Sonae Sierra has launched “Open Call”, a program designed to support entrepreneurs and emerging brands in the retail sector. Through this initiative, selected projects will be offered the opportunity to test their business model in a real-world setting for one month, in a free storefront, at three flagship centers: CC Max Center (Barakaldo, Bizkaia), Plaza Mayor (Málaga) and Gran Casa (Zaragoza).
With more than 11% of the adult population in Spain interested in entrepreneurship according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2024-2025, the entrepreneurial landscape is more vibrant than ever. In this context, “Open Call” responds to entrepreneurs’ need to validate their projects in real, dynamic retail environments, enabling emerging brands to gain visibility and develop their potential.
Sonae Sierra will select three entrepreneurship projects to offer free one-month storefront space. They will be allowed to test their product in a retail environment, with real customer traffic, and will be able to manage their activities independently, with the support of the shopping centers.
Commitment to Entrepreneurship
«At Sonae Sierra, we believe in the power of entrepreneurship to transform the retail sector. With “Open Call,” we aim to support emerging brands by giving them a platform to test their ideas in a real setting where they can connect directly with consumers and grow,» says María Caballero Calvo, Marketing Manager at Sonae Sierra.
With this initiative, Sonae Sierra reafirms its commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in retail, offering a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to take the next step in scaling their commercial ventures.
When selecting the winning projects, differentiated and creative ideas that align with Sonae Sierra’s values of innovation and sustainability will be valued. Projects must have commercial potential and be viable in a competitive and highly visible environment.
Interested applicants can submit their candidacies by May 31. A Sonae Sierra team will choose the three winning projects, which will be announced before June 11, 2026, and they will be able to use the storefront spaces between July and October 2026, depending on the mall.
To broaden the reach of the call, Sonae Sierra has invited local chambers of commerce, business associations, and coworking spaces to collaborate in disseminating the program. This collaboration will strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and provide more opportunities to those projects with innovative potential.
