As we explained in our previous post, where we presented the call in detail, this scheme already offers a significant opportunity for companies planning to invest in development, and the newly published amendments further strengthen it in several respects. According to the latest announcement, the scheme has become more favorable on a number of points, potentially opening the door to larger-scale investments for an even wider range of growth-oriented SMEs.
The most important change is that the maximum financing amount has been increased from HUF 600 million to HUF 1 billion, while the maximum non-repayable grant component has been raised to 45%. The scheme continues to combine a 0% interest investment loan with a non-repayable grant, and the total available budget amounts to HUF 155.61 billion.
Who may find this particularly relevant now?
The programme still targets micro, small and medium-sized enterprises with at least three completed business years, a minimum staff headcount of five, and annual revenue of at least HUF 100 million. One of the most important messages of the amendment, however, is that the loan programme is no longer aimed only at supplier or exporting companies: it has also widened access for businesses with clear growth potential. According to the call, this may be demonstrated, among other things, by revenue growth or an increase in headcount.
This is a significant change, as it means that companies which are not yet traditional exporters or established suppliers, but are already on a clearly visible growth path, may also become eligible for the scheme.
Lower minimum thresholds, greater flexibility
The project structure has also become more flexible. Under the amended call, the project must still include equipment procurement, but it is now sufficient if this accounts for at least 10% of the total eligible costs. The same applies to corporate ICT development and/or renewable energy investments: here too, the minimum requirement has been reduced to 10%. This gives applicants much greater freedom in designing the investment mix than under the earlier, stricter requirements. Another important new feature is that business-purpose drones may now also be eligible as new tangible assets, while the upper limit for construction costs has been increased to 80%.
What can the funding be used for?
The loan programme continues to support larger-scale corporate developments serving the green and digital transition. Eligible activities include, among others, technological modernisation, corporate ICT development, real estate development, renewable energy utilisation, the purchase of fully electric vehicles, and, in certain cases, experimental development. On the digital side, the call also covers CRM, ERP, e-commerce, data management, artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0 solutions.
The non-repayable part must be earned
The 45% non-repayable rate is a highly attractive offer, but it is not automatic. Under the call, retention of the grant component remains subject to performance conditions. These include increasing gross value added per employee, completing the service provided by MGFÜ, and ensuring that ICT and/or renewable energy project elements account for at least 30% of the project’s total cost. If these conditions are not met, the grant component may be converted partly or entirely into a loan.
How long is the application window open?
Loan applications may be submitted from 23 June 2025 until 31 December 2026. Given the current amendments and the increased funding ceiling, those are likely to benefit most who do not wait until the last minute, but instead start preparing a development package already now that meets the financial, technical and eligibility requirements.
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