At a time when companies in the Balearic Islands are facing challenges such as digitalization, a shortage of skilled talent, and the transition to more sustainable business models, CaixaBank and the Confederation of Business Associations of the Balearic Islands (CAEB) have renewed their collaboration agreement with the aim of continuing to support the islands’ business community in this transformation process.
The agreement, signed by María Cruz Rivera, Regional Director of CaixaBank in the Balearic Islands, and Carmen Planas, President of the CAEB, consolidates a collaboration that, in recent years, has provided financing, specialized advice, and networking opportunities to the businesses affiliated with the business organization. The renewal will allow these areas of work to be expanded, with a focus on competitiveness, innovation, sustainability, and talent development, issues that are currently among the main concerns of the business community in the Balearic Islands.
One of the highlights of this collaboration will once again be CaixaBank’s participation in the CAEB Business Awards, which will be held this coming November in Palma and have established themselves as one of the main showcases for the business community of the Balearic Islands. Each year, the event recognizes the work of the companies and entrepreneurs who contribute to the economic growth and job creation in the archipelago.
Talent attraction and retention
Beyond this event, both organizations will continue to organize forums, conferences, and meetings aimed at executives and professionals to address some of the main challenges facing the labor market. Talent attraction and retention, leadership, digital transformation, and new professional skills will be some of the central topics of these initiatives, which are designed as forums for sharing experiences and analyzing best practices.
Collaboration will also continue to play a prominent role in the field of dual vocational training through the CaixaBank Dualiza program, an initiative that aims to strengthen the link between the education system and businesses. The goal is to improve young people’s employment prospects and adapt training to the real needs of the labor market, while promoting aspects such as equality of opportunity, reducing the gender gap, and fostering the contribution of vocational training to the Sustainable Development Goals.
The renewal of the agreement is also part of CaixaBank’s national strategy to strengthen its support for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. The bank has recently increased the financing it will make available to companies and SMEs to up to 50 billion euros following the renewal of its agreement with CEOE and CEPYME, the highest amount committed since the start of this collaboration. At least 75% of this financing will be allocated to SMEs, which are the backbone of the Spanish and Balearic economic fabric.
More than 1.2 billion for the tourism sector
This commitment is already evident in the islands. In 2025, CaixaBank allocated 740 million euros to finance SMEs and another 1.231 billion euros to the tourism sector, two areas considered strategic for the Balearic economy.
María Cruz Rivera emphasized that the organization aims to continue being “the financial partner of choice” for companies in the Balearic Islands, supporting them in their investment and growth projects. For her part, Carmen Planas highlighted that the collaboration will allow them to continue addressing challenges that directly affect business competitiveness, such as the shortage of skilled professionals, talent retention, absenteeism, and the mismatch between training and the real needs of companies. “We are at a key moment in the transformation of our economic model: a great opportunity for entrepreneurs and businesses.”
With the renewal of this agreement, CaixaBank and the CAEB strengthen a collaboration that aims to go beyond financing. Their common goal is to help Balearic companies navigate a constantly evolving economic landscape with more confidence, focusing on innovation, training, and talent as the main drivers of growth.
