A new step to strengthen SMEs, the National Champions loan program has been launched

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 05. 22. 11:39

The GINOP Plusz National Champions call for applications has been published, in which the “Single-operation Combined Loan Program Targeting Green and Digital Transition” will be launched with a budget of 155 billion forints. The scheme is being implemented as part of the Demján Sándor Program, through which the government will provide a total of more than 1,400 billion forints of development funds to the economy in 2025 – the Ministry of National Economy (NGM) told MTI on Thursday.

The aim of the priority (Pillar) application, now announced with EU co-financing, is to support domestic exporting and supplying small and medium-sized enterprises in their technological, digital and environmental renewal, thereby strengthening their competitiveness.

The statement quoted

Richard Szabados, the State Secretary for the Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Technology and the Defense Industry at the Ministry of Economy, who highlighted in connection with the program that stimulating investment activity is key to economic growth.

The program that has just been launched is not only a financial instrument, but also an expression of the government’s support: “we trust in Hungarian enterprises, we are also looking for and helping future national champions among small and medium-sized enterprises”.

The scheme operates in a so-called “single-operation combined” form: enterprises can apply for a zero-percent interest investment loan at a single location, at MFB Points, which is accompanied by a 30 percent non-refundable grant.

The amount of support that can be applied for ranges between 150 and 600 million forints, of which a maximum of 180 million forints can be a non-refundable source. Eligible for support are SMEs with growth potential, operating as suppliers or exporters, which have at least three completed business years, employ more than five people, and have exceeded 100 million forints in net sales in the previous business year.

Supported projects must include: technological modernization, equipment procurement at least 30 percent of the costs, and infocommunication development and/or renewable energy-related investment also at a minimum of 30 percent.