The Social Economy Program of the Department of Labor, Social Affairs and Families has supported a total of 890 projects for the creation of social and cooperative economy organizations and entities during 2020. Of these projects, 131 new social economy companies have been established, of which 71 are cooperatives. Despite the adverse circumstances derived from the health and social crisis of covid-19, a total of 149 new cooperatives were created last year, according to data from the Register of Cooperatives of Catalonia within the annual balance of the Social Economy Program.
The 131 new companies supported by the cooperative athenaeums integrated 543 people into the labor market. A figure to which more jobs generated by other initiatives will be added, such as the 93 Singular Projects promoted in 2020.
Last year, the Generalitat allocated 14 million euros to policies to promote the social economy and generate employment in this area. Of the total budget, 3.9 million euros were allocated to the Cooperative Athenaeums and 8.9 million euros to the Singular Projects program, which received an extraordinary endowment to finance projects aimed at combating the consequences of covid-19.
Territorialization, a key strategic element
The Network of Cooperative Athenaeums of Catalonia is made up of 14 cooperative athenaeums, and has consolidated itself as a benchmark for promoting the social economy in each of the territories. In the environment, 130 public and private entities grouped in alliances work, and 270 more collaborating entities, in an exercise of intercooperation that has contributed to the birth and consolidation of cooperative projects in regions where they had little presence.
Territorialization has proven to be one of the key strategic elements for the development of the sector, and with the impulse of this network, the ecosystem for promoting the social economy has been consolidated with excellent results. This has been the case even in territories not very prone to the creation of cooperatives, such as Alt Pirineu, Berguedà or Terres de l'Ebre.
More than 39,000 participants in activities and training in the midst of the pandemic
The cooperative athenaeums have adapted to the new pandemic scenario and have continued organizing activities to promote the social economy. Last year, more than 3,200 took place, a good part virtually, with a significant increase in participation, which exceeded 12,800 people.
On the other hand, the Social Economy Program is complemented by 13 transversal actions to promote the social economy in different areas, such as education and university and training and management, where more than 26,000 people attended.
In total, the activities and training received a total of 39,417 participants.
A hundred Singular Projects to generate employment
The Singular Projects program aims to generate jobs through the creation of new business projects within the framework of the social and cooperative economy, taking advantage of strategic opportunities in the sector or territory. In 2020, it benefited nearly a hundred initiatives, 60 initially and 33 in the extraordinary call due to covid-19.
Since 2016, the program has financed projects in diverse economic sectors, from the green economy to trade, housing, agriculture and food, or culture, among others.
The support measures for Singular Projects as a result of the pandemic aim to economically reactivate social economy companies through intercooperation, a formula that has proven effective in generating employment.
The social economy employs more than 10% of the population and contributes 8% of GDP
More than 10% of the active population in Catalonia works in the social economy sector, which represents 8% of the country's GDP, according to data from the Departament de Treball. The sector groups around 19,000 entities, which associate and serve some 5 million people. Of these entities, more than 4,400 are cooperatives, the formula with the most tradition in Catalonia, and generate more than 40,000 jobs.
The social economy includes all economic activities whose purpose is to solve a social problem or satisfy the economic needs of its associates, prioritizing the well-being of people over the generation of capital.
[separator type="thin"]
Tricycle rides to improve the mental health of vulnerable people
No Limits Bikes is one of the examples of Singular Projects with social impact promoted in 2020. A sustainable mobility initiative to fight against social isolation and improve the mental health of the most vulnerable population directly affected by the effects of covid-19. Created in Vic by Aurora Coop, it offers therapeutic rides and forest baths with an adapted tricycle. The project aims to reduce the impact of the pandemic on the labor market and the productive fabric of the Osona region and Central Catalonia.
[separator type="thin"]
An e-commerce platform for social and solidarity products
To alleviate the situation generated by the health crisis from a consumption perspective, the La Zona project aims to provide the social and solidarity economy with an e-commerce platform based on the values of responsible consumption that will include collective shopping spaces and extend a hand to local commerce. This initiative by the Opcions cooperative seeks to be an alternative to platform capitalism that responds to the increase in electronic purchases generated throughout a year of lockdowns and restrictions.
For more information, you can consult the Social Economy website.
Add The New Barcelona Post as your preferred Google source for free
Stay informed with the latest news.
