Regional Government approves another 17 investments under "Empreende Jovem" programme
The Vice-President of the Regional Government conveyed today his satisfaction with the growing number of applications submitted under "Empreende Jovem" (Youth Entrepreneurship). The government official considered that this is an "expected result of a series of measures to fight unemployment and create self-employment, in this particular case, but nevertheless is still encouraging."
"The response of youngsters has revealed their entrepreneurial spirit and the willingness to fight against adversity," Sérgio Ávila stated, stressing that the growing adherence is also "a clear sign that the path followed is the right one and that has been understood by the Azorean people."
Sergio Ávila commented the fact that the selection committee of "Empreende Jovem" programme proposed the approval of another 17 projects, representing a total investment of 2.8 million Euros and the creation of 29 new jobs.
These applications correspond to the allocation of 1.6 million Euros in the form of a non-repayable subsidy.
The projects approved the under the incentive scheme "Empreende Jovem" will be implemented on all islands, except Flores and Corvo, in the areas of trade, services and tourism.
In terms of distribution of projects per island, five projects were approved for Pico, representing an investment of 1.1 million Euros and the creation of 12 jobs.
Regarding the island of S. Miguel, the four applications involve an investment of 772 thousand Euros and the creation of eight new jobs.
A total of three projects were approved for the island of Terceira, corresponding to an investment of 74 thousand Euros and the creation of four jobs.
Two projects were approved for the island of Faial in amount of 372 thousand Euros with the creation of three new jobs.
With regard to the islands of Santa Maria and Graciosa, each with a project approved, the investment is estimated at 495 thousand Euros with the creation of two jobs.
Sérgio Ávila emphasised the fact that these applications cover almost all islands and noticed that "the good pace at which the proposals for approval are analysed and forwarded gives assurance to the Government that it is on the right path and conveys to young entrepreneurs hope and confidence in the future.”
"Empreende Jovem" is a programme created by the Regional Government to stimulate self-employment that is unprecedented in the country. It has already registered a total of 239 applications, representing an estimated investment volume of 41.6 million Euros and the creation of 538 new jobs.
"These figures evidence our nonconformism and the positive attitude of youngsters towards difficulties. It is regrettable that in face of the effort to promote the Azores, there are those who are still unaware that will only accomplish this goal with joint efforts," stressed Sérgio Ávila.