Txemi Cantera 2025: Global Leadership and a New Emerging Generation

On 19 November 2025, the Hotel Carlton in Bilbao became a meeting point for leaders, entrepreneurs and institutions who firmly believe in the power of a business model with purpose. The Txemi Cantera Awards 2025 ceremony was, in essence, a celebration of the future we are building.

The atmosphere was outstanding: a boost of energy and optimism that showed that the Social Economy not only endures, but leads.

A Tribute to Global Leadership and the New Generation

This edition was especially significant, as for the first time two major awards were presented, connecting local commitment with global impact:

The International Benchmark: James Bonham

The 35th International Txemi Cantera Social Economy Award honoured James Bonham, President of the Employee Ownership Foundation (EOF) in the United States.

The award recognises his tireless dedication to promoting employee ownership globally. Bonham received the emblematic statuette designed by Agustín Ibarrola, a symbol of the history and prestige of this award. This recognition highlights the importance of participatory models—such as worker-owned companies—within the business ecosystem. Bonham’s vision continues to be a source of inspiration for companies worldwide.

The Emerging Force Driving the Future: Casa Aramendia SLL

We celebrated the launch of the Social Economy Cantera Award with the well-deserved recognition of Casa Aramendia SLL. This bakery and pastry workshop from Gipuzkoa, with 20 employee-owners and 19 points of sale, is a clear example of a “young, committed and forward-looking” company.

Casa Aramendia SLL offers a key lesson: its employees collectively became entrepreneurs through a business succession process. This model, in which workers became shareholders to ensure business continuity, demonstrates that a more human-centred business future is possible and that succession can be a successful pathway.

The recognition included a commemorative sculpture designed by Miguel Sabas, a student at IED Kunsthal. In addition, the company received the €3,000 Bultza Bonus for consultancy services, presented by Iñaki Peña, Director of the Corporate Network at Laboral Kutxa.

Strong Institutional Support and Jury Strength

The awards ceremony reaffirmed the support of public administrations and partner organisations for the Social Economy, a fundamental pillar for ASLE.

Among the attendees were Vice-Lehendakari Mikel Torres, Teresa Laespada, the Provincial Councillor for Employment, Social Cohesion and Equality of Bizkaia, the Deputy Minister for Labour and Social Security, Elena Pérez Barredo, the Director of Social Economy, Jokin Díaz (Basque Government), and the Director General for Employment of Bizkaia, Susana González.

The gala was a powerful reminder that Social Economy business models are a strategic solution that balances profitability with social impact.

Media coverage

The Txemi Cantera Awards generated significant media attention, placing the Social Economy at the centre of public discourse. Leading media such as Deia, Diario Vasco, Estrategia Empresarial and Irekia featured prominent coverage of the event, recognising its importance within the business ecosystem of the Basque Country.

Read the full articles at:

deia.eus

estrategia.net

irekia.eus

Photo Gallery

Relive the most emotional moments of the ceremony: James Bonham’s leadership, the joy of Casa Aramendia SLL, and strong institutional support captured in images.

We look forward to seeing you at the next edition.