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In 2024, Spanish companies generated 87% of GDP, 34% of government revenue and 89% of investment in Spain

The 3rd edition of the Business Barometer, a nationwide initiative promoted by the Valencian Business Association (AVE) in collaboration with GAD3 and Ivie was recently presented in Madrid

AVE, together with the consulting firm GAD3 and Ivie, presented the results of the 2025 Entrepreneurs Barometer, a nationwide study that analyzes the social perception of entrepreneurship in Spain and its contribution to the country’s economic and social development. The conclusions of this third edition were presented by: Vicente Boluda, President of AVE; Joaquín Maudos, Ivie Research Deputy Director and Professor of Economic Analysis at the University of Valencia; Narciso Michavila, President and founder of GAD3; and Sara Morais, General Director of GAD3. The study responds to the questions of who entrepreneurs are, what they contribute to society, and how they are perceived by Spanish citizens.

Vicente Boluda explained that the Entrepreneurs Barometer aims to be a reliable, secure, and rigorous source of information, providing up-to-date figures for use and dissemination on entrepreneurs as a collective. He stated: “We want to understand the public’s opinion of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship so that, based on their responses, we can work to improve their perception of us and, in doing so, inspire more entrepreneurial vocations.”

Based on the results of more than 3,600 surveys conducted nationwide, 77% of citizens have a positive or very positive image of entrepreneurs—a figure that has remained constant since the first edition of the Entrepreneur Barometer. This favorable view is especially strong among entrepreneurs, under 30, and those over 65.

Boluda emphasized: “We should be proud of Spanish companies of all sizes and sectors which, every day, through the efforts of entrepreneurs, workers, and collaborators—and despite existing challenges—make our country more competitive.” Michavilla added: “More and more citizens recognize the value of entrepreneurs not only as generators of employment and wealth, but also as key agents of social and economic development. The fact that 8 out of 10 Spaniards today have a positive view of entrepreneurs reflects a profound cultural shift that we must nurture and strengthen.”

Respondents identified technological innovation (75%), economic and social development (69%), and job creation (68%) as the main areas of business commitment. In this regard, Joaquín Maudos highlighted: “The latest available data underscores the importance of entrepreneurs in generating income, employment, and public revenue in the Spanish economy, with figures that have increased in 2024. The nearly 3.3 million companies in Spain generate 87% of GDP and 85% of employment and are also responsible for 89% of all investment made in the country in 2024. In the case of investment most closely linked to productivity growth—such as intangible assets  like R&D—that share reaches 94%.”

He continued: “Businesses are no less important in sustaining the welfare state, as their income accounts for 34% of total public revenue through corporate tax and social security contributions alone, with Spain ranking fifth in the EU-27, 7.7 points above the average. These figures clearly illustrate the contribution of entrepreneurs to the Spanish economy”.

Boluda concluded: “The more than three million entrepreneurs in our country, across all sizes and sectors, are the driving force behind employment and investment in Spain and, therefore, the more entrepreneurs we have, the better off we will be as a society”.

Challenges and Barriers: Gender and Youth

The study also highlights that the most recognized traits in entrepreneurs are leadership, perseverance, and kindness. In addition, 45% of the population say they admire a specific entrepreneur, which reinforces the humanization of these figures in the public imagination. For the third consecutive year, citizens highlight motivation (46%), creativity (44%), and perseverance (42%) as key values of the entrepreneurial spirit. Other attributes such as determination, innovation, passion, and leadership have gained prominence this year.

Despite progress, only 15% of respondents believe that entrepreneurship in Spain is easy—a figure that, while slightly improved compared to the previous year, still reflects the structural challenges of the business ecosystem. Among the barriers identified are a preference for job security and, among those under 30, a lack of capital and financial risk.

However, the study shows that 31% of the population has started a business at some point, with higher rates among men and individuals aged 45 to 54. Of those who have started a business, 57% report feeling satisfied, citing personal fulfillment, autonomy, and achievements as the main reasons. Furthermore, 24% of the population express an intention to start a business in the future—a percentage that rises to 53% among young people—while 57% say that, if they could go back in time, they would have liked to start a business and own their own company.