The 2018 call for grant and subsidy applications opens for the digital transformation of commerce

Applications for grants and subsidies for digital-transformation projects on Barcelona’s businesses can be submitted up to 2 July. The financial aid is intended to encourage the digital transformation of small businesses through the introduction of new technologies as a source of opportunity and competitive advantage for local commerce.

Barcelona's commerce currently presents a low level of digital maturity. 59.6% of businesses have either no presence at all or only a very basic presence on the internet and hardly use any online communication elements, such as a website or social networks.

On the other hand, consumers have made digitisation a natural part of their daily lives, changing their social and consumer habits, and giving rise to what is regarded as a digital consumer profile.

The grants and subsidies available for commerce-related projects are one of the digitisation-strategy measures adopted by the Department of Commerce at Barcelona City Council. The aim behind the financial aid is to: 

• Facilitate the digital transformation of commerce and retailers’ associations within the territory
• Improve the level of maturity of commerce and associations alike
• Create competitive advantages for businesses, through online commercial activity and associations
• Meet the new needs of digital consumers in Barcelona

The call for grant and subsidy applications establishes two areas of action:

For commercial establishments, under the following categories:

Gaining a basic or extensive internet presence

Developing an active internet presence

For residents’ associations, under the following categories:

Gaining a basic or extensive internet presence

Developing an active internet presence

Extending the associations’ portfolio of services.

You will find full information on the call for applications and the documents that have to be submitted, via this link.