The Málaga City Council and the Chamber of Commerce have renewed a collaboration agreement to promote entrepreneurship and self-employment, allocating €225,000 for training programs. The initiative expects to assist 450 people in 2026 through 31 courses, including new content on artificial intelligence.
The fifth consecutive year of collaboration between the Málaga City Council, through the Municipal Institute for Training and Employment (IMFE), and the Málaga Chamber of Commerce was formalized today with the signing of an agreement to support entrepreneurship and self-employment. The deal, signed at the Chamber's headquarters, includes a budget of €225,000 to finance training actions under the programs 'España Emprende Formación' and 'Impulsa Startup'. The funds will be distributed with 80% coming from the Chamber, largely through a grant from the European Social Fund Plus (€180,000), and the remaining 20% (€45,000) provided by the IMFE.
The agreement aims to strengthen the local business fabric by equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with essential skills. In the previous year, the programs reached 354 participants across 24 training actions. For 2026, the target has been raised to 450 people, with 31 courses planned. New this year is the inclusion of artificial intelligence applied to business, alongside established topics such as administrative and digital skills, commerce, and photography.
The 'España Emprende Formación' program offers both in-person and online training focused on business consolidation. It includes awareness workshops, guidance sessions, and mentoring support. The IMFE and the Chamber have committed to providing ongoing assistance even after the courses end. Meanwhile, 'Impulsa Startup' is designed to help entrepreneurs transform initial business ideas into viable, tested ventures. Participants receive direct guidance from specialized tutors and mentors during the creation and validation phases.
Councillor for Education and Employment Promotion, María Paz Flores, emphasized the importance of the initiative in fostering a culture of entrepreneurship. She noted that the collaboration has consistently adapted to market needs, with the addition of AI training reflecting the growing demand for digital transformation in small businesses. Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce, Paloma Moreno, highlighted the role of the European funding in enabling these programs, which are crucial for reducing unemployment and encouraging self-employment in the region.
The local economy of Málaga has seen a steady growth in startups over the past decade, with the city becoming a hub for tech innovation. Programs like these provide a safety net for new entrepreneurs, offering practical knowledge and networking opportunities. According to the IMFE, participants in previous editions have reported a higher success rate in launching and sustaining their businesses within the first year.
The signing took place in a ceremony attended by local business representatives and officials. The courses are expected to begin in the coming weeks, with enrollment already open through the IMFE and Chamber websites. Interested individuals can apply for specific programs based on their business stage, whether they are at the idea phase or looking to consolidate an existing venture.
With a focus on sustainability and social inclusion, the agreement also aims to improve soft skills and professional competencies, helping participants from diverse backgrounds enter the labor market. The combination of theoretical training and practical mentorship has proven effective, with many former participants now running successful small businesses in sectors ranging from retail to digital services.
As Málaga continues to position itself as a entrepreneurial hotspot, such partnerships between public institutions and business organizations are vital. The €225,000 investment represents a significant commitment to nurturing local talent and reducing barriers to business creation. The programs are fully funded, meaning no cost to participants, which lowers the entry threshold for those with limited resources.
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