In a significant milestone for the local business community, the jury for the tenth edition of the Small Business of the Year Award 2026 in Cáceres province convened on Wednesday to evaluate this year's candidates. The award, organised by Banco Santander and the Cáceres Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Spanish Chamber of Commerce and El Periódico Extremadura, aims to recognise the hard work and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which play a crucial role in boosting the local economy and creating jobs.
The jury comprises Raúl Iglesias, Secretary General of the Cáceres Chamber of Commerce; Javier Luna, Head of Economic Promotion and Employment Services at the Diputación de Cáceres; Luis Coello, Institutional Manager at Banco Santander's Territorial Directorate; and Juan José Ventura, a journalist from El Periódico Extremadura. These institutions and entities join forces once again to highlight the importance of SMEs in the economy and society of Cáceres.
A decade of recognising business excellence
The year 2026 marks a particularly significant milestone, celebrating ten editions of the award that have showcased the talent, effort, and transformative capacity of local businesses. Over the past decade, the Small Business of the Year Award has focused on companies from various sectors and municipalities within Cáceres, bringing to light entrepreneurial stories characterised by job creation, innovation, internationalisation, digital transformation, and commitment to the region of Extremadura.
This year, approximately thirty companies from the province have stepped forward to submit their applications, competing for the main award as well as various categories that recognise essential areas for addressing current business challenges.
Introduction of the business legacy mention
A notable addition this year is the introduction of the Business Legacy Mention, aimed at recognising a company that stands out for its economic and social impact in the region. This new distinction seeks to acknowledge not only the business activity and results of an SME but also its ability to leave a lasting impression on its surroundings through contributions to the local economy, job creation, community ties, and positive societal impact.
The Business Legacy Mention will be awarded alongside the Small Business of the Year 2026 and four special mentions in the categories of Internationalisation, Innovation and Digitalisation, Training and Employment, and Sustainable SME.
Recognising those who drive the province forward
Raúl Iglesias, Secretary General of the Cáceres Chamber of Commerce, stated that this tenth edition represents “an opportunity to celebrate a decade of commitment to the businesses that advance the province and to advocate for the role of SMEs as a fundamental component of the regional economy.” The jury's decision will be announced during the gala for the Small Business of the Year 2026, scheduled for next month in November, which is expected to gather over a hundred representatives from the business, institutional, and social sectors of the province and region.
