MBA Kids aims to ignite entrepreneurial skills from a very young age and embed fundamental small-business values such as leadership, assertiveness, empathy, self-control, and resilience in the face of both disappointment and success. This initiative, described as the first business school for children, has just arrived in Alicante through a collaboration with Peláez Consulting, a partner in the company’s first franchise in the Valencian Community.
The launch was unveiled at a conference held at Tower Juan, where expert Column Mellado discussed the crucial role of financial education for children. Mellado, who works in the Secondary Markets division of the National Securities Market Commission (CNMV), is also known as the author of a children’s book that teaches young readers basic financial concepts.
During the event, which drew around fifty guests and their children, a parallel business idea workshop featured the card game “Entrepreneur Game” developed by MBA Kids. The activity spurred creativity and helped participating children shape concrete business ideas in a short amount of time. At the close of the session, the young participants had the chance to present their concepts to the assembled audience.
Born in Grenada, the MBA Kids initiative began at the end of 2021 as a pioneering program focused on workshops and entrepreneurship training for youths. The program targets children aged 7 to 12 and has been expanding rapidly. It currently operates in five Spanish provinces — Granada, Jaén, Almería, Madrid, and Alicante — with plans to open new locations in Madrid, Seville, Córdoba, and A Coruña in the near future.
“Governments do not promote entrepreneurship; the wealthy have more advantages”
In the Alicante project, the franchise is backed by a group of prominent businesspeople, including Enrique Peláez, a former co-owner of the construction firm Ecisa and now a consultant. He highlighted MBA Kids as a necessary and transformative initiative. He also thanked the support from local organizations such as the Alicante Family Business Association Forum, Jovempa, and Aepa. “From the moment we met MBA Kids, it was clear that we wanted to bring this program to our province,” he commented, emphasizing the region’s potential to cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets among the younger generation.
The Alicante launch represents a strategic step in a broader expansion plan. By combining practical, hands-on activities with accessible learning materials, MBA Kids seeks to create a bridge between classroom learning and real-world business thinking. The program aims to empower children to think creatively, assess risks, collaborate with peers, and articulate their ideas with clarity and confidence. In this way, the initiative hopes to nurture tomorrow’s business leaders who can adapt to a rapidly changing economy, where financial literacy and entrepreneurial resilience are increasingly essential for success.
Support for the Alicante franchise comes not only from individual investors but also from a network of local business associations that recognize the value of early exposure to entrepreneurship. The collaborative approach helps to ensure that the program aligns with regional economic priorities while maintaining a fun, engaging atmosphere for children and their families. As more families participate, the initiative plans to document outcomes and share best practices that can inform similar projects across the country.
Overall, the Alicante rollout signals a growing interest in youth entrepreneurship across Spain. MBA Kids positions itself as a practical conduit for young learners to explore business ideas, develop financial literacy, and build the soft skills that underpin successful leadership. The program emphasizes experiential learning — turning ideas into action through play, teamwork, and guided reflection — while maintaining a strong focus on ethical decision-making and community value.