A common phrase in the boxing world states that sometimes you win, and other times you learn. This widely echoed sentiment from humble gyms with ceiling-hanging bags was the core of the III Edition of CB113 Emprende, organized by the Confederation of Business Associations of Commerce of Bizkaia (Cecobi) yesterday afternoon in the bright Ensanche Building in Bilbao. The event was supported by the Department of Tourism, Commerce, and Consumption of the Basque Government.
The event was designed to highlight generational succession, the courage of new businesses, and, above all, the support network that sustains urban economies from a more human, close, and realistic perspective. The meeting opened with remarks from María López Negrete, president of Cecobi, followed by an institutional intervention by Izaskun Gómez, Director of Commerce for the Basque Government, after which specific case studies began.
It became clear that starting a business doesn't always begin with an impeccable strategy or a perfectly laid-out path. Much like in the boxing ring, doubts often arise, difficult decisions must be made, and actions may not yield the expected results. The market, that relentless rival between the ropes, has its own ideas, and unforeseen challenges emerge. It's necessary to grit your teeth and take a deep breath. To hold on or, conversely, to dance, depending on the circumstances. To breathe. To resort to Plan B. And Plan C if necessary.
Several entrepreneurs shared their strategic shifts and alternatives throughout their market 'rounds'. The first dialogue featured Oscar Arango from Oscar Arango Capillary Micropigmentation and Marta Fernández, secretary-general of Cecobi. Following this, Jessica Martín of Barbería La Bilbaína spoke with Luisma Torres from the Entrepreneurship Support Point. The third segment focused on food innovation and financing. Ernesto García of Kitu Foods presented his testimony, accompanied by the aforementioned Izaskun Gómez and Víctor Iriarte from Rural Kutxa.
Concluding the commercial testimonials were Arritxu Linazisoro of Estanco Ronda and Begoña Velasco, head of the Entrepreneurship Unit at Bilbao Ekintza, who analyzed the resilience of traditional businesses facing new consumer demands. Each segment followed a strict methodology: seven minutes for the business testimony, three for institutional tools, and three for audience questions. In boxing, bouts last three minutes – a curious coincidence.
Attendees included Alberto Ruiz, vice-president of Cecobi; Aitor Hernández, deputy secretary-general; Gloria Múgica, Managing Director of DEMA, accompanied by Isabel Muela; Antonio Seco, Director of Commerce and Entrepreneurship at the Bilbao Chamber of Commerce; Ikus Sainz de Murieta, president of AJEBASK Bizkaia; and Julia Diéguez, president of Deusto Bizirik.
In boxing, nobody loses. Some win, and some learn. Just like in entrepreneurship.
