Benalmádena strengthens female entrepreneurship with a new edition of the Women Entrepreneur Award

Benalmádena Town Council has launched the 23rd Women Entrepreneur Award, an initiative designed to recognise the professional achievements, innovative capacity and economic contribution of women running businesses in the municipality. Applications may be submitted until 29 August 2026.

Organised by the council’s Equality Department, the competition aims to raise the profile of women who have established their own businesses or manage companies that create jobs and opportunities in Benalmádena. It also seeks to promote equal opportunities and strengthen the local business community.

Prize money increased to €1,000 in each category

The main new feature this year is the increase in financial support. After 22 editions in which each category carried a prize of €400, the council has raised the amount to €1,000 for each of the two categories.

The competition retains its two categories: Sole Trader and Businesswoman with Employees. This allows the awards to recognise both self-employed professionals and women managing businesses with their own workforce.

In addition to the cash prize, the winners will receive support related to promotion, training and business mentoring, delivered in collaboration with several local organisations. These resources are intended to ensure that the award provides practical assistance for the growth and consolidation of the winning businesses.

A plaque will identify the winning businesses

Another new addition will be the presentation of an identification plaque to be displayed outside each winner’s premises. This will replace the traditional trophy and provide permanent visibility for the recognition awarded by the council.

The measure aims to increase awareness of the winning companies and bring the initiative closer to Benalmádena’s commercial community. Customers, residents and visitors will therefore be able to identify businesses recognised for their achievements and the work of the women behind them.

Who can apply?

Businesses based in Benalmádena and owned by a female sole trader are eligible to take part. Companies in which women hold at least 51% of the effective ownership may also apply.

The competition rules have been updated to broaden the representation of the judging panel. The full conditions and application form are available through the council’s website and at the Municipal Women’s Centre.

Applications may be submitted through the Benalmádena Town Council electronic office or by any other method accepted under current administrative regulations.

Recognising employment and innovation

Equality councillor Jésica Trujillo highlighted female entrepreneurship as an important driver of growth in Benalmádena. She praised the women whose projects generate employment, wealth and new opportunities within the municipality.

Trujillo encouraged local businesswomen to submit their applications, noting that the award particularly recognises the effort, perseverance and innovative capacity of those who contribute to the town’s economic development every day.

Representatives from the Andalusian Government’s CADE business support centre, the Municipal Women’s Centre, the Benalmádena Traders and Business Association, the Arroyo Benalmádena Association and MDM also took part in the presentation. These organisations will collaborate in promoting and developing the initiative.

With increased prize money, new professional incentives and the introduction of a visible plaque for winning premises, the Women Entrepreneur Award strengthens its objective of turning institutional recognition into practical support for businesses led by women in Benalmádena.

Application deadline: 29 August 2026
Categories: Sole Trader and Businesswoman with Employees
Prize: €1,000 in each category, plus promotion, training and mentoring support
Applications: Through Benalmádena Town Council’s electronic office or any other legally accepted submission method

Information source: Benalmádena Town Council, Equality Department.