Alicante saw a decline in the creation of business cooperatives last year, following a notable turning point. Their rebound in 2021, driven by the pandemic’s effects, reflects a labor market shift where cooperative models are increasingly viewed as viable options for people seeking to improve a business or redirect their career path. The approach also appears to attract younger workers who see it as a practical avenue to regain professional traction.
Across the Community of Valencia, a total of up to 150 new work cooperatives were established in the previous year, compared with 159 the year before. The breakdown shows 77 in the province of Valencia, 60 in Alicante, and 13 in Castellón. In Alicante, this marks a 25.9% decrease from the 2021 figure, which counted 81 new cooperatives and represented a 26% rise from the prior year amid pandemic-related challenges. The Fevecta framework now standardizes industry expectations to support continued growth.
These kinds of societies involve members sharing work responsibilities and the essential means of production to develop projects. Historically, they offered a pathway during tough economic times when traditional employment was scarce or when businesses needed to weather crises through worker-led collaboration. Today, many choosing this model are steering it toward broader opportunities, using it as a means to diversify careers and stabilize income.
In 2022, it was noted that 66% of individuals seeking Fevecta’s guidance on establishing a cooperative were not primarily searching for a job. They aimed to improve or redirect their situation. Among these, about 40% had been employed by others, while those committed to the cooperative model sought greater control over how and what they work on, drawing from previous experience, as stated by Fevecta president Emilio Sampedro.
Although the province did not reclaim its 2019 levels, the year closed with 26,900 more jobs than in 2020.
The federation president also emphasizes that 30% of the entrepreneurs who started cooperatives were under 30. This suggests that the job model resonates with young people entering the labor market and pursuing professional development, while also highlighting the need for greater visibility of the advantages offered. Access to support, capital, or coordinated SDG-focused self-employment under this model is part of a harmonized framework of values.
In total, Valencia recorded 394 new direct jobs linked to cooperatives in 2022, with a workforce composition of 61% men and 39% women, reflecting a 1.5% increase from the previous year.
activities
Sector-wise analysis shows that 60.6% of the new cooperatives in 2022 operated in services. Other sectors followed at a distance, with around 12.7% in small shops, 8% in industry-oriented cooperatives, 3.3% in teaching, and 3.3% in public transport.
The Fevecta consultancy profile notes that 53% of users are women, 47% hold higher education qualifications, 57% are aged 25–45, and 38% are employed by another company.
Alicante finished the year with the lowest unemployment figure seen since 2007
Regarding the employment status of entrepreneurs seeking to establish a cooperative, the latest year shows that employees requested the most guidance to set up a cooperative, a level not seen since 2008. Self-employed individuals accounted for 27.9%, those who were unemployed for an additional year represented 25.4%, and others who faced longer distances to work rose, while a small share of individuals were neither studying nor working.
The 25–45 age group remains the most represented at 57%, followed by those over 45 at 37%, and those under 25 at 6%.