Barcelona Activa supported more than 58,500 people in 2025
Women accounted for 59% of those who used its employment services. The agency also supported 6,170 businesses and 2,150 self-employed people.
Barcelona, 26 Oct 2026
Throughout 2025, Barcelona Activa continued to fulfil its role as Barcelona’s public economic development agency, strengthening its commitment to the city, its residents and local businesses. Its 2025 Sustainability Report details how the agency supported 58,598 people through its services and programmes, 39% of whom were women. Of these, 34,198 used its employment services, with women accounting for 59% of participants.
The agency’s strategy focused on developing skills and talent to help people access quality jobs, while boosting business competitiveness to drive growth and create new opportunities. In 2025, Barcelona Activa supported 6,170 businesses and 2,150 self-employed people. It also provided support to 1,387 entrepreneurial projects, 68% of which were led by women, and helped set up 533 new businesses through its company formation service.
Two new economic hubs
Two new economic hubs were launched in 2025, both housed in municipal facilities and designed to boost economic activity across the city. Barcelona XRLAB, based at the Palo Alto complex, aims to become a leading centre for innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship in the audiovisual sector, particularly in extended reality technologies. Barcelona Circular (BAC) focuses on the circular economy and the digital transformation of industry.
Other major initiatives included the launch of the Barcelona Investment Fund, a new €30 million municipal fund designed to support the growth of startups in strategic sectors. To promote employment inclusion, the agency also unveiled the 2025–2027 Action Plan to Promote Quality Employment for People with Disabilities, which aims to improve social and employment inclusion and help people with disabilities access the mainstream labour market.
Commitment to sustainability
Barcelona Activa continued to promote the efficient and responsible use of resources through initiatives introduced in 2025, building on its existing circular economy strategies. During the year, average energy consumption across its facilities fell by 10%, as part of the organisation’s energy efficiency measures. The agency also maintained responsible water use practices following the drought in the region, helping to conserve this essential resource.
Additional measures focused on reusing materials, reducing waste and promoting more responsible resource management.