Senior Entrepreneurs Lead Circular Economy Revitalization in Rural Spain

In rural western Spain's Valle del Jerte, 61-year-old Adelaida Mariño exemplifies the rising trend of senior entrepreneurship, driving circular economy projects with social and economic impact. Her initiative, Heidi Jarapales, transforms used clothing into sustainable fashion using traditional artisanal textile techniques. Rooted in circular economy principles, it revitalizes the local economy of Extremadura by fostering female employment and strengthening community ties through workshops that engage women aged 35-55.

Since its inception over a decade ago, the project has expanded to physical and online stores, forming partnerships with local businesses and encouraging generational knowledge exchange among women, ultimately combating rural depopulation. In 2024, Mariño's efforts were recognized with the National TaleS Award for social innovation. Her background in tourism and gender equality has been key to the project's development.

This grassroots success aligns with broader government efforts to promote circular economy sectors as core areas for growth. President Pedro Sánchez announced the Fondo España Crece, a sovereign fund backed by €10.5 billion aimed at mobilizing roughly €120 billion to extend reforms beyond 2026. Managed by the Instituto de Crédito Oficial, it targets sectors including circular economy, aiming to continue Spain's energy transition and economic transformation. The fund represents a national strategy to sustain reforms initiated with European Union support.

Mariño highlights continuous learning and intergenerational cooperation as essential to senior entrepreneurship's future in Spain, where over 4 million seniors remain active in the workforce. Her success illustrates the potential for senior-led circular economy initiatives to contribute to rural revitalization and national sustainable development goals.