Women-led businesses are increasingly driving regional growth across Spain, particularly in rural communities where entrepreneurship has become a powerful engine of local development. A recent study by the Spanish Entrepreneurship Observatory maps this dynamic, offering annual insights into how women are shaping the rural economy. The findings show that many rural ventures have deep roots: four out of five female entrepreneurs have been building their businesses in these areas for more than two decades, and nearly half have spent their entire lives in their rural homes.
The same study highlights a gap as well as opportunity. While female-led entrepreneurship is strong in certain pockets, the overall number of rural entrepreneurs remains relatively low. The data suggests a clear need to bolster targeted programs that support women at every stage of business development, from ideation to sustainability. Still, there is a sense of momentum. Among rural women entrepreneurs, about one in ten anticipate hiring more than five employees within five years, signaling growing ambition and potential for job creation. At the same time, half of the surveyed women identify fear of failure as one of the main obstacles to starting or expanding a business.
Recognizing the significance of women’s entrepreneurship in Spain, a dedicated gathering is planned to discuss and analyze the current landscape. On June 1, a group of four distinguished experts will come together to explore the topic of women in rural economies. Participants will include a communications leader from a major regional corporate partner, a GEM project lead from the Valencia community, and two innovators from a rural enterprise recognized with a national award in 2022.
The discussion will cover a wide range of themes. Socio-demographic characteristics of rural women entrepreneurs, perceived differences between rural and urban start-ups, and the unique motivations that drive women in both settings will be examined. Speakers will share their experiences, outlining the challenges they have faced and the advantages they leverage to sustain growth in rural contexts. They will also unpack the Coca-Cola initiative known as the Women’s Tour, detailing who can participate and the strengths of the program as a catalyst for development.
For those interested in joining the conversation, the event will be available as a digital meeting. Viewers can follow the session on the designated information portal at noon on June 1. The online format aims to reach a broad audience, including aspiring entrepreneurs, policy makers, and community leaders, offering practical insights and inspiration from successful rural women who are shaping the future of Spain’s economy.