Entrepreneurship has never been easy, but in times of economic uncertainty and constant change, the young entrepreneurs’ journey becomes even more challenging. The Association of Young Entrepreneurs of the Balearic Islands (AJE Baleares) was set up precisely to accompany, connect and support those who launch themselves into the business world, offering a collaborative network that reduces the ‘loneliness of the entrepreneur’ and increases the prospects of success.
The board of AJE: María Obrador (Secretary General and Treasurer); Yoann Blanc (President); Lucía Mayor (Board Member); Magda Comas (Vice President).
At Dylsi, we understand the importance of building a solid business community. Therefore, we have decided to become Bronze Sponsors of AJE Baleares to emphasise our commitment to the local business community and, above all, to the small and medium-sized enterprises that drive Mallorca’s economy.
Community: the antidote for the loneliness of entrepreneurship
One of the significant challenges of entrepreneurship is the feeling of having to face decisions and obstacles alone. According to data from AJE, only 40% of companies created in the Balearic Islands survive more than five years, and one of the key factors in this high failure rate is the lack of support and advice.
‘Sometimes, being an entrepreneur means being alone with your fears and uncertainties,’ explains Magdalena Comas, vice-president of AJE Baleares, executive coach and leadership expert.’ We aim to considerably increase the percentage of companies that survive their first five years because resilience is an essential attitude in entrepreneurship. At AJE, we help entrepreneurs create networks, exchange experiences, and learn from others.’
AJE represents young entrepreneurs’ interests in dealings with public administrations and functions as a meeting point where they can share concerns, receive advice and discover opportunities that would otherwise go unnoticed.
A project with a history and a future
Although an association of young entrepreneurs existed in the Balearic Islands in the past, AJE Baleares was founded from scratch in 2019, just before the pandemic, with the intention of giving a voice to a generation of entrepreneurs who needed more support than ever. Since then, the association has grown, consolidating itself as the largest multi-sector non-profit association in the region, with nearly 300 members aged up to 45.
Currently, 53% of members are women, and the sectors represented range from tourism to industry, including transport and construction. 22% are self-employed or manage companies with up to five employees, while 34% run companies with between five and ten employees.
But AJE does not limit its activity to counselling: the board has worked tirelessly to connect with other business organisations, consolidating relationships with entities such as the Cercle d’Economia de Mallorca, the CAEB and IBDONA, with whom they actively collaborate on initiatives to promote sustainability, innovation and work-life balance in the business world.
Innovation, sustainability and co-responsibility
AJE Baleares bases its activity on three fundamental pillars:
- Innovation: Digitalisation and technological adaptation are key in a constantly changing world. AJE promotes the development of tools and strategies so that companies in the Balearic Islands are not left behind.
- Sustainability: The association works in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, promoting responsible and sustainable business practices.
- Work-life balance: Supporting female entrepreneurship and facilitating work-life balance.
In addition to working on these strategic pillars, AJE organises networking events, after-work get-togethers and discussion forums where entrepreneurs can share knowledge and establish new opportunities for collaboration.
Companies supporting other companies
AJE receives funds through membership fees—which it aims to keep affordable to open doors for young people—and corporate sponsorships, which allow more established companies to support the initiative and, at the same time, gain visibility among entrepreneurs.
Sponsors can choose between three levels of collaboration (bronze, silver and gold), adapted to companies of different sizes and economic capacities. Dylsi has opted for the bronze sponsorship, designed for companies with up to 50 employees.
‘We want to be part of this project because we believe in mutual support and youth entrepreneurship’, explains Darryl López, founder of Dylsi. ‘I launched Dylsi myself when I was very young, and I always valued the advice of other businessmen and entrepreneurs. That’s why I want to do my bit so that AJE can continue to organise events and activities that help guarantee the future of our islands’ business.’
High-impact initiatives
The President of the Balearic Islands’ Government, Marga Prohens, with the Board of Directors of AJE.
AJE Baleares supports entrepreneurs who are already up and running and fosters a culture of entrepreneurship in the younger generations. Examples of this are initiatives such as:
- Entrepreneurship Week – An annual event where experts and entrepreneurs share their knowledge with primary school kids.
- Education and Entrepreneurship Hackathon – School activity aimed at introducing young people to the business world, leadership and the social skills necessary for success.
These actions are key in a community like the Balearic Islands, which faces a serious problem of school dropout. AJE wants to show that alternatives exist and that entrepreneurship can be a viable option for many talented young people.
At Dylsi, we firmly believe in the importance of entrepreneurship and mutual support between companies. That’s why we will continue to support initiatives such as AJE Baleares, which works to ensure the future of the islands’ businesses. Our motto at Dylsi is: If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.
Thank you to Magdalena Comas, AJE vice-president, for her input to this article.
How to contact AJE Baleares:
Social media: Instagram LinkedIn
Phone: (0034) 689 89 39 80
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://www.ajebalears.com/
Languages: 
