The Association for Rural Development of the Riotinto Mining Basin and CaixaBank Social Action have awarded prizes, each worth 1,000 euros, to projects that promote employment and retain population in the region.
The Laura Luelmo Cultural Centre in El Campillo hosted the award ceremony for the Tierra de Oportunidades Mining Basin 2026 programme this Thursday, an initiative driven by the Association for Rural Development (ADR) of the Riotinto Mining Basin and CaixaBank Social Action. The event, which brought together institutional representatives, businesspeople, and entrepreneurs, recognised four local projects for their ability to generate employment, innovate, and contribute to retaining population in rural areas.
Each of the awarded projects received 1,000 euros net, in addition to the technical support provided by the programme to facilitate their consolidation. The jury, made up of members from the Río Tinto Foundation, the Huelva Business Federation, the Provincial Council of Huelva, CaixaBank, and the ADR itself, particularly valued the viability, innovative nature, job creation, and territorial impact of the initiatives.
Among the winners is the Sheilla Beauty and Wellness Salon, promoted by Sheilla Domínguez Pérez in the Alto la Mesa neighbourhood of Minas de Riotinto. This business helps to invigorate a particularly vulnerable area of the region by offering aesthetic and wellness services.
The Eclipse Equestrian Centre, promoted by Emilio Rodríguez Pérez in the village of Traslasierra in El Campillo, has also been recognised. This project combines equestrian tradition with training and innovative activities, supporting a young local entrepreneur.
The third award went to Details of a Quilter, the artisanal project of Mercedes Ortiz Cervilla in Zalamea la Real. This initiative focuses on the production of textile products and specialised training in quilting techniques, which has a growing international projection.
Completing the list of awardees is Osar Arquitectura, the studio created by Alejandro Rachón Balbuena, also in Zalamea la Real. This project represents the return of a young architect with international experience who has decided to develop his professional activity from a rural setting, choosing to establish his residence and work in the region.
The day began with an opening by the president of the ADR Riotinto Mining Basin, alongside representatives from CaixaBank Social Action. After the awards were presented, Francisco Carmona, Business Manager for Sierra and Lepe at CaixaBank, spoke about the various lines of funding and microcredits available for rural entrepreneurs.
The Tierra de Oportunidades programme combines financial aid with technical advice and business support to facilitate the launch and consolidation of new businesses. The initiative aims to strengthen the economic fabric of the Riotinto Mining Basin, promote job creation, and help address demographic challenges through projects capable of generating new opportunities in the territory.
For interested entrepreneurs, the ADR of the Mining Basin and CaixaBank have open support lines, with information available at the association's offices and at the bank's branches in the region. The next edition of the programme is expected for 2027, with new calls to be announced throughout the year.
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