Women's Institute & Andalucia Emprende Partner to Drive Female Entrepreneurship

• The Junta de Andalucía has initiated a new program to promote women's entrepreneurship
• The program is promoted by Andalucía Emprende, a non-profit organization
• It is implemented together with the Andalusian Women's Institute (IAM), affiliated with the ministry of social inclusion, youth, families, and equality

The Junta de Andalucía has initiated a new program to support women's entrepreneurship through a protocol created by Andalucía Emprende, a foundation within the regional Ministry of University, Research and Innovation, along with the Andalusian Women's Institute (IAM), which is under the Ministry of Social Inclusion, Youth, Families and Equality.

The project has a referral procedure aimed at making the women fully and specially assisted by making it easier for them to access information, training, and resources for entrepreneurial purposes.

A speedy system has been established between IAM's provincial and municipal centres and Andalucía Emprende's Centres for Entrepreneurship (CADE) to ensure that women are referred to the most appropriate services according to their needs.

Daniel Escacena, General Director of Andalucía Emprende, expressed appreciation to IAM for facilitating the making of the protocol possible and stated that the aim is to develop an integrated system of support that makes access to experts easier for women.

He pointed out the economic contribution of women and reiterated the Junta's firm commitment to generating a more equitable and stronger society.

IAM Director Olga Carrión highlighted increases in gender equality over the last few years, including that women accounted for 53.6 percent of new self-employed in Andalucía during 2024—a 17 percent increase since 2018. Women currently account for 37 percent of the self-employed across the region.

Olga emphasized the need to keep shattering such stereotypes, and financial independence as the key to women's liberty. She hoped that connection with Andalucía Emprende would bring assistance and training to women across the entire region.

As part of the agreement, Andalucía Emprende and IAM will exchange information relating to available services and resources. Andalucía Emprende's 260 centres offer advisory services, business training, funding support, coworking, and incentive applications assistance currently.

The IAM provides resources dedicated to equality, gender violence, employment, and training.

Entrepreneurs will also be able to access training programmes like Andalucía Emprende's "Empezar a Emprender", which steers projects through various phases of business progress, and IAM's "Equipa" teletraining platform, which has a gender focus.

Furthermore, the regional administration has introduced the "Andaluzaa: Mujer, presente y futuro" mobile app, consolidating training and working offers in a single platform.