- The director of Igape, Covadonga Toca, took part today in a conference on governance and challenges in the sector organised by the Santiago Chamber of Commerce, Abanca and the Intercontinental University of Business (UIE)
- She reaffirmed the Galician Government’s commitment to supporting family businesses in processes such as generational renewal, professionalisation and digitalisation
- She recalled that more than 92% of the business fabric in Galicia is made up of family businesses, which generate 82% of private employment and contribute 85% of the Gross Value Added
Santiago de Compostela, 1 July 2025
The director of Igape, Covadonga Toca, took part this morning in the conference Challenges and governance systems in family businesses, organised by the Santiago Chamber of Commerce, Abanca and the Intercontinental University of Business (UIE), where she highlighted the strategic importance of family businesses as “the backbone of Galicia’s economic and social fabric”.
During her address, the Xunta representative emphasised the weight of this business model in the region, accounting for over 92% of active companies, generating 82% of private employment and contributing 85% of Gross Value Added — figures well above the national average. “Family businesses provide stability and confidence in a global economic context that is volatile and constantly changing,” noted Toca Carús, who also underlined their commitment to local development and their long‑term vocation.
The director of Igape also pointed to the challenges facing the sector, such as technological adaptation, new tax dynamics and international trade tensions, assuring that the Galician Government is working to offer support and make the path towards growth and continuity easier for these companies.
Support for generational renewal and good governance
Toca Carús focused on the importance of good governance as a tool to ensure continuity, align family and business interests, and open up to talent and innovation. “Good governance allows family businesses to retain their character without giving up professionalisation,” she stated.
The director also reviewed Igape’s main support instruments, such as the Reacciona programme, training plans for managers, incentives for digitalisation, internationalisation and innovation, as well as measures to advance Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria. She also highlighted the role of the Economic Office of Galicia in administrative simplification.
In closing her address, the director of Igape called for institutional cooperation as a tool to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of Galician family businesses. “At Igape, we reaffirm our commitment to this business model and reiterate our full willingness to continue working together to make Galicia a land of opportunity, rootedness and innovation,” she concluded.
