BALC

BALC is a space dedicated to training, workshops and events that promote development and innovation.

Belmiro de Azevedo Learning Centre

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Welcome to Belmiro de Azevedo Learning Centre

About the BALC

The Belmiro de Azevedo Learning Center (BALC) is a space dedicated to learning and professional development within the Sonae Group. Created as a tribute to founder Belmiro de Azevedo, the BALC reflects his commitment to education, innovation and the continuous growth of people.

Our Purpose

We believe that knowledge is the key to success. BALC’s mission is to provide training, workshops and educational events that empower our employees and partners, preparing them for the challenges of the future. Here, we foster a culture of continuous learning, excellence and leadership, ensuring that everyone has access to the best development opportunities.

Our Structure

BALC is a modern and functional space, prepared to host various training initiatives and corporate events. We highlight:

auditorio-sonae

Belmiro de Azevedo Auditorium

A 500m² auditorium with capacity for 300 people, ideal for conferences and high-impact events.
Salas-de-formacao-sonae

Training Rooms

Equipped with cutting-edge technology to ensure an engaging and dynamic learning experience.
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Collaborative Spaces

Environments designed to encourage knowledge sharing and teamwork.

Our Values

BALC is guided by the principles that have always marked Belmiro de Azevedo's career:

icon inovação

Innovation and
Knowledge

We promote learning as a driver of growth and transformation.
desenvolvimento talentos

Talent
Development

We invest in human potential, ensuring training aligned with the group's needs.
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Leadership and Vision
of the Future

We create opportunities to prepare tomorrow's leaders.
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Commitment to Excellence

Each initiative is designed to generate a real impact on the lives of our employees.

The Future of Training at Sonae

BALC is more than a training centre – it is a place of transformation. Here, we cultivate an environment that encourages curiosity, growth and knowledge sharing, preparing our professionals to face the challenges of an ever-changing world.
Welcome to the Belmiro de Azevedo Learning Centre – a place where learning comes to life!

Who was Belmiro de Azevedo? (1938-2017)

He was one of the most influential Portuguese businessmen, leaving a lasting impact on the national economy and business sector.
Born in Marco de Canaveses, he graduated in Chemical Engineering from the University of Porto and began his career at Sonae in 1965. His strategic vision and management skills were instrumental in transforming the company, which went from a small wood panel industry to one of the largest business groups in Portugal.
Under his leadership, Sonae expanded into several areas, consolidating itself as a leading conglomerate in retail (Continente, Worten, MO, Zippy), shopping centers (Sonae Sierra), telecommunications (NOS, formerly Optimus) and other sectors. His management model, based on meritocracy and innovation, was one of the pillars of the company's sustainable growth.
In addition to his entrepreneurial career, Belmiro de Azevedo had a strong commitment to education and entrepreneurship, believing that knowledge was essential for the country's development. He created the Belmiro de Azevedo Foundation, an institution dedicated to supporting social and educational projects, reinforcing his legacy of social responsibility.
Discreet but determined, he was an unavoidable figure in the business world, often considered one of the most influential and successful men in Portugal. His impact transcends the business sector, continuing to inspire new generations of leaders and entrepreneurs.