A training programme called Empeny! is helping to boost entrepreneurship and innovation in Ripollès, one of Catalonia's oldest regions. The initiative, now in its second year, aims to address the disparity in business support between rural and urban areas.
Impulsed by FEM Coliving and funded by public money, the programme has already generated a waiting list. This year, Empeny! is focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability in business management.
Participants come from diverse backgrounds. Many value the opportunity to build a network of contacts, which helps to combat the isolation often experienced by entrepreneurs. "A network of people eager for things to happen is being created, Ripollès is very much alive, in full spring I would say," Joan Massó, one of the programme's organisers, told ACN.
Bridging the Rural-Urban Divide
The availability of tools for starting and managing a business often differs significantly between rural and urban settings. Programmes like Empeny! are designed to bridge this gap, providing crucial support to regions like Ripollès, which faces challenges due to its ageing population.
By emphasising AI and sustainability, the training prepares participants for modern business demands. The strong demand for the programme, evidenced by its waiting list, shows a clear need for such initiatives in rural Catalonia.
Future of Rural Business
The success of Empeny! highlights a growing desire for economic development and innovation in rural areas. The programme's focus on community building and practical skills aims to create a more connected and resilient entrepreneurial space in Ripollès, fostering new opportunities for residents.
