The GEM Valencian Community Report 2025-2026, presented today in Valencia, reveals that the TEA rate (recent entrepreneurial activity) stands at 9.1%, up from 8.2% last year. Consolidated activity has also increased to 8%, while the intention to start a business in the next three years remains above 15%. The Valencian Community shows higher figures than the national average in all three phases of the entrepreneurial process.
Public perception of entrepreneurship is also improving: 49.9% of the adult population believes they have the necessary skills, and 56.4% knows someone who has recently started a business. The percentage of people identifying good opportunities has risen to 42%, although the fear of failure persists at 52.8%.
The profile of recent entrepreneurs is balanced by gender (49.4% women, 50.6% men) with an average age of 38.9 years. Most have university education and specific training in business creation and management.
The services sector remains the main focus, with 45.8% of initiatives targeting end consumers and 32.2% for professional and business services. Projects are mostly small-scale, with 61% having a single owner and 86.5% generating up to five jobs. Motivations include the desire to make a social difference and the lack of other job alternatives.
The use of digital resources and artificial intelligence (27%) is gaining importance in business strategies. Sustainability is also integrated, with 53.3% of initiatives developing environmental actions and 41.1% social actions. The entrepreneurial fabric is small but increasingly incorporates innovation, digitalization, and sustainability.
Experts view the access to infrastructure and support programs positively but highlight the need to improve financing, bureaucracy, and knowledge transfer. They recommend simplifying procedures and promoting entrepreneurial education.
The report, produced by the UMH with support from the Conselleria and Fundación LAB Mediterráneo, analyzes the evolution of the entrepreneurial phenomenon through surveys of the adult population and an expert panel.
