Lanzarote Support for Self-Employed Workers: Free REACTÍVATE Help for Businesses in Difficulty
A new support programme is giving self-employed people in Lanzarote another route forward if their business is struggling financially.
The Chamber of Commerce of Lanzarote and La Graciosa has joined REACTÍVATE, a Canary Islands programme designed to support autónomos facing economic, financial or business difficulties. The service is free for eligible beneficiaries and is intended to help people understand their options before making major decisions about the future of their business.
For an island where small businesses, freelancers and self-employed workers play such an important role in the local economy, the scheme could be particularly useful for people who are finding it increasingly difficult to keep a business viable.
WHAT IS REACTÍVATE?
REACTÍVATE is a programme promoted by the Canary Islands Government's Department of Economy, Industry, Commerce and Self-Employment through SODECAN, with funding from the Canary Islands Employment Service.
Its purpose is not simply to offer one standard solution. Instead, the programme starts by looking at the individual circumstances of the self-employed person and their business.
That can include financial problems, falling profitability, debt, operational difficulties or uncertainty over whether the business can realistically continue.
Importantly, you do not have to know what type of help you need before contacting the programme. The idea is to assess the situation first and then identify the most appropriate route.
WHO CAN APPLY?
REACTÍVATE is aimed at self-employed people who have been registered as autónomos in the Canary Islands for more than three years and are experiencing economic, financial or business difficulties.
It can also help people who have already stopped trading but are still dealing with debts or other problems connected with their former business.
TWO POSSIBLE ROUTES FOR STRUGGLING BUSINESSES
The first route, “Save Your Business”, is for businesses where there is still a realistic possibility of recovery. The aim is to examine the situation, identify weaknesses and consider restructuring or other measures that could improve the chances of continuing to trade.
The second route, “New Opportunity”, is aimed at people whose business is no longer viable or who have already closed.
Where the legal requirements are met, REACTÍVATE can provide guidance relating to Spain's Ley de Segunda Oportunidad, or Second Chance Law, for people with outstanding debts.
WHAT DOES THE FREE SUPPORT INCLUDE?
The programme offers individual assessment, guidance, specialised training and support with restructuring where appropriate.
The service is described as confidential, personalised and free for eligible self-employed beneficiaries.
Free REACTÍVATE support does not necessarily mean every cost connected with a later legal or insolvency procedure is covered, so applicants should confirm what applies to their individual circumstances.
A LOCAL POINT OF HELP IN LANZAROTE
The involvement of the Chamber of Commerce of Lanzarote and La Graciosa gives self-employed workers on the island a local point of contact.
The wider REACTÍVATE network includes the Canary Islands Chambers of Commerce, business organisations, the National Federation of Associations of Self-Employed Workers (ATA), participating legal organisations and financial institutions.
HOW TO CONTACT REACTÍVATE IN LANZAROTE
Self-employed residents in Lanzarote and La Graciosa who are worried about business finances, struggling with debt, considering closure or unsure whether their business can recover can contact the Chamber of Commerce.
Telephone: 928 82 41 61
Email: reactivate@camaralanzarote.org
The programme also has an online application route through REACTÍVATE.
A SECOND CHANCE FOR LANZAROTE'S SMALL BUSINESSES
Financial pressure can make it difficult for a self-employed person to see what options are available. REACTÍVATE is designed to provide a structured assessment before a decision is made.
For some, that could mean finding a way to keep trading. For others, it could mean restructuring, changing direction or getting help to close one chapter and begin another.
For self-employed workers in Lanzarote who are struggling, asking for help does not automatically mean the end of the business. The first step is understanding the situation and finding out what options may be available.
