¿Qué son las cooperativas? | Asata
Cooperatives in Asturias: Structure and Benefits
Overview of Cooperatives
- Cooperatives are a significant part of the social economy in Asturias, governed by Law 4/2010 on cooperatives.
- There are currently 87 cooperatives in Asturias employing approximately 2,500 individuals.
Formation and Requirements
- A cooperative is formed by at least three members who voluntarily join to meet common socio-economic needs through business activities.
- The official establishment requires registration with the Cooperative Societies Registry of Asturias and adherence to specific statutory requirements.
Governance and Member Rights
- Key governance structures include a general assembly, an administrative body, and oversight mechanisms; all members have equal voting rights regardless of their capital contribution.
- Members receive monetary returns from cooperative activities known as "societal advances," typically paid within one month.
Types of Cooperatives
- Various types exist including consumer cooperatives, housing cooperatives, agricultural cooperatives, service cooperatives, transporters' cooperatives, insurance cooperatives, healthcare cooperatives, educational non-profits, and mixed models.
Support for Cooperative Entrepreneurship
- ASATA promotes worker-associated cooperatives aimed at collective self-employment among individuals engaged in economic or professional activities.
- Legal limits restrict hiring external workers to no more than 30% of total hours worked by member employees annually.
Financial Assistance for Startups
- Notable support includes unemployment capitalization grants and subsidies for new member incorporation ranging from €5,500 to €10,000 based on the profile of the new member.
- Additional benefits include social security bonuses and tax incentives; ASATA offers free advisory services for entrepreneurs covering up to €2,000 in formation costs.