Many people dream of starting a business, but not everyone achieves it. The key is, almost always, in finding the necessary support. "It's never too late if you surround yourself with the right people," says someone who, with experience behind him, knows what it means to start a business. His voice is one of those included in a new chapter of Nosotros, the CaixaBank program in which we all fit and which focuses its attention on entrepreneurs and the importance of having the right travel companions.
In this episode, the protagonists tell their personal experiences, from someone very young who has decided to start a project after completing their studies, to those who have managed to undertake with a lot of effort. In fact, starting a business is a very attractive option for 41% of Spaniards, who consider opening their business now or in the coming years. This is clear from Amway's AGER 2020 report, which indicates that, despite everything, entrepreneurship levels in Spain continue to be below those of other European countries and the rest of the world.
The percentage of people who take the step and get involved in entrepreneurial initiatives only reached 5.5% in 2021, according to the GEM Spain 2021-2022 study. A figure that could grow with enough help. What's more, this new installment of Us highlights the need to feel supported, be it by the environment, family or friends. But not only for them. This support also takes the form of the financial support necessary to carry out the project, such as that granted through MicroBank, CaixaBank's social bank.
In order to respond to this need and to the segments of the population whose financial needs are not sufficiently covered, MicroBank, CaixaBank's social bank, has helped more than one million families and has promoted more than 225,000 small businesses throughout its fifteen years of existence. Today, the entity's commitment is to redouble its efforts to support the most vulnerable, also promoting other projects linked to sectors with a social impact, such as education, innovation and the social economy.
Since its creation in 2007, MicroBank has developed a new social banking model that facilitates access to credit through quality financial services. With its work, it contributes to the progress and well-being of society and provides financing for groups and projects that generate a favorable social impact. MicroBank is a benchmark in financial inclusion through microcredits. The objectives of the entity are focused on satisfying needs that are not sufficiently covered by the traditional credit system, following the parameters of rigor and sustainability of a banking entity.
Microcredits are loans of up to 25,000 euros, without real collateral, aimed at families, the self-employed and micro-enterprises that, due to their economic and social conditions, may have difficulties accessing traditional bank financing. Its purpose is to promote productive activity, job creation and personal and family development. In addition, 290 entities throughout Spain actively collaborate in granting microcredits, providing knowledge of the recipients of the loans, as well as advising and monitoring the projects.
In addition, in recent years MicroBank has launched new financing lines aimed at sectors with a social impact. Specifically, these are sectors related to entrepreneurship and innovation, the social economy (EaSI Social Enterprise Loan), education (Skills
Within the framework of its 2022-2024 Strategic Plan, MicroBank will grant a total of 3,500 million euros in financing with a social impact until the end of 2024, benefiting more than 400,000 vulnerable families, entrepreneurs and micro-enterprises. The entity's plan contemplates allocating 1,850 million to homes and 1,600 million to businesses and entrepreneurs. This commitment to grant 3,500 million represents an increase of 34% compared to the amount granted in the 2019-2021 period and increases the number of beneficiaries, compared to almost 312,000 in the previous strategic plan.
In addition, another of the strategic objectives is to increase the positive impact of the bank on people and society as a whole, as well as to generate alliances with social entities and European institutions. Since its creation, MicroBank, the largest microfinance bank in Europe, has financed more than 8,000 million euros in Spain, in a total of 1,243,332 projects with a social impact. Of these, almost 7,500 million euros correspond to microcredits. This activity has contributed to the creation of 293,000 direct jobs and 95,000 businesses.
In this new space owned by CaixaBank, around one hundred people, in a broad and representative sample of our society, of all profiles and of all ages, will be able to express themselves, get excited and claim. The chapter dedicated to entrepreneurs is one of the six chapters of this initiative led by young people, the elderly, families, people motivated to learn and those who also believe in the value of sustainability who show their experiences firsthand.
Nosotros reaffirms CaixaBank's commitment to be close to people and to society as a whole, and to be part of their lives, their reality and their needs. And to support people in everything that matters to them and help them with their financial needs. Within the framework of the new claim launched by CaixaBank Tú y yo. Nosotros, the entity seeks to reflect the needs, priorities, situations and, ultimately, everything that matters to the diverse public to which the entity is directed. Because being closer to people makes it easier for them to achieve everything they set out to do.
