A total of 17 finalist projects, led by 12 women and 5 men from Almería and neighboring provinces, presented their ideas to a specialized jury. The proposals range from artificial intelligence in hospitality to sustainable tourism, agri-food production, and crafts, reflecting the diversity of entrepreneurial talent in the region.
The event featured inspiring talks by Santiaga Sánchez Porcel, founder of Ganaderas en Red, who shared her experience in rural entrepreneurship and female leadership. Ana Rey Asensio, manager in Eastern Andalusia for Acción contra el Hambre, emphasized that these initiatives not only generate employment but also provide solutions to social challenges and revitalize municipalities.
The contest is part of the Generación IN: Entrepreneurship and Youth Employment project, funded by the Youth Employment Program of the ESF+ and the Provincial Council of Almería. Esther Álvarez, Deputy for European Initiatives and Entrepreneurship, highlighted the pride in being part of a program that consolidates support for the third sector and local initiatives.
The five prizes, each worth €1,300 in specialized advisory services, were awarded in the categories: Entrepreneurial Initiative (HoreKit, a technological platform for hospitality), Young Female Talent (El Entrecejo de Frida, a hybrid cultural and social space), Rural Entrepreneur Woman (Country Club, recovery of a rural community space), Entrepreneurship with Impact (Selenit Art, jewelry and art with selenite), and Territory Innovation (Quesería Almojábana de Los Prados, transformation of goat milk).
The Generación IN Almería project aims to boost entrepreneurship among young people under 30 registered in the Youth Guarantee system, offering training, advice, and connections to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The contest phase, following initial training in October, culminated with the presentation of these awards.
