Four innovative projects from the island, ranging from viticulture to beekeeping, have been recognised for their social impact, sustainability, and growth potential.
On Tuesday, CaixaBank and the Association for Rural and Fisheries Development of Lanzarote (ADERLAN) awarded the Terra de Oportunidades 2025 prizes at the Civic Centre in Arrecife. These awards highlight four entrepreneurial projects from the rural areas of Lanzarote, located in Conil, Mácher, Villa de Teguise, and Tinajo.
Commitment to Rural Entrepreneurship
This initiative, driven by CaixaBank across Spain, aims to strengthen its commitment to entrepreneurship in rural areas through collaboration with Rural Development Groups. This marks the third edition of the programme on the island.
The winners of this third edition in Lanzarote are:
- Bodega Mota, by entrepreneur Samuel González, an artisan winery with local identity that combines wine production with enotourism visits.
- Lanzarote Honeybees, by Selina Katharina Vogel, an ecotourism experience that connects people with nature through the world of bees.
- Batatas Arrugaditas y Harina, by Karliana José Aguilera, an innovative project that enhances local sweet potato through transformation.
- Marco Padrón Buis, a young farmer and producer of zero-kilometre food, advocating for sales in nearby shops and representing the interests of new generations in the agricultural sector.
The event included speeches from Enrique Sánchez, Area Business Director of CaixaBank in Lanzarote; Santiago Padín, President of ADERLAN; Mónica Acosta, Social Action Technician for CaixaBank in the Canaries; and Mercedes Robayna, Manager of ADERLAN. During the ceremony, the entrepreneurs had the opportunity to present their initiatives and share their experiences.
Selection Criteria
The projects were selected by a technical committee comprising representatives from CaixaBank and ADERLAN, who evaluated aspects such as viability, job creation potential, growth opportunities, innovation, and sustainability.
Furthermore, the four winners will take part in the national training competition “The Terra de Oportunidades Challenge”, organised by CaixaBank in collaboration with the social enterprise Rural Talent, where they will face three challenges alongside more than 180 entrepreneurs from across the country.
The top 20 entrants will reach the national final, competing for additional recognition, cash prizes, and personalised mentoring programmes.
Training for Rural Entrepreneurs
The award ceremony was part of the training course “Brand Storytelling: How to Connect with Your Audience,” taking place from 16th to 19th September at the Civic Centre in Arrecife. Led by Helena Colomé and Gladys Becerra from DML Digital Marketing Lanzarote, this course aims to improve the communication skills of rural and fishing entrepreneurs on the island, helping them identify their ideal customers and connect effectively with their audience.
About Terra de Oportunidades
The Terra de Oportunidades programme is an initiative by CaixaBank’s Social Action aimed at supporting entrepreneurship in rural areas, generating employment, and contributing to population retention in these regions. It is developed in collaboration with Rural Development Groups across Spain, who possess in-depth knowledge of local needs, and involves the participation of Rural Talent in the training component. Additionally, the programme is complemented by the engagement of CaixaBank Volunteers, MicroBank, and AgroBank in support, mentoring, and funding activities.
About ADERLAN
The Association for Rural and Fisheries Development of Lanzarote (ADERLAN) is a non-profit entity that promotes the comprehensive and sustainable development of the island’s rural and fishing areas. By managing European funds and collaborating with administrations, businesses, and local groups, it supports initiatives that encourage economic diversification, territorial conservation, and improvement of quality of life in rural areas.
