Stop depopulation. This is the objective of the initiative Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challengewhich launched a new appeal for aid with a total budget of 52 million eurosto revitalize the rural environment. This investment represents a significant increase from the previous year, doubling the funds allocated in 2024 to combat population loss in various regions. But more precisely, the central objective of this initiative is to promote territorial transformation by supporting business projects that generate a positive impact on local communities. Thanks to these funds, the Government seeks to revalorize rural areas from a socio-economic, environmental and gender point of view.
The strategy is based on the capacity of social and economic actors to act as drivers of revitalization in the most geographically disadvantaged areas. The subsidies are therefore specifically oriented towards innovative projectswhich provide transferable solutions to other territories facing similar demographic problems. It is expected that these initiatives will not only create new jobs but also ensure the continuation of existing economic activities. This multidimensional approach requires complex governance in which both public institutions and private initiative participate.
The aid is structured in three different modalities providing coverage to a wide range of developers interested in rural development. The first of them is aimed at local entitiesthe second to non-profit organizations and the third entrepreneurs and small businesses. This global structure allows the different actors in the territory to collaborate in the social and economic reactivation of their respective environments. The program has a proven track record, with more than 700 projects funded since its inception in 2022.
A fundamental condition for accessing these subsidies is that the projects are developed in small towns, more precisely in municipalities of less than 5,000 inhabitants. This delimitation of the population ensures that financial resources are concentrated in the centers that suffer the most from abandonment and lack of basic services. Proposals must offer a comprehensive view of the demographic problem of the area in which they intend to intervene to be considered good candidates for aid. In this way, it is guaranteed that territorial innovation responds to the real needs of the population residing in the so-called emptied Spain.
Three modalities
THE modality A Among the three grants mentioned above, it is reserved for municipalities, provincial councils, consortia and other local entities. In this case, the amount of aid may vary between 25,000 and 300,000 euros per selected project. These institutions can cover up to 90% of the total cost of their innovative initiatives for the transformation of the territory. The objective is for the administrations closest to citizens to lead change processes that improve the quality of life in cities.
On the other hand, the modality B It focuses on initiatives promoted by non-profit entities with a supraprovincial scope of action. These associations and foundations can request aid ranging from from 50,000 to 200,000 euros for their rural revitalization plans. As in the previous case of local entities, funding can reach 90% of the eligible expenses of the proposal. It is particularly appreciated that these organizations integrate equality and sustainability criteria into their territorial transformation activities.
The third line of financing, modeCis specially designed for SMEs, self-employed workers and social economy entities with their tax domicile in Spain. For these companies and self-employed workers, the aid covers up to 70% of project expenses, with limits between 25,000 and 200,000 euros. It is necessary that companies are at least one year old or that self-employed workers are duly registered with Social Security. This financial support is crucial for the private sector to assume the risks of entrepreneurship in sparsely populated areas.
There is various typologies projects considered priorities, such as those aimed at improving the efficiency of public services and supporting rural entrepreneurship. Initiatives related to culture, leisure, sports and social services dedicated to the care economy are also included. Other notable areas are sustainable transport, improving housing and promoting associations through cooperation networks. Projects are even being considered to help restore the environment after forest fires or other natural disasters such as those that have occurred in recent times throughout our geography.
The proposal selection process will take into account factors such as technical quality and the innovative nature of the idea. The social and environmental impact of the project will be analyzed, as well as its capacity to reduce the gender gap in rural areas. The objective is to reward initiatives that demonstrate a tangible impact in the fight against depopulation and the creation of an innovative ecosystem, with long-term viability and the capacity to transform the local productive fabric, determining elements for the granting of funds. Interested parties should keep in mind that the application deadline began on December 5, 2025 and will end soon. January 20, 2026. Expenditures considered eligible for subsidies may have been incurred since the resolution of the aid and until 2028. This temporary planning provides entrepreneurs with a margin of confidence to develop their business plans with financial stability.
In conclusion, what the Ministry of Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge is looking for is for talent and innovation to return to the smallest nuclei. By equipping rural residents with economic resources, we seek a territorial development more balanced and equitable for future generations, an irrigation system for lands that have suffered from a long investment drought, allowing innovative ideas to take root in increasingly less populated cities.
About The Author
