More than 63,000 autonomous workers in the Valencian Community will receive 300 euros each, funded by the Generalitat, to help offset the surge in energy costs caused by the global rise in prices after the invasion of Ukraine. The total aid surpasses 19 million euros, a figure expected to inject liquidity into the productive fabric of the region and enable many entrepreneurs to expand their activities, as stated by Arcadi España, the Minister of Finance and Economic Model. In Alicante province alone, 21,159 beneficiaries are identified.
From the very outset, the leadership emphasized the need to be close to people who run a business or work for themselves, recognizing their greater exposure to economic fluctuations due to the unique nature of their activity. The Minister underscored the commitment to proceed with immediate aid payments, putting money into the pockets of Valencian entrepreneurs as soon as possible.
These data were shared during a working meeting with Alberto Ara, president of the Valencian Community of Self-Employed Workers, along with Javier Pastor, general secretary of the Union of Professionals and Autonomous Workers, and Raúl Salinero, president of the Autonomous Union. The discussion marked a continuation of ongoing negotiations and alignment with the sector since the aid was conceived.
Thanks to this subsidy, which is part of the Reactive Plan, each beneficiary will receive 300 euros in a one-time payment. The goal is to help partially offset the rise in energy prices. The subsidy is available to all economic sectors and is compatible with other government aids.
The Valencian Community is described as a land of entrepreneurs and businesspeople, a sector that carries significant weight in the region’s economy. The Consell aimed to ensure that neither this sector nor any other faced the crises alone, and the measures were designed to provide relief. Earlier responses included special measures to address the COVID-19 crisis, followed by actions to mitigate the economic difficulties generated by high inflation.
Officials noted that the region acted rapidly to respond to the impacts of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. The current moment is described as a period of change, and the ability to adapt promptly is seen as a determinant factor in resilience and strength.
Demands by province
Looking at the provincial distribution of requests, Valencia accounts for 54 percent of the total, with 33,988 requests. Alicante follows with 33 percent, totaling 21,159 applications, while Castellón records 8,200 requests, representing 13 percent of the total.
Arcadi España recalled that the design of benefits for the self-employed aimed to adapt as much as possible to the needs of the industry. The Generalitat held multiple meetings, especially with associations and organizations that represent workers, as part of the Social Dialogue Table.
The Minister of Finance and Economic Model also highlighted the work of the Generalitat’s technicians, particularly those from the Valencian Tax Agency and the DGTIC, who oversee the management of the aid. Their efforts made the process electronic, contributing to a fast and efficient administration. All of this supported a quick and diligent implementation of the program [Source: Generalitat Valenciana].