A successful program for rural entrepreneurship
CaixaBank has launched an entrepreneurship program called ‘Tierra de Oportunitats’ with the aim of promoting the economic and social development of rural areas. This initiative started in 2021 and has been very successful since then. More than 2,000 freelancers have benefited so far and 71 collaboration agreements have been established with Rural Development Groups (GDR) (https://www.softcatala.org/resum-de-textos-en-catala/) .
Expanding geographic coverage
The 2024 program aims to reach more than 40 provinces in order to create employment and stabilize population in depopulated areas. This new call is open to entrepreneurs who work in towns of less than 5,000 inhabitants, with some exceptions for municipalities of up to 10,000 inhabitants that invoice less than 150,000 euros per year.
Support and training for entrepreneurs
The ‘Land of Opportunities’ program offers a network of alliances, solutions and resources to support entrepreneurs in all phases of their project. In this new call, CaixaBank has decided to expand the geographical and economic coverage of the program in order to fight against depopulation and protect rural villages. In addition, a new feature has been introduced: proposals for existing projects, not just new projects, can now be submitted.
The 2023 winners
The 2023 edition of the ‘Land of Opportunities’ program awarded five innovative projects. These projects were selected by a jury of experts and received a prize of 5,000 euros each. Among the winners were initiatives such as Terra d’Art, which offers holiday accommodation in rural areas and tours on aromatic flora and renewable energy; Eco Rico Vegano, which produces vegan meals with vegetables grown on its own farm; LaCabrera, a goat breeding and dairy production project in Segovia; Pellets Astilla La Mancha, a cooperative that produces wood pellets in Albacete with a sustainable approach; and TocaJugarMadera, which works on the recovery of traditional games through handmade wooden toys (https://www.softcatala.org/resum-de-textos-en-catala/).
