Local Authority Backs Business Succession
The Economic Promotion Service of Vilafranca town council runs a free advisory programme called Reempresa, the only one of its kind in the Alt Penedès region, to help small and medium businesses find new owners and avoid closure. The service supports transitions in sectors including retail, services, industry and hospitality, particularly where owners are retiring. Reempresa provides free, confidential guidance from specialist consultants throughout the entire transfer process, from initial meetings between buyer and seller to negotiation, mediation and final sale agreement. To qualify, a business must hold an active licence allowing change of ownership.
Preventing Job Losses Through Continuity
The goal is to preserve jobs, customer bases, supplier networks and established brands by enabling experienced workers or entrepreneurs to take over viable businesses. The council’s economic councillor, Miquel Medialdea, said the programme strengthens local entrepreneurship support, helping both those launching new ideas and those continuing existing ventures. The service is part of a wider suite of local initiatives, including Business Lab and Valida amb IA, aimed at boosting competitiveness through innovation and digital tools.
From Employee to Owner: Real Success Stories
Mar Gómez, who had worked for 12 years at Mia del Pla hair and beauty salon, was hesitant to become its owner when her employer Rosa Maria Calvet neared retirement. With support from Reempresa, which she learned about through a friend, Mar completed the full transfer process in just over a month.
T’acompanyen en totes les gestions, gratuïtament; és perfecte, Mar Gómez
Now running her own salon, renamed Mimar, Mar says she kept the loyal client base, which has even grown, while adding her personal touch. She praised the free assistance but noted the service remains underused and called for more targeted aid for older first-time entrepreneurs. Similarly, Oriol Brull, 29, took over Aprèn, a school support academy where he had worked intermittently. After being told the owners planned to leave, he contacted Reempresa in February 2026. By 1 April, ownership had formally transferred.
Es tracta de fer totes les tasques que et farien en una gestoria, però és un servei municipal i gratuït, Oriol Brull
Oriol now runs the academy alone, teaching primary, secondary and pre-university students. He plans to expand hours and introduce special classes, calling his experience with Reempresa “100% recommendable” thanks to the empathy and expert support he received.
How to Access the Service
Anyone interested in buying or selling a business in the area can request a consultation via the municipal online portal. After submitting a request, the Economic Promotion Service will contact applicants to schedule an appointment at the Centre Àgora. Vilafranca’s Reempresa point is accredited under the Generalitat’s Catalonia Emprèn network and forms part of a regional network of 35 such centres. More information is available on the town council’s economic promotion website and the Generalitat’s #ServeisPerEmprendre portal.
Primary sources: serveisperemprendre.gencat.cat, diba.cat. Reported by el3devuit.cat, TAO, promocioeconomica.vilafranca.cat, reempresa.org, El 3 de Vuit.
