So, you’ve set up shop in the beautiful Axarquía region—congratulations! You’re living the dream: sunshine, tapas, siestas… and the occasional battle with Spanish bureaucracy that makes you wonder if moving to a deserted island might have been a better idea.

Running a business as an English-speaking entrepreneur in Spain comes with its fair share of challenges. Whether it’s navigating paperwork, figuring out where to find trustworthy services, or just trying to have a conversation with the tax office without accidentally signing up for a goat farm, the struggle is real. That’s where networking comes in.

The “I’ll Figure It Out” Trap (And Why You Shouldn’t Fall Into It)

Many expats in business start with the best intentions:
“I’ll just Google everything.”
“I’ll learn Spanish as I go.”
“I’ll ask my neighbor… if I ever catch them at home.”

But let’s be honest—Google doesn’t always have the right answers, your Spanish may be “getting there” (but not quite ready for tax law conversations), and your neighbor is probably as confused as you are.

That’s why having a strong network of other English-speaking business owners is a game-changer. We’ve been there, done that, and can help you avoid the mistakes we made.

5 Reasons Why Networking is Your Secret Weapon

1 – You Find Clients & Collaborations (Without Awkward Sales Pitches)

Nobody likes being “sold to,” but everyone likes genuine connections. In a networking group like ABN, you’re not pushing your business onto people—you’re building trust. That trust leads to referrals, partnerships, and, eventually, more business.

2 – You Learn the Insider Secrets of Doing Business in Spain

Why spend weeks trying to figure out where to register your business, how to deal with social security, or which accountant won’t make you cry, when you can just ask someone who’s already done it? Networking helps you avoid common pitfalls and fast-track your success.

3 – You Overcome the Language Barrier (Without Google Translate Mishaps)

Even if your Spanish is improving, legal, tax, and contract terms can be tricky. Having a group of experienced business owners who’ve been through it means you can get real advice—and avoid signing up for something you didn’t intend to (like that goat farm).

4 – You Stay Motivated & Inspired

Being a solopreneur or running a small business can be isolating. When you surround yourself with other like-minded entrepreneurs, you get support, encouragement, and a reason to get out of bed early on a Tuesday (yes, even at 7 AM!).

5 – You Make Friends (Because Business is Better With a Good Coffee Buddy)

Let’s face it—having a business is important, but so is having a community. ABN is more than just networking; it’s a place where business connections turn into friendships. And in a foreign country, that’s priceless.

Join Us & See the Difference

If you’re ready to grow your business, connect with other English-speaking entrepreneurs, and actually enjoy networking, come along to our weekly meetings. Currently, we meet every Tuesday at 7:00 AM in Lux Mundi, Torre del Mar—because starting your day with good connections (and coffee) is always a good idea.

Sign up for a meeting today!

Useful resources:

• Check out How to effectively network as an entrepreneur
• See also 20 Experts Share Tips For Aspiring Entrepreneurs