Consell helps 84 Formentera freelancers and SMEs weather COVID-19 crisis

The Formentera Office of Entrepreneurship is pleased to report that 84 local freelancers and small businesses received the office's help weathering fallout from COVID-19 restrictions. Two-hundred fifty-six thousand euros in assistance were handed out following the response to two announcements of aid in 2021. Aid payments have already been received by all but a few, with the 16 beneficiaries who are still awaiting payment resolving outstanding issues with applications just last week.

Forty-two freelancers and small businesses got help as part of the first call for applications in March. The second announcement came in August and led to the same number of awardees, although paperwork is still in the works for five of those applicants. Roughly 70 % of applications submitted have been accepted.

"We are glad to have helped that many", said Ana Juan, Consell de Formentera President and Councillor of Entrepreneurship, and stressed that, moreover, "the vast majority have already received payments". President Juan recalled "great uncertainty" marking the start of the 2021 summer season, insisting that the aid has "proven to be the main engine of our economy and served to support an essential productive sector".

Finally, the President underscored the work of the various departments of the Consell to "manage, process and deliver the aid".

€1,500 to €7,000

Small businesses and freelancers on the island have received payments ranging from €1,500 to €7,000 each. The payments have been financed in equal parts by the Consell de Formentera and Balearic government.

30 December 2021
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera