Got your own business? It is still not too late to learn how to manage it

Santander offers a ‘co-working’ programme and certificates to small entrepreneurs

Many people might think that the natural order of things is to first get some education on how to operate a business before starting one of your own. The reality, of course, is that many entrepreneurs who operate on the market do not have business education.

Authorities in the northern Spanish city of Santander, however, are at the opinion that small entrepreneurs and freelancers can benefit from getting some professional expert guidance and knowledge even if they already have their own operations going on. To that end, the City has decided to increase the budget towards employment promotion in the municipal limits and to continue offering the “Coworking Santander a Punto” programme, which is aimed at boosting the competences and skills among small business owners.

Half of the businesses in previous editions are still working, showing that the programme has an effect

The continuation of the much-needed project was announced at the ceremony awarding the participation certificates to the 15 enterprises which took part in the previous edition.

“We must recognize the initiative of those who have these businesses in progress and give them the necessary tools to adapt or improve their results," said Gema Igual, the Mayor of Santander, who spoke at the event about her government’s efforts and commitment to providing keeping the economy and employment as vibrant as possible during the crisis period.

"We are going to do everything possible so that the self-employed and companies of Santander do not fail so that they stay and keep their jobs," she added.

The way the programme works is by having the business model of each company or freelancer get analyzed by an external expert, who serves as a tutor for the duration of the course. The overall programme counts with 60 hours of workshops, divided into 2-hour parts.

The entrepreneur gets the chance to study deficiencies that his/her business might have and ways to address them. Furthermore, opportunities and methodologies for tackling the market in the most optimal way are offered by the consultant. Participants, likewise, have to also complete courses, such as web development, e-commerce, digital marketing, finance and other business tools.