Liquor stores in small settlements can apply for a 3 million grant

The Government of Hungary is particularly supporting the productivity and size growth of domestic small and medium-sized enterprises. In this context, it has launched a tender to strengthen the competitiveness of units operating in small settlements classified as liquor stores and bars according to the National Tourism Data Service Center. However, the call for applications is not only significant from an economic perspective. Village pubs, wine bars and espresso bars − although they are an essential part of the Hungarian hospitality sector − function not only as catering establishments, but also as community spaces where people meet and talk to each other.

“In addition to the fact that village catering establishments strengthen the population retention capacity of settlements, they also contribute to the performance of active and rural tourism. Many of the liquor stores in small settlements operate in villages located along well-known hiking trails − such as the National Blue Circle −, thus playing an important role in serving travelers. For this reason, an important goal of the support is to provide effective assistance to operators already this season,”

– said Anikó Suhajda-Molnár, CEO of the Kisfaludy2030 Tourism Development Corporation, which manages the application. She added that the winners can use the funds for multiple purposes and flexibly. For example, for energy efficiency development, for the purchase of equipment that supports operations, kitchen activities, and enhances the guest experience, for the wages of permanent employees or workers, or even for financing utility costs. Moreover, applicants can also use part of the support for marketing purposes, so they can renew their company names, logos, and image, or even develop their social media presence and website.

The application is a continuation of the program launched by the government last year to support rural catering SMEs. Within the framework of this program, rural restaurants, buffets, pastry shops, music and dance venues, casual catering shops, coffee houses, and catering establishments specializing in non-alcoholic beverages that are open all year round could apply for funds for – among other things – energy development and equipment purchase. Applicants can apply for the program, which starts on March 3, simply and easily, with minimal administration, from the NTAK system, where customer service also helps them. The call, which runs until April 3, is available on the kisfaludyprogram.hu website.