A profile of female entrepreneurship in Spain: key takeaways from the GEM 2024 Report

Entrepreneurship has established itself as a fundamental pillar for innovation, competitiveness, and job creation in Spain. Within this dynamic ecosystem, the role of women entrepreneurs is increasingly relevant, not only as an economic driver but also as an agent of social transformation. To fully understand their current situation, the GEM Special Report on Women and Entrepreneurship in Spain 2023-2024, prepared by the Entrepreneurship Observatory (GEM) with the support of ENISA and the Instituto de las Mujeres (Women's Institute), offers a detailed and constructive view of the fundamental role women play in business creation. This analysis not only celebrates the achievements made but also identifies areas of opportunity to continue fostering equitable and sustainable growth.

This article explores the report's most relevant findings, highlighting the solid foundation of female entrepreneurial intention, the motivations that define purpose-driven leadership, and the strengths that position women as leaders in innovation and sustainability—keys to the future economy. Continue reading to learn more.

A consolidated entrepreneurial intention

One of the report's most revealing findings is the near parity in entrepreneurial intention. The entrepreneurial spirit is fully established among women in Spain. 9.0% of the female population expresses their intention to start a business in the coming years, a figure nearly aligned with the 9.2% for men. This data confirms that the entrepreneurial spirit is a shared trait and that the interest in creating and leading business projects is equally strong in both genders.

When analyzing the Total early-stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) rate, which measures projects in their initial phases, the report indicates a rate of 6.1% for women compared to 7.5% for men. This gap, far from being an obstacle, represents a key focus area for support policies: accompanying and strengthening women in the transition from an idea to a consolidated business. It is an opportunity to optimize existing resources and programs, ensuring that all this latent potential successfully materializes.

Entrepreneurship with purpose and resilience

The report also delves into the motivations that drive women to start businesses, revealing a profile that combines resilience with a strong sense of purpose. One of the main reasons for entrepreneurship is "to earn a living" (62%), which shows a remarkable capacity for adaptation and proactivity in the face of labor market dynamics.

Alongside this, a business vision with high social value emerges: 38% of female entrepreneurs seek to "make a difference in the world." In contrast, men are more likely to prioritize "creating wealth or a very high income." This motivation, focused on positive impact, defines a leadership style that goes beyond economic profit and has become one of the most valuable hallmarks of female entrepreneurship.

Discover here the stories of women who are changing the business landscape in Spain, Women Who Inspire: Key Measures to Boost Women's Participation in the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, or Women in the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem of Spain 2024.

Descubre aquí las historias de mujeres que están cambiando el panorama empresarial en España, Mujeres que inspiran: Medidas clave para impulsar la participación de las mujeres en el ecosistema emprendedor o las mujeres en el ecosistema emprendedor de España 2024.

Strengthening Financing Channels to Boost Growth

Access to resources is crucial for the success of any project. The report provides a detailed analysis of seed capital, revealing very interesting data. To get an accurate picture, it is key to look at the median, which represents the most common value in the ecosystem. In this regard, the starting points are very close: the median initial investment for women is €12,000, compared to €15,000 for men.

The report also details how this financing is composed. While personal savings are the primary foundation for all entrepreneurs, women show a great ability to supplement these resources through a strategic combination of channels. Their greater use of loans, support from their family environment, and, very significantly, public grants stands out.

This last point highlights the effectiveness and importance of institutional support programs, which act as a key catalyst for projects led by women to launch and grow. On the ONE platform, you can find resources and news about the main financing lines for startups, such as those promoted by the Government, for example, Microcredits for Women Entrepreneurs, the ENISA Digital Entrepreneurs Line, or the Rural Woman Challenge Program.

Leadership in Sustainability and Innovation: The Keys to the Future

Where female entrepreneurship shines especially bright is in its leadership in strategic areas for the 21st-century economy. Its orientation towards a transformative purpose materializes in an exceptional commitment to sustainability.

The report's data is clear: 62.8% of companies founded by women strongly consider social and environmental impact in their decisions, a percentage notably higher than that of male-founded companies.

Nearly half of them (48%) prioritize this impact over economic performance, establishing themselves as pioneers of a more conscious and responsible economy.

The report also highlights that companies led by women show a greater propensity to innovate in products and services at a national level. This ability to develop creative and market-adapted solutions is a strategic asset that directly contributes to the competitiveness and modernization of the Spanish economy.

A promising future and a firm commitment

The GEM Report on Women and Entrepreneurship 2023-2024 shows a solid entrepreneurial intention, transformative leadership based on purpose, and an exceptional ability of women to innovate and lead the transition towards a more sustainable economy.

Access the GEM Special Report: Women and Entrepreneurship 2023-2024 through the following link.

Furthermore, we encourage you to continue exploring other content on the ONE Platform, such as the presentation of the GEM Spain 2024-2025 Report, which highlights the talent and capacity of our entire entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Explore more content about the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Spain on the ONE Platform.