The 'Lecker Atelier' project on sustainable gastronomy wins the 18th Benidorm Entrepreneurial Ideas Competition

'Lecker Atelier,' a project presented by Benidorm native Elia Carceller on sustainable gastronomy, won the 18th Benidorm Entrepreneurial Ideas Competition this Friday. This was decided by this year's jury, who awarded the proposal the €2,500 first prize, presented by the city's mayor, Toni Pérez.

The promoter of the winning idea emphasized that the project is conceived as "a laboratory of ideas" from which to develop "a sustainable food network" in Benidorm, including, for example, establishments that promote responsible gastronomy and eating. Carceller explained that 'Lecker Atelier' proposes several lines of action, such as consulting for community kitchens in the hotel and catering sector; educational workshops for families, schools, and groups; Spanish courses with a gourmet program that combines cooking and languages; and actions to spread and implement the 'slow food' philosophy.

In short, to foster knowledge to advance "towards an increasingly responsible diet" and contribute to Benidorm becoming "a benchmark in sustainable gastronomy."

The Councilor for Employment and Local Promotion, Mónica Gómez, chaired the jury meeting for this 18th Entrepreneurial Ideas Competition, which also included Enrique Núñez, president of the Rotary Club of Benidorm; Olivia Estrella, director of the Valencian Institute of Tourism Technologies (Invattur); Elba Di Blasi, from the Association of Women Entrepreneurs of the Marina Baixa (Memba); José Miguel Rodríguez, representative of the European Center for Business and Innovation (CEEI-Elche); and Alejandro Gómez, from Jovempa Marina Baixa.

The day began with a jury meeting to evaluate this year's seven finalist proposals. After this, a round of presentations began, allowing participants to present their projects to the jury and answer any questions or suggestions they might have. Finally, following the jury's deliberation, the five prizes established in this edition's rules were awarded.

In addition to the award for 'Lecker Atelier,' the project 'Map and Magnifying Glass,' by local youth Juan Francisco Moreno and Jessica Muñoz, received the Rotary Club's 'Special Batiste Fuster Award,' worth 2,000 euros. The award recognizes the project that best addresses the aspects of accessibility, solidarity, quality, sustainability, innovation, and creativity.

The second prize, worth 1,500 euros, went to the project 'Trip 2 Tennis,' presented by Lisandro Caravaca; while 'Bookly,' by Luis Egido and Marco Morales, and 'Greenmetri,' by Gustavo Galati, received the runner-up prizes for the project with the greatest tourism promotion and greatest social responsibility, respectively, both worth 500 euros.

After the awards ceremony, the mayor emphasized that all the finalist projects are "ideas from entrepreneurial people registered in Benidorm," some of them promoted by "participants who are practically the same age as this competition." Toni Pérez stated that the prize fund for this competition is "a very useful lever for the winners to launch their entrepreneurial projects"; she encouraged participants "to develop their ideas" and, in doing so, contribute to promoting "the best social policy that exists: self-employment and employment, which generates and distributes wealth." She also reaffirmed the City Council's commitment to keeping this competition running.

The Councilor for Employment and Local Promotion congratulated all the participants "for their efforts, their creativity, and for improving the local productive fabric," and encouraged them to "continue innovating and offering us their ideas." She also emphasized that "the City Council offers all entrepreneurs various support options for the development of their projects," such as the Espai Coworking program—which has hosted 29 entrepreneurial projects since 2019—and noted that "throughout 2024, a total of 98 direct grants have been awarded to new self-employed individuals and small businesses" to launch their projects, amounting to nearly €73,000. In addition to this, "personalized advice" for entrepreneurs is provided.

For her part, the director of Invattur offered the institution's support to the award winners in developing their "very diverse" ideas, driven by entrepreneurs with "very different profiles" but who "complement each other."

Representatives from Jovempa and Memba emphasized the "sacrifice" and "courage" involved in entrepreneurship and encouraged the winners to persevere in developing their ideas.

CEEI-Elche emphasized "the importance of valuing the act of entrepreneurship" and offered to help the finalists "define the business model" for their projects. Finally, the Rotary Club representative wished all participants luck in their future entrepreneurial endeavors.