The Txemi Cantera Award: Two Distinct Distinctions

The Txemi Cantera Award has evolved to recognise and give visibility to two key realities within the Social Economy model: the commitment of companies, organisations and individuals with a long-standing track record, and that of those with fewer years of experience.

Txemi Cantera Award: 35 years of history

Since 1991, the Txemi Cantera Award has recognised the social impact of leading companies, organisations and individuals. This distinction is awarded to the track record of entities and leaders who have promoted social change, becoming a benchmark for their strong commitment to social transformation.

Over the years, this recognition has been granted to leaders who actively promote the development of the Social Economy; to organisations and institutions that stand out for implementing projects with social and economic impact; as well as to worker-owned companies and other participatory businesses that adopt an innovative, responsible and sustainable approach to business management.

Social Economy Cantera Award: Young, committed and forward-looking

This new award was created to highlight companies that are part of the “cantera” (emerging base) of the Social Economy. It is aimed at companies with less than ten years of experience that promote a new socio-business approach aligned with values such as participation, commitment and collaboration, sustainability and social responsibility, innovation, equity, inclusion, transparency and good governance.

The creation of the Social Economy Cantera Award makes it possible to recognise the drive and vision of new generations of companies committed to this model, complementing the recognition of the Txemi Cantera Award’s historical legacy.

Two awards, one shared purpose

These two awards complement each other to provide a comprehensive recognition framework. The Txemi Cantera Award celebrates legacy and the strength of a long-standing track record, while the Social Economy Cantera Award highlights the energy and innovative approach of younger companies. Together, they represent the vitality of a business model that values both experience and forward-looking vision.