La Orotava Launches 2026 Entrepreneur Vouchers to Boost Local Employment

La Orotava is doubling down on its support for local businesses as a key way to stabilize the town's job market. The local council’s Training and Employment department has launched a new round of direct aid for 2026, aimed at strengthening the town’s small and medium-sized enterprises, which now number over 4,000.

The initiative, known as the "entrepreneur voucher," has a total budget of 45,000 euros. Through a competitive process, the City Council will award grants of between 2,000 and 2,800 euros per person, depending on individual circumstances. The program is specifically for those who registered as self-employed between May 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026, provided they were unemployed immediately before starting their business.

This aid reflects a long-term commitment to self-employment. Between 2023 and 2025, the local government invested 170,100 euros into 70 different business projects. The number of grants has fluctuated over the years: 2024 saw a peak of 29 grants totaling 70,800 euros, while 2023 saw the budget increase from an initial 25,000 euros to 72,800 euros to meet high demand. Last year, 11 businesses received a total of 26,500 euros.

The funding supports a wide variety of sectors. In the most recent cycle, 36% of the aid went to professional, creative, and business services, while other funds supported hospitality, retail, healthcare, construction, and agriculture.

Applications can be submitted through the municipal electronic office from May 5 to June 1. Full details on requirements and the application process can be found in the Official Gazette of the Province (BOP) number 48, published on April 21, 2023. For technical questions, applicants can email formacion@villadelaorotava.org. This program is part of a broader municipal strategy to boost entrepreneurship, reduce unemployment, and build economic confidence in the town.