Banco Santander increased its support to startups, scaleups, entrepreneurs, and SMEs in 2024, reaching 52,570 businesses and projects across 11 countries through its non-financial initiative, Santander X. This global effort provides essential resources, including free training, technology discounts, and advisory services, aiming to drive economic growth and business development.
Antonio Suárez-Pumariega, Global Head of Digital Businesses at Santander, emphasized the bank's dual financial and non-financial propositions, which assisted more than 4.3 million SMEs and resulted in EUR 330 billion disbursed for business financing in 2024.
Last year, Santander held three global challenges targeting startups and scaleups to address key issues in education, employability, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and customer experience. The bank also organized a series of awards to honor leading entrepreneurial initiatives across various sectors for their impactful solutions. More than EUR 750,000 in prize money was distributed to the winners of these global challenges and contests.
Santander X 100, a global community for the most successful companies involved with Santander X, offers international exposure, networking opportunities, and exclusive services and discounts.
Banco Santander has a history spanning nearly three decades in supporting education, employability, and entrepreneurship, having invested over EUR 2.4 billion in these areas. The bank has facilitated scholarships and grants for more than 3.7 million individuals and businesses through collaborations with nearly 1,200 universities.