovative R+D projects. It is designed to support the creation and growth of technology-based companies that have a high potential for innovation, offering up to 70% of the total budget of the projects.
4. Fundación Repsol Fondo Emprendedores: It is a fund that supports innovative projects in the energy and sustainability sectors. They offer financing, training, and access to a network of contacts in the energy industry. Its focus is on projects that contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable energy transition.
5. Enisa (National Innovation Company): Enisa offers participatory loans for startups and innovative SMEs throughout the country. These loans are designed for companies with innovative projects in any sector and do not require collateral. Enisa finances both the creation of new companies and their expansion, with a flexibility that allows it to adapt to the needs of business growth.

Madrid is a key point for entrepreneurship in Spain, and women play a fundamental role in this area. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of women starting their own businesses in the Spanish capital. However, this path is not without challenges, such as lack of access to financing, the need for family reconciliation and access to networks. Fortunately, there are multiple resources, aid and initiatives in Madrid aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs.

Resources for Women Entrepreneurs in Madrid

1. Coworking Spaces: Madrid has numerous coworking spaces that offer not only a physical place to work, but also a supportive community, networking events, and training workshops. Some spaces such as Impact Hub Madrid, LOOM and Utopicus have specific initiatives for women entrepreneurs.
2. Advice and Training: There are several organizations that offer specific advice and training for women entrepreneurs. For example, Madrid Emprende provides business advisory services, training in digital and management skills, and help with the search for financing. There is also the School of Industrial Organization (EOI), which, along with the Institute of Women, offers training programs focused on women who wish to launch or consolidate their business.
3. Networking: Networking is essential for any entrepreneur, and in Madrid there are several networks and associations specifically for women. Womenalia is a networking platform for professional and entrepreneurial women, offering events, workshops, and support groups.

Grants and Funding for Women Entrepreneurs

1. Public Grants: The Community of Madrid and the Madrid City Council offer several subsidies and specific grants for women entrepreneurs. The Aid Programme for Women Entrepreneurs of the Institute for Women and Equal Opportunities provides funding for the creation and consolidation of women-led businesses. You can also find aid through Madrid Emprende, which provides support to new companies through specific programs.
2. Microcréditos y Financiamiento Privado: Several financial institutions offer microcredits and specific financing lines for women. For example, MicroBank of Banco de Sabadell has microcredit programs aimed at women entrepreneurs who lack sufficient guarantees to access traditional financing. There are also private investors and investment funds that focus on startups led by women.
3. European Funds: The European Union has financing programs and grants for women entrepreneurs, such as the COSME program and the European Innovation Council (EIC), which provide funds for innovation and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises led by women.

Highlighted Initiatives for Women Entrepreneurship in Madrid

1. Network of Women Entrepreneurs in Motion (REM): REM is an initiative promoted by the Community of Madrid to promote female entrepreneurship. It offers mentoring, networking, and training programs, and works to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for women entrepreneurs.
2. Women Entrepreneurs Acceleration Program” by mentorDay: it offers free support to women entrepreneurs with companies less than five years old. It provides access to meetings with investors, the creation of a personalized growth plan, development of marketing and sales strategies, and customized mentorship. The program seeks to help women scale their businesses and improve their market positioning.
3. Women Techmakers Madrid: Google’s initiative that supports young women interested in technology. It organizes events, workshops and talks focused on developing technological skills and leadership in digital environments. It’s a great platform for young professionals to connect, learn from industry leaders, and find opportunities for growth.

While Madrid offers a wide range of programs and resources for local entrepreneurs, there are also specific opportunities available for entrepreneurs who are citizens of the European Union (EU) and wish to settle in the city.

Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) is a business support network funded by the European Union that offers advisory services, networking and access to finance for entrepreneurs and companies throughout Europe. In Madrid, the EEN is represented by several organizations and entities that provide support to entrepreneurs in areas such as internationalization, innovation and access to European markets.

Madrid has become a magnet for entrepreneurs looking to make their business dreams come true. With an ever-expanding entrepreneurial ecosystem and a wide range of support programs and entities, the city offers all the tools and resources needed to turn ideas into successful ventures. From tech startups to social enterprises, Madrid is the place where innovation and entrepreneurship converge to create a brighter, more prosperous future.