Supernova, the I Insular Congress of Commerce and Business Support had more than 800 registered participants linked to the activity in Tenerife. Held at the Pirámide Auditorium in Arona, it was defined by Krysten Martín, insular councillor of Commerce and Business Support, as “a strategic scenario to disseminate and exchange innovative ideas that boost the island’s economic development”.
Keynote speeches, specialized talks, and panel discussions focused on efficient human resource management, new funding avenues, adaptation to emerging technology, optimization of marketing and sales strategies, as well as personalized consultancy through mentoring or specialized advice tailored to the consultant’s needs shaped this meeting that aimed to provide a comprehensive set of tools and knowledge that enhance the competitiveness of commerce and businesses in Tenerife in the market.
A snapshot from a conference held at the Fair Space during Supernova. | | A. GUTIERREZ / J. A. M.
“Supernova, at its core, represents a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and growth, a space of theoretical and practical convergence where strategic alliances are forged and ideas are incubated to transform and enhance the business landscape of the island,” claimed Krysten Martín. “One of the goals we set from the Cabildo is to turn the institution into a great ally of the commercial sector, developing useful policies that reach the business fabric.”
A significant amount of money and employment
The insular president, Rosa Dávila, emphasized the role of the commercial sector because “it accounts for 22% of the weight in the overall economy and 18% of employment in Tenerife.” She highlighted the value of entrepreneurs in the sector because “they have shown, like few others, their capacity for resilience and adaptation to the new times.”
Facing challenges such as competition from large chains, e-commerce platforms, operational costs, and bureaucracy, Dávila pointed out “digitalization, training, and skill development” as the key challenges. “When confronting these challenges, they will find support from the Cabildo.” An example: Supernova. “Small shops are much more than places to buy. They are meeting points, job creators, and pillars of our land’s identity. You are allies of Tenerife’s strength and progress,” concluded the president.
José Elías, Catalan entrepreneur ranked 74th among the wealthiest in the country. | | AG / J. A. M.
Lope Afonso, the vice-president of the Cabildo, claimed that “the insular institution provides a meeting point between entrepreneurs and traders,” as “they significantly contribute to the generation of wealth and invigorate our productive fabric.” Afonso pointed out that this “super-congress” enables “to better understand their concerns and provide them with tools to be more competitive and acquire new skills. It is a stimulus point to strengthen the business fabric.”
An Inseparable Pair
The Deputy President of the Government of Canarias, Manuel Domínguez, highlighted the convergence of the regional and insular administrations “in actions that benefit commerce,” stating that “we work in alignment with the goal of increasing the growth rates of commercial activity” and advocated for commerce and tourism as “an inseparable pair,” as studies reflect that the 5% commercial growth last year in the Islands “is linked to our main source of income, which is tourism.”
Agoney Melián, entrepreneur and president of the Association of Young Entrepreneurs of the Canary Islands. | | ANDRES GUTIERREZ / J. A. M.
Domínguez reminded that Canarians can start obtaining the consumption vouchers promoted by the regional Executive from tomorrow, fulfilling “a dual objective: to enhance the commercial activity of our land and to enable families facing more difficulties to purchase products and services more easily.”
Presentations
“Time for the Brave” was the title of Mónica Mendoza’s intervention, an entrepreneur and psychologist specializing in sales, who motivated the attendees by talking about herself. “If you believe### Small Business Insights from Key Speakers at the Business Congress
One of the key takeaways from the business congress was the notion that “if you think education is expensive, try ignorance.” The speaker elaborated on this by emphasising the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship, the necessity of hands-on experience in sales, the crucial role that clients play in sustaining a business, and the pitfalls of being efficient at something futile. Additionally, the speaker stressed the significance of embracing advancements like artificial intelligence while advocating for valuing the human element within a brand.
*Mónica Mendoza, small businesswoman and sales specialist*
Another speaker, Agoney Melián, the president of the Association of Young Entrepreneurs in the Canary Islands, highlighted the theme of ‘The Loneliness of a Leader.’ Melián underscored the shift in business mentality from a focus solely on numbers to prioritising the human aspect, urging leaders to consider personal well-being as essential for effective leadership. He also discussed the importance of seeking professional assistance, practicing compassion, and adapting to the digital and social transformation that characterises the contemporary business landscape.
*The Cabildo promoting the commercial sector as a driver of the economy and employment*
During an engaging conversation on stage, José Elías, ranked 74th among Spain’s wealthiest individuals, shared his keys to success – encapsulated by his podcast acronym BLV, advocating for seizing opportunities, and his philosophy of ‘overcoming fears.’ He described himself as astute, resourceful, and cunning, underscoring that intelligence isn’t the sole determinant of success. He expressed concerns about the future, asserting the necessity for change in a world where earning less than €1,400 a month seems untenable.
*The Cabildo promoting the commercial sector as a driver of the economy and employment*
The First Insular Congress for Commerce and Business Support, an initiative by the Cabildo de Tenerife spearheaded by Krysten Martín, came to fruition in just nine months. The collaborative effort and dedication put into the event were commended by all participants.
Among the attendees were key figures such as Rosa Dávila, Manuel Domínguez, Lope Afonso, Emilio Navarro (senator and mayor of Santiago del Teide), Fátima Lemes (mayor of Arona), Dácil León (council member of Arona), along with municipal representatives, insular councillors, directors, and leaders from various business communities.
