The city of Barcelona has announced the launch of its tenth edition of the ‘Impulsem el que fas’ funding program, allocating €2.7 million to support local economic initiatives. This year’s budget reflects a 9.4% increase from 2025, emphasizing the city’s commitment to fostering economic growth in its neighborhoods and districts.
New initiatives and increased support for local businesses
This funding initiative is designed to bolster various sectors, particularly focusing on proximity commerce, social economy, quality employment, and care economy. Raquel Gil, the Deputy Mayor for Social Rights and Economic Promotion, stated that these grants have become essential tools for enhancing local economies and addressing real community needs.
A notable addition this year is a dedicated budget of €80,000 aimed at activating municipal market stalls. This initiative will facilitate the establishment of up to ten new stalls in an effort to invigorate local markets. Furthermore, existing businesses in high tourist traffic areas will receive increased financial support as part of a broader strategy aligned with Barcelona’s designation as the European Capital of Local Commerce.
The program has funded over 1,400 projects since its inception in 2017, totaling an investment of €24.7 million. The current call for applications includes eight modalities with 24 submodalities covering a wide range of eligible activities aimed at generating significant economic and social impact.
This year’s enhancements also include doubling the maximum subsidy amount for quality employment initiatives to €40,000, specifically targeting organizations supporting migrants undergoing extraordinary regularization processes. Additionally, there is an expanded focus on innovation within the care sector that now encompasses all related services rather than just those catering to aging populations.
The funding aims not only to stimulate economic activity but also to prioritize communities facing socio-economic challenges such as Nou Barris and Ciutat Vella. By providing targeted assistance in these areas, Barcelona seeks to uplift neighborhoods that have historically struggled economically.
The structure of this year’s program includes eight main modalities designed to address various urban challenges while promoting sustainability and responsible consumption practices within the food sector. The introduction of ‘Dones Lidera’ continues from last year’s initiative aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs by supporting their professional growth and reducing gender disparities in business.
The application period opened on June 17 and will remain open until July 17. Grants will be awarded until funds are exhausted through a non-competitive process determined by lottery among qualifying applications. Informational sessions are being held virtually for interested applicants.
“The ‘Impulsem el que fas’ grants have solidified their role as key instruments for reinforcing proximity economies,” said Raquel Gil.
This decade-long initiative highlights Barcelona’s ongoing commitment to nurturing its socio-economic fabric through strategic investments in community-driven projects. As it enters its tenth iteration, ‘Impulsem el que fas’ continues adapting its modalities based on evolving urban needs while maintaining a clear focus on inclusivity and sustainability.
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