The budget of the Fashion and Design Tender has been increased to HUF 15 billion

The Ministry for Innovation and Technology has increased the overall amount of the value of the Fashion and Design Tender from HUF 10 billion to HUF 15 billion, to support Hungarian fashion and design companies. At present, enterprises of the convergence regions can apply for support from the HUF 12 billion within the framework of the GINOP 1.2.14-20 scheme, and starting from February the application process will open for VEKOP 1.2.7-20, for enterprises operating in the Central Region of Hungary with a budget of HUF 3 billion. Thanks to the work of the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency, which provided the professional background for the tender, the sector has received a level of support that has not been seen for decades.

As a result of the professional background work of the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency, the Ministry for Innovation and Technology launched a HUF 7 billion tender for fashion and design companies operating in the convergence regions, which it has now increased by HUF 5 billion, therefore, companies can currently apply for HUF 12 billion within the framework of the GINOP 1.2.14-20 scheme.

On January 6, 2021, with a budget of HUF 3 billion, the VEKOP 1.2.7-20 was published, developed specifically for enterprises operating in the Central Hungary Region, for which industry players can submit their applications for support from February onwards. On January 15, 2021, Dr. László György reported to the Secretary of State for Economic Strategy and Regulation and Zsófia Bata-Jakab, CEO of HFDA, in the framework of a joint online press conference.

The tenders, with an overall budget of HUF 15 billion are aimed at supporting developments that help micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the fashion and design industries to adapt to modern business and production challenges. The extraordinary capabilities of the fashion and design industry, and the changed economic situation caused by the Coronavirus, together justify the need for the sector and its domestic players to become stronger in the challenging period to be able to gain a favourable position in the fierce international competition due to the global restructuring of the sector.

The founding professional work of the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency, together with the cooperation of the industry, contributed to the creation of the tender, which is of great importance, as through this tender, the sector has received a level of support that has not been seen for decades. The professional consultations have not stopped even after the announcement of the tender, as the HFDA has maintained an active dialogue with the industry players on a broader level in society.

During consultations with the Ministry for Innovation and Technology and the Ministry of Finance, the HFDA also participated as a professional partner in the development of the prequalification scoring system, as well the tender itself. As a result of the negotiations, it was possible to expand the range of participants in the tender, as well as the range of equipment that can be requested for the development of enterprises. Additionally, wages were also included in the supported activities. Besides providing the appropriate professional background, the HFDA sought to provide tangible assistance to industry players in order to support the submission of as many successful applications as possible. The Agency organized 6 online informative events per Convergence region, in which nearly 180 participants asked questions about the application process.

The creative sector is now past one of its most difficult years, however, forecasts show that trading conditions will not be easier in 2021 either, prompting companies to rethink their operational strategies and priorities. In addition to the development of a permanent work model, it is worth reinterpreting the concept of telework and on-site work, and the online presence of industry players has also become a necessity. However, due to lack of resources, not all companies are able to implement these changes on their own, which another reason why it is extremely important to support the sector. The Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency is committed to the further, widespread development of the industry so that companies can be renewed and strengthened even in the changed economic situation.

The first round of the pre-qualification system, established as a criterion for the submission of grant applications, opened on December 17, 2020, and will end on January 15, 2021. In the first round, over 300 companies applied for pre-qualification, and their certificates will be issued by February 15. For those businesses, who are currently still considering applying, the second round of the pre-qualification system will begin on January 16, 2021, and will be open between January 16-31.

Companies wanting to apply, should not hesitate. Companies applying in the second round will receive their certificates on February 28, 2021. Although the pre-qualification certificate will be received by the companies at different dates due to the different timings of the two rounds, the opportunity to submit applications will happen at the same time, starting from March 1, to ensure that there is no competition regarding the application process.

Further information can be found on the following website: divatdesignpalyazat.ifka.hu