[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The BOJA publishes the standard that regulates how to request the zero fee and aid for the start of self-employed activity, both aid will be retroactive from January 1, 2023. For updated information for 2024, you can consult: Zero quota for Andalusian self-employed workers.
On July 3, the Official Gazette of the Junta de Andalucía (BOJA) presented two new lines of economic aid aimed at supporting the self-employed and new entrepreneurs in the region, according to the published regulatory bases. This aid includes financial support for the Social Security contribution of new self-employed people and an incentive for starting an activity that can reach up to 5.500 euros. Both grants will have a completely automated application process.
First help: Zero fee
The first line, called «zero fee«, offers a subsidy to cover the Social Security contributions of the self-employed. This measure is aligned with the launch of the new state contribution system. Starting at the beginning of next year, self-employed workers will be able to retroactively request this aid that covers the expenses of the fee paid during the current year.
This support will also be extended for a second year for those self-employed who do not manage to enter the Minimum Interprofessional Salary, for the self-employed who resume their self-employed activity after motherhood within the following two years, and for the self-employed with a degree of disability equal to or greater than 33 percent, or who are victims of gender violence or terrorism . He SMI It is the minimum amount that a worker must receive for their daily, monthly or annual work. This salary is set by the government and is reviewed periodically
To access the “zero quota”, self-employed workers must meet certain requirements: be registered in the STRAIGHT on the date of submission of the application, carry out its activity in Andalusia and be beneficiaries of the state flat rate. He STRAIGHT, Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers, is one of the systems of the Social security in Spain, specifically designed for people who carry out a self-employed activity or are self-employed.
Second help: start of activity
The second line of support, intended for the "start of activity", is aimed at those who have started an activity and maintain their status as self-employed for twelve consecutive months from the day following the submission of the application. It is expected that this aid can be requested before the end of July, with an initial budget of 35,2 million euros, which would reach more than 7.000 beneficiaries.
The amount of aid for starting an activity varies between 3.800 and 5.500 euros, depending on the profile of the applicant. Thus, self-employed women under 35 years of age will be able to receive a subsidy of 5.000 euros, while those over 35 will receive 3.800 euros.
In the case of men, self-employed workers under 30 years of age will receive 5.000 euros and those 30 years or older will receive 3.800 euros. However, if the beneficiaries carry out their activity in a municipality with less than 10.000 inhabitants, these amounts will increase to 5.500 euros for women under 35 years of age and men under 30, and up to 5.000 euros in the other two cases.
To request the activity start line, in addition to being registered in the RETA, carry out your activity in Andalusia and be a beneficiary of the state flat rate, the self-employed must present a feasibility plan for the projected activity on the date of submission of the application.
Aid financing
These two lines of help will be financed with the Junta de Andalucía's own funds, contributions from the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and finalist contributions from the State. Likewise, the maximum period for the resolution and notification of the concession will be four months from the date on which the application has been registered electronically.
The aid will be awarded on a non-competitive basis, following the order of arrival in the single electronic registry of the Junta de Andalucía, until the budget allocation is exhausted. Once compliance with the requirements has been verified, a single payment will be made that will cover 100 percent of the subsidy awarded.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
The self-employed in Andalusia in 2023
In 2023, Andalusia and Madrid stood out as the autonomous communities in Spain with the largest number of new self-employed workers, jointly representing 80% of the national total. These figures, published by the Ministry of Social Security, reflect the significant impact of entrepreneurship incentives, such as various subsidies, on the choice to work independently.
Andalusia, alone, contributed 50% of the new self-employed workers in Spain during 2023, a figure that rises to 80% when including the Community of Madrid. The influx of self-employed workers in these regions is largely attributed to the dynamism of sectors such as tourism and construction. Furthermore, in Andalusia, agriculture and other professional activities have also experienced growth, contrasting with the decrease in the commerce sector, which has presented a negative balance of almost 2.400 net self-employed people.
José Luis Perea, general secretary of the Association of Self-Employed Workers (ATA), has highlighted the influence of tourism and construction, as well as the support measures implemented over the years, including extensions of the national flat rate and special rates for women and young people. These grants are designed to support the self-employed, especially during the initial stages of their activity, when income is limited and expenses high.
However, the path for freelancers is not without challenges. According to ATA, Andalusia will continue to lead in terms of self-employed affiliation, but they face an uncertain economic environment, with significant extra costs in energy, rents, policies and fuel. Although revenues have increased by 11% to 13%, expenses are up 22% compared to previous years.
The self-employed also face difficulties with administrative bureaucracy. The ATA Barometer indicates that 90% of self-employed workers complain about complex administrative procedures, which slows down their activities. Additionally, increased taxes, especially for those who hire minimum wage workers, represent an additional challenge.
Since 2018, Andalusia and Madrid have been responsible for 80% of the new registrations of self-employed workers in Spain. Andalusia leads the ranking with an average of 25.505 monthly affiliates, while Madrid follows with 16.601. In terms of year-on-year variation, Madrid showed significant growth in 2023 with 135.033 affiliates, an increase of 6% compared to 2018. Andalusia also recorded a notable increase, with an increase of 8,5% since 2018, which translates to 45.000 new self-employed workers.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Aid to self-employed workers in 2024
New subsidies from the Junta de Andalucía to promote self-employment: #ZeroQuota. New self-employed workers (from January 2023), receiving a flat rate Incorporation after termination due to maternity in the following 2 years.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]https://twitter.com/AndaluciaJunta/status/1751686582313070731[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
