Alcoy is giving entrepreneurs up to 2300 euros to open or take over a shop this year. The grant covers most eligible costs, with a bonus for signage in Valencian. Applications close 6 October.
Entrepreneurs in Alcoy can claim up to 2300 euros to open a new shop or take over an existing one, provided they apply by 6 October. The city council’s grant aims to support small retailers and keep local storefronts active as businesses change hands.
The basic grant covers 80 percent of eligible expenses, up to 2000 euros per shop. Applicants can receive an additional 300 euros if they install a permanent shop sign in Valencian and submit photo proof. This bonus is available only to those who qualify for the basic grant; no separate application is needed for the language incentive.
Applications are accepted exclusively through the city council's electronic registry from 9 September to 6 October 2026.
To qualify, applicants must have opened or taken over a shop in Alcoy since 1 January 2026. The program is open to individuals, companies and microenterprises, provided the business is on the ground floor with direct street access and all tax and social security payments are current. The city has set aside 50,000 euros, divided equally between new openings and business transfers. It can shift funds if one category receives fewer applications.
Not every business qualifies. The scheme excludes industries, services, hospitality, pharmacies, tobacco shops, lottery outlets, gas stations and large retailers. Only retail shops with a public-facing presence can apply. A simple change of ownership does not count as a new opening, but transfers between individuals or within families are allowed if the business continues operating without a break.
Eligible expenses include renovations, installations, furniture, IT equipment, websites, window displays, signage and professional fees related to opening or transferring the business. Rent, inventory, utilities and recoverable VAT are not covered. All spending must be completed and paid for between 1 January and 6 October 2026. Applicants must provide invoices and proof of payment; pending quotes and unpaid bills are not accepted.
The official statement from the Ayuntamiento de Alcoy says the grant targets small retail businesses and excludes sectors such as hospitality and large chains. The city says the initiative is intended to preserve local commerce and prevent shop closures during generational change. It describes the program as a long-term tool for rejuvenating Alcoy's retail network.
Applicants must keep their shop open for at least six months after opening or acquisition, unless they can prove force majeure. The city pays out only after checking all documents, with no advance payments. Applications are digital and require a business plan, a financial breakdown, proof of premises and, if relevant, a photo of the Valencian-language sign. Applicants with incomplete paperwork have ten working days to correct it or risk losing the grant.
Scoring is competitive: applicants can receive up to 50 points for investment, 30 for business quality and viability, and 20 for contribution to local commerce. The grant cannot exceed the actual project cost, so not everyone will receive the full 2300 euros. Spending 2500 euros on eligible items, for example, could unlock the maximum; spending more will not increase the payout.
Alcoy’s program follows a broader trend of direct municipal support for small businesses. Ceuta recently offered similar incentives to self-employed workers and companies to support local economies.
With the deadline approaching and funds limited, Alcoy’s grant offers support to shop owners prepared to handle the paperwork and meet the criteria. The language bonus is intended to encourage the use of Valencian in the city’s streetscape.
