The Regional Government has decided to introduce some amendments to the Support Programme for the Revitalisation of Shops in Urban Centres - LOJA+ in order to extend its scope and render it operational.

The amendments, published in the Official Journal today, will extend the scope of this initiative to a wider range of commercial areas and increase the number of activities deemed eligible for this support measure. Moreover, the amendments will also provide clarification on the application process and the respective form.

LOJA + programme was created by the Government of the Azores with the purpose of giving a new impetus to urban centres, revitalising the business sector and recovering building heritage through the support to the installation of new commercial establishments in urban centres and the recovery of vacant commercial areas.

This programme comprises commercial establishments located in regional urban centres that are currently vacant and where several activities will be developed in the areas of trade and services. The measure will mainly support the lease of commercial property and/or the redevelopment of commercial spaces.

Applications may be submitted at SDEA - Society for the Business Development of the Azores, at the Services of the Vice-Presidency of the Azores or through the Internet at: www.investinazores.com; the application form is available at this site.