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Andalusia offers small firms 10 million euro survival plan

Jude Buttle

Manual Chaves, the president of the Andalusian government (Junta de Andalusia), met with his deputies last week to announce a selection of measures designed to rescue the region's economy, small business sector and property market.

Chaves revealed that his government has finalised a plan to provide failing independent businesses in the region with access to a "rescue" loan of up to €10million per company to help them avoid "going bust."

As well as the cash support scheme, the Junta is attempting to target other areas of concern. They are trying to develop subsidised housing (VPO) across the region to assist struggling first time buyers get on the Spanish property ladder - with the added bonus of providing construction companies with guaranteed employment.

Chaves recently stated that he believes the VPO projects give more choice to citizens and help builders maintain regular work.

The president added that he will back the scheme with some €200million, to ensure its capability and to encourage the recruitment of some 5,000 workers.

In his speech, Chavez also outlined his government's work in promoting Andalusia as an international tourism resort and revealed that he has so far injected €350million into more than 100 tourism projects throughout the region, in an attempt to improve infrastructure and preserve natural forest areas.