Lorenzo Amor, president of the National Self-Employed ATA Federation, spoke this Friday in Córdoba about the gap between how university students perceive entrepreneurship and the country’s actual landscape. He signaled the federation’s concern over a declining share of young entrepreneurs and hinted at findings from an upcoming report that blames educational and cultural factors as key drivers of this shift.
The statements were made during a Córdoba Conecta forum organized by this newspaper at the Hospes Palacio del Bailío hotel, under the theme Self-employed, axis of economic recovery. The University of Córdoba’s Vice-Chancellor for Entrepreneurship, Anthony Arenas, attended the event and met with Amor, Córdoba City Councilor for Economic Revival Blanca Torrent, and the forum’s co-host to discuss policies aimed at reversing the trend, noting that many students still lean toward public service rather than starting a business.
The ATA president drew a parallel with a popular TV series, noting that the old narrative celebrated entrepreneurial figures while contemporary media often portrays businesspeople as villains. He urged a shift in public perception, arguing that everyday prosperity comes from companies and workers who enable development, and he highlighted the forthcoming report’s focus on stereotypes surrounding entrepreneurship in the country.
ATA says the business community faces insults in Spain
Amor criticized the ongoing humiliation he perceives toward businesspeople and warned that the country is crossing a troubling line. He noted this trend has been visible for several months and warned that without employers, job creation falters. He emphasized that a healthy economy depends on a robust relationship between business leaders and public policy.
The debate over the SMI and its effects
On the topic of raising the Inter-Occupational Minimum Wage to 1,080 euros per month in 2023, Amor argued that large or medium companies are unlikely to shut down due to the increase, but freelancers and small businesses could bear heavier costs. He pointed out a gap between state wages and private sector wages, calling for moderate wage growth and noting requests made to the Confederation of Business Organizations for higher increases in recent years.
Amor remarked that in the home sector, many affiliates lose work hours daily because the minimum wage rise translates into tighter margins. He asserted that the administration has increasingly burdened the self-employed while offering little relief, leading to greater strain on the business community.
He challenged the idea that the SMI has risen while administration salaries have not, arguing that workers need a better wage balance while costs climb for business owners. He painted a picture of a sector under pressure and urged reconsideration of wage policies to avoid debilitating the self-employed.
A modern view of administration and growth
Amor described the upcoming elections as a chance for the ATA to engage with administrations more effectively. He framed the federation as a participant in governance that can help streamline processes and reduce red tape, arguing that smoother administration supports job growth and a healthier business fabric.
During the forum, Córdoba’s economy head Francisco Fair moderated the discussion and noted how self-employment in 1988 differed greatly from what it looks like in 2023, underscoring the evolution of the entrepreneurial landscape and the importance of listening to small business voices for policy decisions.
Trade sectors face the biggest challenges
Amor outlined a broad contraction in traditional activities, stating that trade has borne the brunt of the downturn. He cited data showing that thousands of self-employed traders disappeared last year and highlighted the impact on accommodation, agriculture, and manufacturing, while professional services grew in the wake of market shifts. He pointed to the aging workforce, noting that many older workers are leaving firms they helped build and that women have become a driving force behind recent increases in self-employment.
Sales have risen on average, yet costs have climbed more steeply, squeezing many sole proprietors. For the first time in a decade, the country has seen a net loss of self-employed workers and overall business activity. He also warned that European funds often fail to reach the smallest operators, with many SMEs and freelancers missing out despite initial interest in digital tools and support programs, sometimes lingering in administrative pipelines or PERTE initiatives.
Córdoba’s investment in local business support
Torrent highlighted the partnership with the Municipal Institute for Economic Development and Employment, noting a 20 million euro package for SMEs, freelancers, and third-sector groups. She explained that this figure surpasses subsidies from the previous administration and that in 2022, eight million euros were disbursed through dedicated lines for self-employment, helping thousands of entrepreneurs start or expand ventures. In Córdoba, the number of self-employed individuals grew slightly in recent years, with thousands of entities contributing to local economic activity.
She detailed the sectoral makeup of Córdoba’s self-employed population, noting that a large share operates in retail and in food and beverage services, while many firms are micro-sized with under ten employees. She added that many beneficiaries expressed a need for timely assistance to sustain their businesses, pointing to practical challenges like price uncertainty in the hospitality sector as a factor in pricing decisions.