Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro delivering her opening remarks
Marc Sans presenting Barcelona Activas’s resources available to support Filipino international talent in Barcelona
21 March 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona, in partnership with Barcelona Activa, successfully hosted Pagnenegosyo sa Barcelona—an entrepreneurship event aimed at empowering Filipinos to pursue business opportunities and better understand the tools available to help them thrive in the city.
Held at the Consulate, the event drew an enthusiastic crowd of aspiring entrepreneurs and members of the Filipino community eager to learn how to turn their business ideas into viable ventures.
In her opening remarks, Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro emphasized the Consulate’s commitment to promoting the success of Filipinos in Spain. She encouraged the community to embrace entrepreneurship not only as a means of economic empowerment but also as a way to share Filipino products, culture and creativity with the wider Spanish market.
“We want Filipinos in our jurisdiction to know that there are many paths to success, and that includes knowing what Barcelona has to offer. Events like this help build that bridge,” she said.
Mr. Marc Sans, International Economic Promotion Adviser of the Barcelona City Council, delivered a detailed presentation on the services of Barcelona Activa—the city’s economic development agency. He highlighted the resources available to help international talent, including Filipinos, build and grow their businesses:
- Personalized business advice to help develop business plans and assess financial options
- Startup incubation and innovation hubs, such as the Glòries Entrepreneurship Centre and Technology Park
- Training programs and workshops on everything from market research to digital transformation
- Access to funding, with over €30 million raised for entrepreneurs in 2023
The event also introduced participants to Barcelona International Welcome, a platform that supports newcomers by offering practical guidance on settling in and connecting with the local economy.
Pagnenegosyo sa Barcelona served not only as an informative session but also as a networking opportunity for Filipino professionals and aspiring business owners. The Consulate is proud to continue offering programs that connect the Filipino community with resources that help turn ambitions into reality.