A new call opens offering subsidies to help revitalise the economy in local areas through entrepreneurial projects and the socio-economic make-up of the city’s districts. The call entails and overall budget of 2,930,000 euros, one of the largest sums among preceding calls and above the average. The application period will be open until 22 April.

The new ‘Impulsem el que fas’ subsidy call is expected to fund between 180 and 200 projects, which will join the 576 initiatives that have benefitted from the five calls of this type made to date.

Some 80% of the budget for the call comes from municipal funds, an amount determined at the point of the resolution confirming the call, and representing a key factor in driving new economic activity. The call places value on aspects such as feasibility and sustainability, experience in the project field, plus impacts and synergies with the community. The subsidy call is organised on a competitive basis.

Projects funded to date have seen 849 people gain work contracts, with most initiatives geared towards people at risk or who are socially excluded, mainly women, young people, migrants and people with functional diversity. Some 60% of subsidies were awarded to organisations and companies in the Social and Solidarity Economy, and in terms of distribution, Ciutat Vella is the district where the most projects get funding.

Some 40% of the subsidy budget is to avoid commercial premises being left empty

This new edition includes six different categories:

• ‘Amunt persianes’, an initiative to prevent businesses giving up their premises and accounting for over 40% of the overall budgetary item.
• Socio-economic and SSE innovation in strategic sectors in key areas.
• Promotion of quality jobs in local areas.
• Responsible and sustainable tourism.
• Sustainable food and responsible consumption.
• Last-mile urban distribution centres.

Projects can get subsidies up to a maximum of 40,000 euros. There are two exceptions: projects linked to the opening of a business in ground-floor premises can get up to 20,000 euros, while those to improve existing businesses in areas covered by the Neighbourhood Plan will be able to get up to 6,000 euros maximum.

The resolution listing the provisionally approved projects will be published in the Official Gazette o the Province of Barcelona (BOPB) in July, with the definitive list to be confirmed in September.

If you would like to start the application procedure, click here. You can also read the announcement and the approval for the subsidy call here.