Fuerteventura Sees Startup Surge Amid Economic Transition
Local entrepreneurs harness innovation to reshape the island’s economic landscape.
Fuerteventura is witnessing a remarkable upswing in entrepreneurial activity as the island navigates its economic transition. New startups are emerging across various sectors, from tourism to renewable energy, driving innovation and diversifying the local economy. This vibrant entrepreneurial spirit not only creates job opportunities but also attracts investment, further positioning Fuerteventura as a burgeoning hub for business.
Investors are paying attention to the unique advantages that the island offers—its stunning landscape, growing digital infrastructure, and supportive local government policies aimed at fostering business development. Initiatives designed to streamline bureaucratic red tape, along with incentives for new ventures, are encouraging budding entrepreneurs to explore pathways that were once considered daunting. As a result, Fuerteventura is slowly but surely transforming from a primarily tourism-driven economy into one that embraces a wider array of industries.
The flourishing startup ecosystem serves as a beacon of hope for the island’s residents, with more locals choosing to launch their ventures instead of seeking employment abroad. This trend signifies not only a shift in mindset but fosters community engagement and resilience. Local entrepreneurs are beginning to reshape Fuerteventura’s economic identity, suggesting a promising future fueled by innovation and adaptability.
Source: Gobierno de Canarias.
CaixaBank has awarded Teresa Torres, administrator and founding partner of Lavandería El Cardón, with the ‘CaixaBank Business Award 2026′ in the Canary Islands, a recognition with which the entity distinguishes the talent and professional excellence of leading businesswomen in their territories for their career, strategic vision, leadership capacity and social commitment. The jury, made up of directors and directors of CaixaBank, chose Teresa Torres among the candidates presented in the Canary Islands for her business experience and for her contribution to the growth and transformation of the family business she runs. At the head of Lavandería El Cardón for 38 years, Torres has led the evolution of this family company dedicated to industrial laundry and textile services for the tourism sector. Based in Fuerteventura, the company has become under his leadership the largest industrial laundry in the Canary Islands, with more than 500 employees and activity on several islands in the Archipelago. Its strategic vision and management capacity have been decisive in positioning the company as a reference partner of important national and international hotel chains, while maintaining the values of closeness, quality and commitment to the people that have marked its trajectory. The territorial director of CaixaBank in the Canary Islands, Manuel Afonso, highlighted during the presentation ceremony that “Teresa Torres’ professional career shows that it is possible to grow without losing roots in the territory, generating employment, creating value and paving the way for other women who aspire to develop their own business projects.” “Recognizing stories like theirs is also valuing the talent and contribution of women to the business fabric of our Islands,” she added. Teresa Torres will compete for the national award After this regional phase, the businesswoman from Majorera will become part, along with the other 12 winners, of the Businesswoman Award Community on LinkedIn, a network promoted by CaixaBank that promotes networking, the exchange of experiences and access to exclusive initiatives for leading businesswomen from all over the country. In addition, Teresa Torres will compete for the national award. The businesswoman who wins this phase will have the opportunity to participate in a high-level international event alongside leading businesswomen from around the world. A decade recognizing female business leadership CaixaBank is celebrating this year the tenth edition of the ‘Businesswoman Award’, an initiative created to recognize the talent and professional excellence of leading businesswomen in Spain. Throughout this decade, the award has distinguished businesswomen such as Inés Juste, president of the Juste Group; Rocío Hervella, founder and CEO of Prosol; Arancha Manzanares, vice president of Ayesa; Lina Mascaró, president of Grupo Mascaró; Pilar Martínez-Cosentino, CEO of Grupo Consentino; Maite Casademunt, president and creative director of Lola Casademunt; María José Cascajo, founder of HC Clover; Judith Viader, CEO of Frit Ravich; and Sofía Osborne, president of the Osborne Group and national winner of the last edition, among others. The award is aimed at businesswomen with at least three years of activity, a minimum annual turnover equivalent to 1.5 million euros and direct involvement in the management of the business. The jury assesses factors such as business strength and growth, innovation, internationalization, job creation, sustainability and commitment to diversity, as well as the candidates’ career and leadership. Commitment to business excellence and diversity The awards are part of the CaixaBank Wengage diversity program, a transversal project based on meritocracy and the promotion of equal opportunities, which works to promote and make visible diversity in all its dimensions. The program includes measures to promote flexibility and conciliation, build an inclusive culture and reinforce the role of women, in addition to external initiatives linked to leadership and entrepreneurship, innovation and education, sports, the rural environment and the labor inclusion of people at risk of exclusion. Thanks to this commitment, CaixaBank obtained the award as ‘Best Bank in Diversity and Inclusion in Europe’ from Euromoney in 2025. In addition, it has the Distinction of Equality in the Company (DIE), awarded by the Ministry of Equality, and the EFR Certification (Family Responsible Company) in the excellent category.
Originally reported by www.lavozdefuerteventura.com, rewritten by the Fuerteventura Times AI Editorial Desk.
