Azores Government launches rural business establishment award

The Azores Government has established a new award for the establishment of companies in rural areas as part of the LEADER Program. This initiative, integrated within the Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy (PEPAC), aims to foster entrepreneurship, create jobs, and stimulate economic development in rural communities.

According to Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food António Ventura, the measure is designed to provide conditions for young people and entrepreneurs to develop projects that generate local wealth and opportunities. The support is provided in the form of non-reimbursable grants. Eligible recipients include individuals aged 40 or younger, the long-term unemployed, and legal entities whose managing partners meet specific regulatory requirements.

The implementation will be managed by four Local Action Groups: ADELIAÇOR, GRATER, ARDE, and ASDEPR. For the current programming period, a total financial allocation of 11 million euros has been planned to support rural business development, sustainable infrastructure management, and investments aligned with environmental sustainability and the green economy transition.