This selection, from hundreds of proposals submitted for this first edition, reflects the city’s firm commitment to fostering vibrant and resilient small-retail ecosystems, according to the European Union at the time of the announcement.
The working session began at 9:00 a.m. in the City Hall dining room with a welcome from Mayor Natalia Chueca, who came to greet the delegation in the city. Next, Councillor for Economy, Digital Transformation and Transparency Carlos Gimeno presented the support programmes and public policies aimed at small businesses and markets.
"The government team is focused on promoting and supporting small businesses. We want to make the streets more attractive in order to attract entrepreneurs who can offer their products, open their shops and encourage people to stroll around and visit businesses, enriching the shopping experience," Gimeno said.
The morning session ended with a visit to the Central Market, where the delegation was able to enjoy a live cooking demonstration. In the afternoon, the roundtables resumed, addressing how digitalisation has changed the way small businesses operate and the relationship between commerce, hospitality and culture.
The programme will continue tomorrow, Thursday, at other locations across the city, with the participation of associations, retailers and business owners from the sector.
THE “VOLVEREMOS” PROGRAMME AS AN EXAMPLE
Zaragoza City Council submitted to the European bid the policies it has promoted to modernise, strengthen the competitiveness of and advance local businesses. “Volveremos,” its flagship programme, leads a series of municipal actions encompassing different lines of support for these professionals, business networking and activities at food markets, as well as the creation of the Office for Promoting Self-Employment.
