New subsidies to diversify and protect local commerce in areas with large volumes of people

Barcelona City Council, through Barcelona Activa, is promoting the “Impulsem el que fas” subsidy call for local projects. Several information sessions on each subsidy category will be held to facilitate the application process. New features this year include subsidies for the diversification and protection of local commerce in areas with large volumes of people (EGA).

11/06/2025 12:09 h

As in previous years, Barcelona Activa is launching the 2025 call for applications to the “Impulsem el que fas” subsidy programme for local projects. The application period will begin once the terms and conditions are published in the Official Gazette of the Province of Barcelona (BOPB) and on the Barcelona Activa website. If there are no challenges, this should be around mid-July.

The are eight categories in the call. Four new categories have been created: subsidies for economic activities in municipally owned ground-floor premises, up to a maximum of €15,000; subsidies for social and technological innovation in the care for ageing sector, up to a maximum of €30,000; subsidies for women entrepreneurs, professionals and business directors, up to a maximum of €13,000, and subsidies for economic diversification and the protection of local commerce in areas with large volumes of people (EGA), up to a maximum of €22,000.

Subsidies to diversify and protect local commerce

The subsidy targeting areas with heavy footfall has been created to promote the economic diversification and protection of local commerce and services. It is aimed at existing local businesses and services based in ground-floor premises of less than 200 m², offering a maximum subsidy of €8,000. It also supports the creation of new establishments, offering a maximum subsidy of €22,000.

To be eligible for one of these subsidies, the premises must be located in one of the following three priority EGA areas: Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Rambla – Boqueria – Gardunya – Plaça Reial. These subsidies help small businesses to modernise and improve their image, while also boosting their competitiveness against large chains. They also help promote a circular economy and encourage more sustainable business practices, resulting in less waste and greater energy efficiency.

This is the first time that the process has excluded certain types of establishments, favouring those that have a positive impact on residents’ everyday lives over those geared towards visitors. Self-service establishments, franchises, vehicle rentals, fast-food chains, CBD shops, vape shops and others are not eligible for these subsidies.

This subsidy is included in the Barcelona City Council plan to foster local commerce in the city’s fifteen EGA areas. This management plan is aimed at minimising the negative effects of tourism in the city.

Sign up for the free information sessions

Barcelona Activa is organising several information sessions to provide people with more detailed information about the subsidies and help them with their applications. Those interested can find out about new aspects, eligibility requirements and the application procedure.

The Barcelona Activa website includes all the necessary documentation and forms for applying for the subsidies. Information sessions are also available for each category.  Places are still available for the 20 June session in the “Economic activity in empty ground-floor premises and market stalls” category, as well as for all other categories on 16 June and 18 June.