News

• The initiative promotes self-employment, the value of local commerce and innovation, with a focus on female entrepreneurship.
• The project arises from the collaboration between the Federation of Rural Women's Associations (FADEMUR) of Galicia and the Social Plan of ENCE (Energy and Cellulose) Pontevedra

The project “ Sustainable Entrepreneurship 2.0: Sharing Experiences ” brings together women who have decided to start businesses in their local communities to build sustainable, useful initiatives deeply connected to the rural environment of Galicia . The program combines professional support, specialized training, and opportunities to showcase their ideas so they can take root and grow.

The initiative is born from the collaboration between the Federation of Rural Mulleres Associations (FADEMUR) of Galicia and the social Plan of ENCE (Energy and Cellulose) Pontevedra   and has involved more than 90 women . The project showcases the diversity of trades, methodologies, and objectives that coexist in rural areas today. Its projects encompass sectors such as care work, organic farming, traditional crafts, food innovation, and the revival of historical techniques.

Goals

All participants share the same purpose: to create opportunities in their territories. The project's main objectives include:

1. To make the work of rural women visible through real testimonies and examples .

2. Strengthening the capabilities of each female entrepreneur through training, mentoring, and individualized advice.

3. Promote sustainable models based on local resources, local economy and respect for the territory.

4. Connecting experiences, creating a support network that fosters knowledge sharing and joint growth.

5. Promote population retention through viable, stable projects with a direct impact on their community.

11 women, 11 ways of understanding rural life

Among the large number of participants, the initiative has highlighted 11 projects on its website that emphasize the work of women in rural areas:

1. Sandra Alvite – “Innova Senior” (Santiago de Compostela)

Their project involves creating a multi-service center for seniors. Among its services, it offers a day center, home care, physical rehabilitation, and a memory unit. Its goal is to improve well-being and support seniors in their journey toward independence through a professionalized care model.

2. Mónica Brey – “Mazás excoloxicas” (A Estrada)

The project focuses on organic apple production using a fully mechanized harvesting system, a pioneering approach in Galicia. Currently operating on 10 hectares, the project plans to expand its processing to include new products such as juices and jams, thereby strengthening the value chain from the field to the market.

3. Mariví Mouzo – “As Nemanquiñas Palilleiras Association” (Vimianzo)

It is an organization with over three decades dedicated to preserving, promoting, and teaching bobbin lace. It organizes the traditional "palillada," which brings together hundreds of artisans, as well as workshops and demonstrations that keep this cultural practice alive in the region.

4. Isabel Corral – “Pottery Ready” (Buño)

It is a four-generation family business that combines traditional techniques with innovation. It focuses on the production of handcrafted ceramics and blends hand-throwing with techniques such as 3D printing, maintaining a balance between contemporary design and local heritage.

5. Concha Seoane – ASPADEX (Cee)

This is a social project with nearly 40 years of history focused on people with intellectual disabilities. It offers a day center, residential care, a supported employment center, vocational workshops, and inclusion programs. Its mission centers on creating real support for dignified life projects.

6. Laura Ínsua – “Uns pican outros non” (Padrón)

An agricultural initiative focused on the production of Padrón peppers using organic techniques and biological pest control. Cultivated without pesticides, promoting biodiversity, and also shipping directly to consumers, maintaining the authenticity of this highly representative local product.

7. Carmen Riveiro – “Liño de Galicia” (Vimianzo)

A project dedicated to reviving linen manufacturing since 1996. In the workshop at Vimianzo Castle , fabrics, tablecloths, garments and lace are produced, in addition to live demonstrations that bring the tradition closer to the visiting public.

8. Silvia Garriga – “Nela Biosense / Nela gourmet” (O Carballiño)

An initiative that manages a dual line of work:

• “Biosense”: development of functional foods from biotechnology and health.

• “Gourmet”: high-quality Galician products geared towards restaurants and premium gastronomy.

Both branches connect food innovation, sustainability, and tradition.

9. Esther Ferreiro – “Crafts in prata and glass” (Xallas)

It's a project specializing in silver and Murano glass jewelry, with over two decades of experience. They also work with local mica and hold regular demonstrations at Vimianzo Castle. Their collections are distinguished by their technique, detail, and artistic value.

10. Mari Carmen González – “Art in palla” (Xallas)

This project creates handcrafted pieces using wheat and rye straw: sancosmeiros (woven baskets), bags, fans, bread baskets, and accessories decorated with lace. In this way, it modernizes a traditional technique with a strong Galician identity.

11. Silvia Seoane – Extensive livestock farming (Vimianzo)

It is a proposal that guides its development towards a responsible and sustainable model. The participation of the project manager in the program highlights the role of women in a traditionally male-dominated sector and underscores the importance of generational renewal in land management.

Impact and challenges of the program

During the development of the project, several results have been identified:

• Boosting local employment through sustainable and local projects.

• Strengthening the community fabric , especially through essential services such as care or personalized attention.

• Preservation of traditional crafts , from linen to ceramics or braided straw.

• Promoting female entrepreneurship as a tool against depopulation and highlighting the role of women in rural areas.

• Economic revitalization through the diversification of activities linked to the territory.

Similarly, several challenges have been observed, including the difficulty of administrative procedures and access to financing; the lack of work-life balance; the need for generational renewal; and the technological shortcomings caused by rural isolation that hinder the digitization of businesses.

Next steps

The project collaborators propose different steps to follow for the continuation of the initiative:

1. Expand the network of female entrepreneurs and collaborative spaces - there is still room to join.

2. Strengthen training in digitalization, sustainability and marketing.

3. Increase the visibility of these projects to generate new opportunities.

4. Promote specific public policies that support rural female entrepreneurship.