We are excited to participate again in the “Family Business in the Classroom” program. On February 20, we visited the Sagrados Corazones school in Torrelavega, where we interacted with the students of 3rd and 4th secondary school.
During the visit, Ana Alvarez, representative of the third generation and Vice President of Armando Alvarez Group, gave a talk on the history and evolution of our family business. The students also participated in a team dynamic that consisted of solving a brain teaser, underlining the importance of cooperation and teamwork.
Three pillars of business success were addressed: entrepreneurship, intergenerational continuity and collaboration. These ideas inspired students to reflect on their future role in family businesses.
They also discussed the challenges facing family businesses, such as digitization, innovation, talent attraction or financing among others.
To conclude the experience, the students will visit Aspla’s facilities in Reocín, one of the companies of the Armando Alvarez Group, this March to observe first-hand its operations and values.
The “Family Business in the Classroom” program continues to be a powerful tool to educate and inspire tomorrow’s leaders, demonstrating how education can be an engine for economic growth and sustainable development. This year, the participation in Sagrados Corazones in Torrelavega reaffirms the commitment of ACEFAM (Cantabrian Association of Family Businesses) and Grupo Armando Alvarez with the education of young people.
Contribution and impact of family businesses in Spain and Cantabria
Family businesses represent 88.8% of all businesses in Spain and 92.1% in Cantabria. These companies are fundamental for employment, with 66.7% of the workforce in Spain and 82.5% in Cantabria working in them. They contribute to GDP, generating 57.1% of business wealth in Spain and 61.8% in Cantabria. In addition to their economic impact, they represent a family and cultural legacy, being an example of resilience and business leadership.
About ACEFAM’s “Family business in the classroom” program
ACEFAM’s “Family Business in the Classroom” program focuses on complementing school curricula from Primary 6th grade to Vocational Training, with special emphasis on subjects related to business and entrepreneurship. Through talks in schools and institutes, visits to family businesses and the “Imagine your company” contest, the program facilitates direct contact between students and teachers and family businesses. This contact allows them to learn about the significant role of these companies in the economy and society, promoting entrepreneurial and business vocations among young people. In addition, the program offers a Didactic Guide to support teachers in the teaching of these contents.
