Focus on rural SMEs – the “Rural Entrepreneur of the Year” award and the Rural Entrepreneurs’ Night are launched

The aim of the award is to put rural businesses in the spotlight for the very first time. The goal is to make visible and recognize those companies that form the backbone of the rural economy and set an example with their community-building, value-creating, and future-shaping work.

Background – the economic weight of rural SMEs

• Nearly two-thirds of Hungarian corporate enterprises operate in rural areas, and one in three employees in the private sector works for a rural SME. The vast majority of rural enterprises – 86% – are micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees.
• In terms of revenue, rural SMEs collectively outperform Budapest-based businesses by almost double, which clearly shows the economic significance of the countryside. However, per capita revenue is 20% lower, and profit is 40% lower than in the capital. Wage trends have also shifted: while in 2020–2021 the average labor costs of rural SMEs exceeded those in Budapest, in the past three years they have gradually lagged behind, and by 2024 they were already 7% lower than the capital’s level.
• By sector, almost one-fifth of rural SMEs’ revenue comes from wholesale (20%), another 17% from retail. Agriculture and food production account for 10%, real estate and construction for nearly 10%, while passenger and freight transport account for 4.5%, and tourism and hospitality for 3%.

About the initiative

The idea behind the Night of Rural Entrepreneurs comes from Ida Petrik, founder and CEO of the Modern & Stylish Countryside Business Community and Vidéki Élet Magazine:

“We believe that the true strength of the Hungarian economy lies in rural businesses. The aim of this pioneering initiative is to put their work in the spotlight and give them due recognition – not only with a professional award, but also with a community event that celebrates rural values.”

The professional background is provided by OPTEN, a key player in Hungary’s business information market for decades. Dr. Hajnalka Csorbai, Strategic Director of OPTEN, emphasized:

“The figures are clear: the economic weight of rural SMEs is indisputable. This award is also a significant professional milestone, as it credibly demonstrates how indispensable rural businesses are in job creation and the development of rural regions.”

About the competition

All micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises registered in Hungary with fewer than 250 employees can apply for the award, provided their headquarters are not located in Budapest, or they have at least one rural site.

Applications can be submitted via the videkivallalkozok.hu website.

Award categories

The Rural Entrepreneur of the Year Award will be presented in several categories:

1. Rural Entrepreneur of the Year – supported by Volkswagen
2. Young Rural Entrepreneur of the Year
3. Fastest-Growing Rural Business of the Year – supported by KAVOSZ
4. Responsible Rural Employer of the Year – supported by Thermal Hotel Visegrád
5. Innovative Rural Business of the Year – supported by the Goodwill Group
6. Traditionalist Rural Business of the Year – supported by Matyodesign
7. Multi-Generational Rural Business of the Year – supported by Quality Direct
8. Sustainable Rural Business of the Year
9. Socially Responsible Rural Business of the Year
   +1. Media for Rural Entrepreneurs Award

Special Awards

• Rural E-commerce Business of the Year (Shoprenter)
• Rural Brand of the Year (Next Ship)
• Audience Award, to be decided by online voting.

The naming sponsor of the event is Volkswagen, whose values and vision align with the initiative. The partnership is built on a shared goal: to showcase the value-creating work and future-shaping role of rural businesses.

About the event

The winners of the Rural Entrepreneur of the Year Awards will be announced on November 11, 2025, at the Night of Rural Entrepreneurs held at the Eiffel Műhelyház. The evening will not only be an award ceremony but also an elegant gala and community event where the success stories of rural businesses will be in the spotlight.