The initiative, part of the 'Pueblos con Vida' program, allocates 700,000 euros annually to revitalize towns with fewer than 20,000 residents, fostering job creation and settlement in rural areas. Last year, these grants supported the activity of 50 establishments across 23 municipalities.
Subsidies for new business openings have primarily targeted the hospitality sector, with six applications for establishments in municipalities such as La Hiruela, Patones, and Valverde de Alcalá, in addition to a rural house in Olmeda de las Fuentes.
Regarding the maintenance of existing businesses, aid has been granted to six rural houses and hotels, 14 hospitality establishments, and seven food stores in various towns in the Sierra Norte region, including Gargantilla del Lozoya y Pinilla de Buitrago and Montejo de la Sierra.
Other benefiting businesses include a equestrian and nature therapy center in Olmeda de las Fuentes, ten pharmacies spread across several municipalities, three hair salons, and a mechanical workshop in Berzosa del Lozoya, among others.
“"These grants, in addition to meeting citizens' needs, create job opportunities for those who do not wish to leave rural areas and also for those considering moving to them."
