20 de March de 2026
Dinamización rural
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The brochure “Rural Women Entrepreneurs” includes programs, aid and support networks available at the state level from various ministries to promote training, financing and business support
- The brochure “Rural Women Entrepreneurs” includes programs, aid and support networks available at the state level from various ministries to promote training, financing and business support
- It also presents success stories that showcase the potential of female entrepreneurship in rural areas
Women play a fundamental role in the economic and social development of rural areas. However, starting a business remains more difficult for them: according to the report “Women and Entrepreneurship in Spain. Analysis with GEM data 2023-2024” , women start their businesses with 20% less capital than men.
This funding gap is compounded by other obstacles, such as access to specialized training or the creation of professional networks to support their projects.
With the aim of providing useful and accessible information, the PAC Network has prepared thebrochure “Rural Women Entrepreneurs: State Resources to Boost Your Future” , a compilation of programs, aid and initiatives promoted by different public institutions to support women who wish to start or consolidate their business activity in rural areas.
Resources promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
The document includes various initiatives promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food ( MAPA ) that aim to strengthen training, innovation and the exchange of experiences among rural women:
The “Growing Together” program offers training, mentoring, and networking opportunities to support projects led by women. Developed by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) in partnership with the CaixaBank AgroBank Foundation , it celebrates its fourth edition in 2026.
The Excellence in Innovation Awards for Rural Women, created by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA), celebrated their 16th edition in 2025. These awards recognize the work and role of women in rural areas, promoting their integration into the workforce. They include a monetary prize.
Activities of the PAC Network: include exchanges of experiences, training and communication tools such as news , viewers of good practices, specialized magazine or information relating to previous editions of the entrepreneurship workshops for women organized by the PAC Network.
Spanish Network of Women in the Fishing Sector (REMESP) , aimed at strengthening the female presence in the fishing sector.
Women's Institute support programs
The Women's Institute , belonging to the Ministry of Equality , develops several initiatives aimed at promoting female entrepreneurship and strengthening women's business skills, fostering a more equal rural environment:
Rural Women's Challenge: a comprehensive program of training, advice and support for female entrepreneurs in rural areas.
Juana Millán School for Women Entrepreneurs: an institution that offers training and support to women with business ideas.
Entrepreneurship Program: developed in collaboration with chambers of commerce to facilitate the creation and consolidation of businesses.
Innovatia Program 8.3: aimed at promoting female entrepreneurship in the university and technological fields.
Initiatives from other ministries
The information leaflet also includes programs promoted by other departments of the General State Administration (AGE) that contribute to the professional development of women entrepreneurs, including:
EMPODERA: green employment program aimed at women promoted by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO).
Digital Women Entrepreneurs Program: offers funding to business projects led by women in the digital field, promoted by the National Innovation Company (ENISA) belonging to the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism (MINCOTUR) .
Talentia 360 Program: focused on training for professional development, promoted by the School of Industrial Organization (EOI) of MINCOTUR.
State networks connecting rural women
In addition to programs and aid, the document highlights the importance of support and collaboration networks among women to share experiences, generate opportunities, build community, and strengthen business projects. The main state networks are:
PAC Network
Success stories
The informational material also includes examples of women-led initiatives that showcase the potential of rural entrepreneurship. These include:
Milagros Beltrán García (Castellón): founder of the company “Cabritillo del Maestrazgo” , dedicated to the sustainable production and marketing of high-quality kid goat meat. Her project was recognized at the Excellence in Innovation Awards for Rural Women.
Rural Women Artists (MAR) (Aragon): a platform that promotes the work of rural creators through training, workshops and cultural projects linked to the territory.
To learn more about success stories across our country, you can consult the PAC Network's Good Practices Viewer .