Work meeting 4

"Access to finance for SMEs - specific approach for the modernisation of the shops and crafts in the cities". This was the topic of the 4th work meeting which took place on 15th and 16th June 2010 in Gijón. The project partners and actors of the partners LSG, MAs, thematic experts, representatives from the URBACT Secretariat andfurthed interested actors came together in Gijón to have common discussions in open session and working groups on the above mentioned topic.

The working meeting 4 started with an adress of welcome by the Mayoress of Gijón and the Lead Partner Aachen. On the first day representatives from the Directorate of Commercial Policy of the Ministry of Industry, Spain and from the Principality of Asturias attended the meeting. The URBACT Secretariat was represented by Mr. Jean-Loup Drubigny. Altogether we discussed the possibilities of funding and cooperation for the shops and crafts in inner cities.

Afterwards we visited the Gijón Trade Sector in the City Center under the guidance of Carmen Moreno Llaneza, Director of the Gijon Shopkeepers' Union.

On the second day we had parallel working group discussions, one on "Support for Small Scale Projects" and the other one on "Support for Innovative/High Tech Projects." In addition we had a common session on communication and dissemination. Activities on local level were shared in the discussions, problems, strategies and solutions were examined. The meeting itself had the character of a mix of presentations, joint discussions and small working groups. On the last day there was a steering group meeting on financial aspects, organisational matters and procedures.