The way things always were
My family, in Gijón, always shopped at small local stores. Not out of ideology, but because it was simply normal. We knew the people behind the counters: neighbors, friends, friends of friends...
Walking through the neighborhood shops with my mother taught me that small businesses are much more than sales: they are community and connection.
Vuélvete Local was born on those walks.
Uprooted
When I moved to Barcelona, that network disappeared. Forced to move from flat to flat and neighborhood to neighborhood, I couldn't put down roots anywhere. And my schedule, split between studying and working, didn't match store opening hours.
I lived in the neighborhoods, yes, but I wasn't part of them.
That's when I realized something was wrong: the solutions available to me didn't align with my values.
What if...?
Years later, with my own home and more time, I decided I wanted to go back to shopping at neighborhood stores. But it wasn't that easy. Where were the shops? What did they sell? What time did they close?
That's where the idea for Vuélvete Local was born: a platform to make small businesses visible and accessible to everyone, no matter where you lived or what your schedule was.
The turning point
The idea slowly took shape. Along the way, several organizations supported me —Barcelona Activa · LGBT+ Tech Barcelona · Inspiring Girls · Impact Hub— and thanks to that I was able to launch a pilot version of the app and sign up the first businesses.
That's when I realized Vuélvete Local would need a lot of time, focus and energy. But my real problem was different: this wasn't a project that would generate immediate income. It was a long-term bet. If I quit my job, I had no money to keep going. If I kept my job, I had no time to dedicate to it.
It felt like a dead end.
Starting over
After a year at that crossroads, the solution arrived. I was awarded two grants that let me dedicate myself fully to this dream. We were able to grow the team and start building with more strength.
Now we keep moving forward. We're adding new businesses, building collaborations constantly, and growing the project with every step.
We believe in empowering small businesses and in everything we still have to build from here, with more energy than ever.
🚀 This is just the beginning
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Our commitment to local businesses and community
Vuélvete Local At Vuélvete Local we are committed to boosting local commerce, strengthening the local economy and connecting people with businesses that matter.
We work to make every interaction positive: we support businesses, offer accessible tools and build trust with customers.
Support for Businesses
storefrontWe provide visibility and tools that help local businesses grow, thrive and connect with their community.
Local Products
ecoWe promote short supply chains and handmade, artisanal or sustainable products, highlighting quality and positive community impact.
Transparency
handshakeWe ensure ethical and reliable practices among businesses, building trust and safety for all customers.
Community
peopleWe connect neighbors, businesses and local projects to strengthen the local economy and build lasting bonds.
Who supports us
Grant "Impulsem el que fas"
Awarded by Barcelona City Council through Barcelona Activa, this grant supports local projects that foster the economic development of neighborhoods and local commerce.
Learn more →Grant "Tu+1"
A program by the Department of Business and Labor of the Catalan Government aimed at promoting permanent hiring and the growth of small businesses.
Learn more →Our values
Collaboration
groupWe believe in working together, fostering alliances between businesses and the community.
Inclusion
publicWe put all our resources at your disposal so that no one is left out.
Innovation
lightbulbWe invest in creativity and technology to improve the visibility and efficiency of local businesses.
Local Impact
emoji_peopleEvery action and local purchase strengthens the community and generates a sustainable positive impact.
Our commitment to the 2030 Agenda
Vuélvete Local At Vuélvete Local we work to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, supporting responsible, inclusive and sustainable commerce that has a positive impact on the community.
