Small business closures face pressures in Dominican Republic and Catalonia

Small businesses in the Dominican Republic are facing increasing closure rates due to several economic pressures. Key factors include high electricity costs and service deficiencies, which force owners to invest in private generators and fuel to maintain operations. Additionally, high interest rates on loans and complex tax requirements from the DGII are straining the financial stability of small establishments.

In Catalonia, Spain, the government is implementing legislative reforms to protect historical and strategic local businesses. The Generalitat de Catalunya has announced a plan that would allow the regional government and local municipalities to exercise a right of first refusal (tanteo y retracto) when iconic shops are put up for sale. This initiative aims to prevent the loss of traditional commerce, such as specialized mercerias and fishmongers, which are vital to neighborhood vitality and urban identity.