Spanish businesses act as a powerful engine for job creation, especially as the economy climbs back from downturns. They set the pace in national research and development, and diversification across sectors tends to raise productivity and quality, strengthening the economy’s resilience. In this climate, ongoing encouragement and support for starting and growing Spanish companies remains critical to sustaining long-term economic vigor. To acknowledge their contribution, Banco Santander and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce jointly present the National SME of the Year Award each year, honoring small and medium-sized enterprises whose activities boost local prosperity and create meaningful employment.
21 finalists
In the sixth edition of the National SME of the Year Award, 1,766 companies from 50 provinces and the Autonomous City of Ceuta entered the competition. This edition also showcased national Second Place Prizes for Internationalization, Innovation and Digitalization, Education and Employment, and Sustainable SME Madrid. The event involved 49 Chambers of Commerce and 13 Banco Santander regional delegations, all collaborating to showcase Spanish entrepreneurship at its best.
The National SME of the Year Award highlights the contributions of Spain’s small and medium-sized enterprises
Here are the 21 finalists who advanced to the final stage:
National SME of the Year Award 2022. Fernández-Vega Institute of Ophthalmology, Asturias SL; Guipúzcoa’s Avs Value-Added Industrial Engineering Solutions SLU; Granada’s Cívica Software SL; Grupo R Queraltó from Seville and Bodega Matarromera SL from Valladolid.
Internationalization. Padel Courts Deluxe SL from Alicante; Palma Pictures Tmpc SL from Illes Balears; Nutris Ingredients SL from Madrid and Fama Sofás SLU from Murcia.
Innovation and Digitalization. Biowair Total Systems SL from Asturias; Greenfield Technologies SL from Badajoz; Biotech Foods SL from Guipúzcoa and Abora Energy SL from Zaragoza.
Education and Employment Access. Vegenat, Badajoz SA; Solideo Eco Systems SL from Barcelona; Soluciones Cuatroochenta SA from Castellón and Inkor SL from Guipúzcoa.
National Second Prize for Sustainable SMEs. Acctia Medioambiental SL from A Coruña; Cuenca’s Bealar SL; El Agricultor Alegre SL from Las Palmas and Cajamir SL from Zamora.
The finalists reflect a wide range of Spain’s economy, including healthcare, technology, manufacturing, sustainable agriculture, energy, and creative industries. Their stories show how small and mid-sized firms scale innovations, break into new markets, and contribute to regional economic vitality. Each finalist demonstrates a commitment to quality, responsible growth, and the creation of local jobs, often while keeping strong ties to community needs and regional strengths. The award program, backed by leading financial and commercial institutions, serves as a platform for sharing best practices, inspiring fellow entrepreneurs, and recognizing the role of SMEs in driving national prosperity.
Beyond recognition, the program offers networking opportunities, access to mentorship, and exposure to potential partners or financiers who can help accelerate growth, productivity, and impact. The finalists’ diverse fields—from ophthalmology and software to energy and sustainable farming—showcase the breadth of Spain’s SME ecosystem and its capacity to adapt to shifting markets, technological advances, and social priorities.
As the country continues to invest in innovation, education, and international collaboration, the National SME of the Year Award serves as a barometer of resilience and forward-looking planning. It underscores how small and medium-sized enterprises contribute not only to employment figures but also to regional wealth, export capacity, and the spread of modern practices across industries. In this sense, supporting SMEs is a strategic pillar for sustainable growth across Spain.