The council will invest €20,424 in the Mercaemprende program, aimed at fostering professionalization, modernization, digitalization, and quality job creation among street vendors. This initiative is made possible by the budgetary agreement for the year 2026 between the Municipal Government Team and the EH Bildu group.
The project aims to modernize the businesses of vendors in the Lakua-Arriaga and Simón Bolívar markets, considered an essential part of the local commercial fabric. The program extends beyond standard training, generating concrete improvements in businesses and the living conditions of Roma families involved in street vending.
Aitziber Salazar, councilor for EH Bildu, stated that her party introduced a budget of over €20,400 within the agreement to address the sector's needs. The program will provide 204 hours of direct support and intervention to approximately 50 individuals, half of whom are women.
Nuria de la Cruz, director of Fundación Secretariado Gitano Euskadi, explained that the program will involve a total of 50 participants, with 40 receiving skills training. Additionally, around 16 businesses will implement the Mercaemprende Improvement Plan annually.
Mercaemprende will promote the creation of logos, trade names, corporate identity, social media profiles, signage, and QR codes. It will also encourage the adoption of digital payment methods such as Bizum or card readers.
This program initially launched in 2015 in Málaga and Córdoba and currently operates in 14 municipalities across Spain, with over 1,712 participants to date.
