Since beginning its Hungarian operations, the EIF has committed €911 million, unlocking over €5.2 billion for 15,000+ SMEs. With Hungary’s SMEs pushing into innovation and digitalisation, the EIF has stepped in with targeted support.
Support has come through equity funds, guarantees, and national partnerships, with initiatives such as JEREMIE, the Central Europe Fund of Funds, InvestEU and COSME. By targeting innovation, competitiveness and digitalisation, these tools have strengthened entrepreneurship and regional growth.
“The thing about us is, well, we don’t give up easily on anyone,” says Noémi Ambrus Kiry, COO of Hegyvidéki Ízlelő, a Budapest restaurant staffed primarily by people with mental or physical disabilities - employing 23 people, 18 of whom have conditions like autism, hearing or mobility issues. The team progressively adapts tasks, such as lowering workbenches or providing extra support, to ensure all can contribute.
As a social enterprise, they opened their second restaurant in 2019 with an EU‑guaranteed loan from Erste Bank, backed by the EIF under the Investment Plan for Europe - enabling premises transformation and equipment purchase. When COVID‑19 struck, the loan also helped them quickly launch a delivery and pick‑up service.