A visit by our board member Geesje Mosies
Located at the crossroads of the A1 and A23 motorways and close to the national railroad network, Alcanena offers a prime location for businesses seeking direct access to national and European markets. Geesje Mosies has been active as entrepreneur in the area since 2008. She likes doing business here and considers herself “the business ambassador of Alcanena”. To many investors Alcanena is still a little-known pocket in the interior region. But the fact is that it is just one hour away from Lisbon airport and offers great amenities for businesses. Geesje sat down with local mayor Rui Anastacio and Councilman Nuno Silva to discover what’s going on in Alcanena and surroundings. To her surprise, there are many new developments. In the social-cultural and environmental domain, but also new initiatives targeted at business development in the area. Together they discussed a few highlights and current projects. In short: Alcanena is open for sustainable businesses!
Business Hub with Green Light for Growth
For starters, the Alcanena municipality has developed a clear plan to further boost the local economy with Alcanena Business Park. This project is spanning 140 hectares, with flexible plots (from 2,000m² to 40,000m²) available. There is still a lot of (affordable) land available for expansion, making this area ideal for many types of businesses. The local government is making structural investments to improve the economic, social, environmental and infrastructural conditions for this business hub. Local mayor Rui Anastacio explains: “Within the municipality we have our eyes set on industry logistics, clean industries, (e-) commerce and (digital) services. The local government is also providing incentives for sustainable businesses looking to set up shop. The target is to attract and support long-term investments that have a positive impact on the lives of residents in the area.”
Incentives programs
On top of the local government initiatives, the Portugal 2030 fund offers additional financial support for businesses, start-ups and foreign investors. Foreign businesses can easily access funding, partner with Portuguese institutions and leverage Portugal’s strategic EU position by using the PT2030 incentives. Councilman Nuno Silva: “The local government is not stopping here. Alcanena has more in store to create a future-proof, inclusive, social and a healthy community.” Below a shortlist of projects that are currently “under construction“ as they say:
Houses- Building for All
it is no news that Portugal finds itself in a serious housing crisis. Houses are too expensive for residents and existing building are often of poor quality. The municipality is tackling this issue heads on. Alcanena leads Portugal in per capita housing investment, with a plan focused on both social housing and affordable homes for young people and middle-income families. The project includes the rehabilitation of 95 social housing units as well as the construction of new homes. In parallel, the municipality is refurbishing existing properties and opening public land to develop 220 new homes—creating quality living opportunities across the area.
“Couros” Project – Creativity and Local Roots
Often called “the land of leather” Alcanena is renowned for producing high-quality leather. The leather project builds upon this unique heritage and supports contemporary culture and creative industries. The first phase includes reforesting and cultivation of the river beds and natural reserves around the Carvalho and Algares rivers to create a renewed ecosystem. A second part of this project is restoring the old “Constantino Mota factory” that will serve as a functional space for future cultural use.
Health and Social Inclusion – Powered by Nova Medical School
The u.me: exponential medicine unit @Alcanena, created through a partnership between Alcanena Municipality and NOVA Medical School, links the university directly to the region. As a collaborative intelligence unit, u.me focuses on three main areas: education and training, applied research, and community service. Guided by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the EU’s Health in All Policies, u.me works to improve health, well-being, and quality of life in Alcanena. Its projects cover health, environmental sustainability, economic and social growth, urban renewal, housing, inclusion, education, tourism, innovation, and regional development.
The Culture Factory @Minde
The culture Factory transforms a former textile factory in Minde into a dynamic cultural hub with artist residencies, exhibition spaces, a textile museum, coworking areas and creative landscapes. It is a place designed to mix local heritage with creativity, independent research, innovation, cultural expression and artistic collaborations.
“Ouro Líquido” Project – Valuing locally produced Olive Oil
All food-lovers know the value of good olive oil. Olives and olive oils have been produced for centuries in the Alcanena region. The time has come to introduce more people to the superb quality olive oil the region has to offer. This joint initiative by the municipalities of Alcanena, Torres Novas and other partners aims to boost the traditional, certified production and the positioning of this wonderful olive oil for international markets.
Espinheiro Green Lab – A Smart Village in Action
This project brings together the municipality, residents, and local partners to launch micro-projects focused on social inclusion, environmental sustainability, the local economy, and digital connectivity—all guided by the Smart Village concept. This project involves the community to create and carry out strategies that improve rural life. It includes innovation contests, a local "Farm to Fork" market, a space to manage new ideas, and research with universities to support entrepreneurship and innovation. Conclusion: Alcanena aims to be a place for ideas and solutions that build a greener, stronger economy, connecting local history with future challenges like urban growth, energy change, and the green transition.
For more information send an e-mail to: investe@cm-alcanena.pt