The General Directorate of Commerce, Craftsmanship, and Consumption has approved Rafelbunyol's integration into the AFIC Network, recognizing the fulfillment of requirements submitted by the council on September 24th. This resolution, signed on October 1st, signifies a new impetus for the municipality's commercial and entrepreneurial fabric.
Membership in this network will equip the municipal commerce service with specialized tools, access to technical training, and the opportunity for cooperation with other regional agencies. The primary objective is to provide close support to facilitate the modernization, consolidation, and adaptation of local businesses to new consumption habits.
Mayor Fran López welcomed the news, stating, "This is great news for our local commerce. Behind every shopfront are people, families, and immense effort. We want those who start businesses and keep our town alive to find a close ally in their City Council, with tools to help them advance." Planned initiatives include guidance on grants, regulatory and management advice, support for new ventures, and promotion of digitalization, alongside training in digital marketing, customer service, and visual merchandising.
The Councilor for Commerce and Economic Promotion, Sandra Arnedo García, emphasized the aim to translate this integration into tangible practical support for businesses, addressing queries, guiding on grants, and assisting with digitalization and training tailored to their needs.
The documentation supporting the accreditation proposes a Strategic Plan for Commercial Innovation and Dynamization for the period 2026–2029. Key priorities include strengthening the Rafelbunyol Active Card, campaigns to encourage local spending, support for fairs and commercial promotion activities, and addressing challenges such as generational succession, sustainability, and the technological adaptation of small businesses.
Collaboration with ALEC, the Local Association of Businesses and Commerce of Rafelbunyol, and active participation from the sector will be crucial in defining municipal actions. "We will continue listening to our shopkeepers and collaborating with ALEC to promote initiatives that encourage shopping in Rafelbunyol. They know the reality of their businesses better than anyone, and their participation is fundamental for our actions to be useful," Arnedo stated.
The Social Center, located at 1 Generalitat Street, will serve as the reference point for providing this proximity service. López highlighted that "shopping in Rafelbunyol contributes to maintaining employment, life in our streets, and that close, identifying interaction. By joining the AFIC Network, we take another step to care for our commerce and help it grow."
With this accreditation, the Rafelbunyol City Council reaffirms its commitment to local commerce as a fundamental pillar of economic activity, employment, and social vitality within the municipality.
