The Xunta de Galicia took place on 22 October 2026 in Cerdedo-Cotobade the XXVIII Premios Xove empresario/a do Ano of the Asociación de Xoves Empresarios de Pontevedra awarded. The main prize went to Quireza Events, while the award in the Iniciativa emprendedora category went to Elefantes Rosas. María Martínez Allegue, Conselleira for Housing and Infrastructure Planning, congratulated the prize winners and highlighted young businesses’ contribution to employment and value creation in Pontevedra province.
According to the organisers, the awards recognise viable business models, innovation and companies’ roots in their local communities. Allegue placed the awards in the context of the regional government’s economic policy: the Xunta aims to support business creation and consolidation through programmes, direct grants and tax incentives. Easier access to housing is also a priority, as it is crucial for retaining skilled workers and developing new ventures.
Particular attention was given to the honorary award winner Cándido Farto. The president of Ingeniería y Montajes Rías Bajas was honoured for his decades-long entrepreneurial career. According to the account given at the ceremony, over roughly four decades his business grew from a small company into a firm with more than 160 employees and operations in national and international markets. The Xunta highlighted this development as an example of business continuity and adaptability.
The Asociación de Xoves Empresarios de Pontevedra has organised the awards for 28 years. This year’s edition focused on networking among young firms, established businesses and regional institutions. The organisers believe that raising the profile of successful ventures will attract further investment and promote partnerships in Pontevedra and beyond.
The awards ceremony in Cerdedo-Cotobade underlines the competition’s regional focus, while also highlighting initiatives with wider relevance across the region. The Xunta de Galicia announced that it would continue working with associations such as AJE Pontevedra. The regional government did not give forecasts for future grant amounts at the gala, but pointed to what it considers a historically high allocation for housing support in the current budget. Specific future funding decisions remain subject to the regular budget and tendering process.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).