Cantabria advances rural entrepreneurship and social economy with new funding and fair

Four entrepreneurs in San Vicente de la Barquera received a total of €1.307 million in LEADER‑program aid to launch projects that include a cleaning‑service vehicle, modernization of an agricultural farm in Abaño, a custom‑carpentry business for camper conversion, and the rehabilitation of Villa Magnolia into a social‑cultural hostel.

The regional government also inaugurated the I Fair of Social Economy in Laredo, gathering more than 300 cooperatives and social enterprises that together generate €175 million a year. Industry Minister Eduardo Arasti highlighted the administration’s commitment, noting an annual budget of around €2.2 million for cooperatives and recent increases in subsidies for their formation and investment.

Both initiatives are part of Cantabria’s effort to revitalize its interior and non‑urban areas, with funding co‑financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the regional executive.