Social Economy in Salamanca Yields €1.74 Return per Euro Invested, Employment Doubles

Salamanca's social economy enterprises are proving highly effective, producing a social return of €1.74 for every euro invested by the City Council. This was presented by Councillor Miryam Rodríguez, alongside Pilar Rodríguez of Adesocial, during the Monitoring Table of Social Economy Companies held at Salamanca's City Hall. In 2023, the total social return reached €1,683,672.25, encompassing returns through taxes and social security contributions (0.869 euros per euro invested), as well as savings on social protection costs (0.87 euros per euro invested).

The number of insertion workers, individuals who face social exclusion barriers, has doubled since 2016 to nearly 140, as Salamanca has focused on promoting labor integration as a social cohesion and equal opportunities strategy. The budget allocated for insertion companies, special employment centers, and social cooperatives has increased from €1.4 million in 2016 to €4.7 million presently. These employees contribute to municipal services such as home meal delivery, cleaning, and public space maintenance.

Salamanca recently awarded the urban gardens management service to Asprodes and was recognized at the XIII Awards for Cooperativism and Social Economy of Castilla y León. The city also prepares to host the II International Congress of Social Economy from November 10-12, attracting over 200 participants to advance social economy initiatives. These developments illustrate Salamanca's commitment to expanding social economy impacts and inclusive employment opportunities.