The Aula Empresocial developed the first cycle of workshops of the Red Mentor-COOP for the creation of worker cooperatives.
The Aula Empresocial at the Universitat de València developed the first cycle of activities of the Red Mentor-COOP: Mentoring network for creating and developing worker cooperatives, during September and October 2025. This initiative was funded by the Dirección General de Trabajo, Cooperativismo y Seguridad Laboral of the Generalitat Valenciana (Valencian Government).
The programme consisted of a cycle of seven training workshops held between 11 September and 28 October 2025, aimed at several social groups with the purpose of promoting cooperative entrepreneurship and disseminating social economy values.
The activities combined theoretical training, practical analysis and participatory dynamics, aimed at easing the creation of cooperative projects and strengthening social and labour inclusion of several groups.
The training team was formed by professors from the Universitat de València and professionals from the field of social economy, including Antonia Sajardo Moreno (PI), Pilar Alguacil Marí, Andrea Rey Martí, Teresa Puchol Tur, Eduardo Talens Viscontí and Manuel Alegre Nueno, along with representatives of entities from the cooperative sector.
During the cycle, the following activities were carried out:
• 11 September 2025 – Faculty of Economics (UV)
• The first workshop aimed at migrants interested in learning about the cooperative model as an employment alternative and collective undertaking.
• 17 September 2025 – Faculty of Economics (UV), in collaboration with the organisation Por ti Mujer.
• Training session aimed at migrant women and entrepreneurs related to social and labour inclusion programmes.
• 23 September 2025 – Díaz Pintado Centre (Burjassot)
• Workshop aimed at unemployed individuals or people with employability difficulties, focusing on cooperativism as a tool for labour inclusion.
• 25 September 2025 – AESCO Headquarters (València)
• Activity aimed at migrants and people interested in collective undertaking.
• 2 October 2025 – FEM Salut Mental (Villa del Pilar Social Centre)
• Session focused on the role of social economy as an instrument for inclusive employment for people with functional diversity.
• 13 October 2025 – Faculty of Economics (UV)
• Workshop developed in collaboration with Fundación NovaTerra and the Consulate of Colombia in Valencia Taller, aimed at people in the process of labour inclusion.
• 28 October 2025 – Classrooms at Mercado de San Gregorio (Torrent)
• Closing workshop, aimed at local organisations and general public interested in cooperativism.
Overall, the cycle was attended by about 250 participants from several social groups, including women, migrants, local organisations and participants in labour inclusion programmes.
Satisfaction surveys show an average rating of 8.6 out of 10, highlighting the clarity of the explanations, the practical usage of the contents and the participatory nature of the sessions.
This first cycle strengthens Red Mentor-COOP as a relevant initiative for promoting social economy, and reinforces the role of Aula Empresocial as a platform for training, knowledge transfer and collaboration with Valencian social network.
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Funded by:
Dirección General de Trabajo, Cooperativismo y Seguridad Laboral – Generalitat Valenciana (Programa de fomento de la Economía Social).
