Free start-up advice and training (PAE, chambers of commerce)

Terms used

• Punto de Atención al Emprendedor (PAE) — The PAE is a public advice office that helps entrepreneurs with information and with setting up a business online, free of charge.
• Kit Digital — Kit Digital is a grant programme funded by EU recovery money that paid for digital tools for small businesses and autónomos.
• Autónomos — Autónomos are self-employed workers registered to run their own business in Spain.
• Cámara de comercio — A cámara de comercio is a local chamber of commerce that supports businesses, often with free start-up advice and training.

Key rules

• PAE advice: PAE advice is free, but notary and registry fees still apply if you form a company.
• Chambers of commerce: What a chamber of commerce offers for free differs by city and by that year's funding.
• Kit Digital: Kit Digital is not an open grant for new autónomos, so do not plan your budget around it.
• Courses: Free courses depend on your region and employment status, so confirm eligibility first.

Start with a PAE point

A Punto de Atención al Emprendedor (PAE) gives free information and guidance on setting up a business. It can also process the paperwork online for a company, through a single electronic form that covers the tax office, Social Security and other registrations. Different bodies run PAEs, including public offices, chambers of commerce and business associations.

The advice is free. If you form a company, notary and registry fees still apply.

To find one, use the locator on the PAE portal. The checklist below walks you through it.

Chambers of commerce

Your local cámara de comercio often runs a PAE too. Typical free services:

• Initial advice on your idea.
• Help writing a business plan (plan de empresa).
• Information on legal forms, grants and financing.
• Workshops and training.
• Support with online incorporation.

Many chambers also take part in national entrepreneurship programmes partly funded by the EU. What is free varies by chamber and by the funding it has that year. Contact your local chamber through its website or in person, and ask which start-up services and programmes are running now.

Free training

• Employment services: If you are unemployed, your regional employment office or the state employment service portal can enrol you in free courses, including entrepreneurship courses.
• Regional agencies and town halls: Many regions run free courses, tutoring and workshops. Examples are Andalucía Emprende, IVACE, Barcelona Activa and Madrid Emprende. Local development offices (ADL) and many town halls do the same.
• Self-employed associations: ATA and UPTA run subsidised courses.
• Acelera pyme: It offers free digital resources and advice.
• Fundae: Its training is funded by worker contributions and is mostly for employees, so it is usually not the right route for a new autónomo.

Eligibility changes each year and differs by region, so ask the office before you plan around a course.

Is Kit Digital open to autónomos?

Do not count on it. Kit Digital was a digitalisation grant funded by EU recovery money. Autónomos were covered only in its segment for the self-employed and businesses with no employees, with calls in 2023 and 2024. Those windows have closed and the funds are largely allocated. Applicants who already won a grant may still be carrying out their digital projects. New autónomos are not being accepted in the ordinary way.

A call could reopen or funds could be reassigned. Before you rely on a grant, look at the the official website and Acelera pyme sites for the current status.

What to do

1. Find your nearest PAE and book an appointment.
2. Ask your local chamber what is free this year.
3. Ask your employment office or town hall about courses.
4. Treat Kit Digital as closed until those sites say otherwise.

Checklist

• Find your nearest PAE (Punto de Atención al Emprendedor) using the locator on the PAE portal.

• Ask the PAE for free advice on setting up your business and on processing the incorporation online.

• Contact your local chamber of commerce to ask which free start-up services and entrepreneurship programmes it runs.

• Check the the official website and Acelera pyme sites to see whether Kit Digital is open to autónomos before counting on a grant.

• Ask your regional employment office or town hall about free entrepreneurship courses.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kit Digital open to new autónomos right now?

No, Kit Digital is not open to new autónomo applicants in the ordinary way. Autónomos were covered only by its segment for the self-employed and businesses with no employees, and those calls opened in 2023 and 2024. People who already won a grant may still be installing their digital solutions with an accredited agent.

Do I still pay anything if I use a PAE to set up a company?

Yes, the PAE help is free, but notary and registry fees still apply if you create a company. The PAE can process the incorporation online and send your registrations to the tax agency and Social Security in one electronic form.

Are the chamber of commerce services the same in every city?

No, the free services differ from one chamber to another, because they depend on local programmes and funding. Typical help includes a business plan, advice on legal form and grants, and workshops. Contact your local chamber or use the PAE locator to see what it offers.

Where can I find free training if I am unemployed?

You can ask at your regional employment office or on the SEPE portal, which offer free entrepreneurship courses for unemployed people. Regional agencies, local development offices and many town halls also run free courses and tutoring. Eligibility varies by region.

References

1. red.es