The parish of Ameixial, the most distant from the municipality of Loulé, has just inaugurated the new Business Incubation and Economic Activities Center, a project aimed at revitalizing the local economy and combating the depopulation of the interior, a reality that has affected the region over the past decades. The space is the result of the redevelopment of the old Cork Factory and already has two companies in the process of being established.
Located about one kilometer from the village center, the facility includes six warehouses, each approximately 125 m². Currently, four of these spaces are occupied by “Meus Móveis, Lda.”, a carpentry company, and “DNAS, Sociedade Apícola”, which specializes in beekeeping. Both companies were selected through a competitive application process. In addition to the warehouses, the center offers incubation offices and coworking spaces, equipped with advanced technology, including electric vehicle charging stations and photovoltaic panels.
This investment of around 1.3 million euros by the Municipality of Loulé is seen as a lever for boosting the local economy. The Mayor, Vítor Aleixo, emphasized the importance of such initiatives to revitalize the interior: “The fact that there can be economic activity here is extremely important. We hope that these companies can contribute to bringing life back to these territories, bringing economy and young people,” he stated.
One of the main attractions of this new space is the exemption from rent payments during the first year for the installed companies. In the following years, the rent will be reduced, making it an accessible opportunity for new entrepreneurs.
The two warehouses still available can be occupied by promoters who present projects aligned with the region’s economic development. Applications are open to private entities, cooperatives, or individuals with innovative ideas.
Local businesses invest in growth
Among the first companies to set up in the new space is “Meus Móveis,” represented by Isa Lourenço and Tiago Custódio, both natives of Ameixial. The young entrepreneur highlighted the “excellent conditions and affordable prices” offered by the facility, which are crucial for those starting a business. The company will focus on producing kitchens, wardrobes, and custom-made furniture.
Meanwhile, Aurélio Cavaco, a partner of “DNAS,” a company with 20 years in the beekeeping market, sees this new space as an opportunity to expand the business. The company is investing in almond tree pollination in Alentejo and orchards in Algarve, in addition to producing honey and pollen from Serra do Caldeirão. “We want to be a national reference and sell our products in major retail chains,” said Cavaco.
Municipality invests in new initiatives to retain population
In addition to this business space, the Municipality of Loulé is developing other initiatives to combat demographic desertification in Ameixial. As part of its Local Housing Strategy, two homes have already been rehabilitated for affordable rent, and construction is underway for four more homes in the village.
With these measures, the municipality hopes to attract new residents and create economic opportunities that contribute to the sustainable development of the interior of the region.