Debrecen4U
September 2, 2026
Current Developments in Local Business Facilitation
Working together with EDC Debrecen, the leadership of the Municipality of Debrecen is committed to encouraging and facilitating the development of business relationships between local companies. Through EDC Debrecen, the city is actively working to support the growth of local businesses. Deputy Mayor Lajos Barcsa and Zoltán Pécskay, Managing Director of EDC Debrecen, held a press conference to present the latest developments in this area.
1. Further development of the Online Supplier Database
As part of these long-term efforts, EDC Debrecen launched its Online Supplier Database last year. Its aim is to increase the visibility of local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and facilitate business relationships between major companies already operating in Debrecen or planning to establish a presence in the city and potential local suppliers. The database showcases local companies operating in the industrial and services sectors which, based on their level of corporate maturity, financial data and previous references, may potentially become suppliers to major companies.
The Online Supplier Database is available at https://invest.debrecen.hu/beszallitoi-adatbazis/. Searching the database, as well as being listed or applying for inclusion as a company, is free of charge, and the system is operated by EDC Debrecen on a non-profit basis. This year, the range of businesses included in the online database has been significantly expanded, while the platform’s appearance and visual elements have also been improved to make it easier, more efficient and more user-friendly to search for potential local suppliers and business partners. There are currently 376 local companies listed in the database, and the information provided is continuously checked and updated by EDC Debrecen staff. Inclusion in the database is automatic for Debrecen-based businesses that meet the following objective criteria. The system displays only data and information that are publicly available and can be verified by anyone.
Online Supplier Database inclusion criteria:
- Companies headquartered in Debrecen or Hajdú-Bihar County
- Active company (not subject to liquidation, winding-up or bankruptcy proceedings)
- Has its own website and publicly available contact details (email address and telephone number)
The entry thresholds for manufacturing and service companies differ based on their historical financial data:
| Manufacturing companies | Service companies |
|---|---|
| Minimum 1 completed financial year | Minimum 1 completed financial year |
| Minimum 9 employees | Minimum 2 employees |
| Minimum net sales revenue of HUF 200 million | Minimum net sales revenue of HUF 80 million |
If a company wishes to be included in the Online Supplier Database, it can contact the EDC Debrecen team at business@edc.debrecen.hu.
2. Background to the Northern Great Plain Regional Supplier Forum
The Northern Great Plain Regional Supplier Forum will take place on 20 October 2026. Once again, it is being jointly organised by EDC Debrecen and the Hajdú-Bihar County Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and will be held on the VIP level of the Nagyerdei Stadium. As in previous years, in addition to companies from Debrecen and Hajdú-Bihar County, major companies from Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg and Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok counties looking for potential suppliers will also attend. This year, more major companies than ever before – around 20 according to current plans, including several that have not participated in previous forums – are expected to take part. Interested SMEs will be able to book appointments with their representatives, potentially resulting in as many as 400 rapid introductory business meetings during the day.
The forum aims to help small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the region become part of major corporate supply chains. In addition to the professional programme, the event will provide an opportunity for SME managers and procurement professionals from major companies to establish direct business contacts and hold face-to-face discussions.
As Deputy Mayor Lajos Barcsa emphasised: “Debrecen’s economic development is complete only when local businesses also benefit from it through more orders and new market opportunities. We are not organising yet another conference; we are bringing local entrepreneurs to the negotiating table with corporate procurement professionals. We offer support throughout the entire life cycle of a business: from getting started and becoming more visible to establishing the first business relationships with major companies.”
The event’s professional partners will once again be Euroleasing Zrt. and Deloitte Hungary, both of which are returning partners supporting the organisation of the forum.
As in previous years, a preparatory event will be held ahead of the forum for representatives of the participating SMEs. The training session on 5 October aims to prepare businesses for the short company-introduction meetings held as part of the forum, known as “pitches”. This year, the training will once again be delivered by Dr Georgina Ványi Árváné, Managing Director of Diamond Coaching & Development Kft.
Registration is available at https://forms.gle/yFTt7rpn2pgN5nmDA.
About the event programme:
On the morning of the event, as in previous years, the opening ceremony will be followed by professional presentations and panel discussions focusing on helping SMEs become suppliers and improving their efficiency. In the afternoon, rapid B2B meetings will be held between representatives of major companies and SMEs, based on appointments booked online in advance. The meetings are currently scheduled to take place between 12:50 and 16:40. Representatives of each SME will be able to book appointments with a maximum of five major companies, with ten minutes allocated to each rapid meeting.
3. Programme supporting start-up businesses – specifically for new entrepreneurs and those planning to start a business
Alongside more mature businesses seeking to establish supplier relationships with major companies, EDC Debrecen is also launching a new professional programme for start-ups and people planning to establish a business. The “SMEs for Beginners” – Professional Support for Start-up Businesses programme, scheduled to begin in October, aims to provide practical knowledge in areas including business operations, strategic planning, finance and sales for newly established businesses and Debrecen residents preparing to launch a company.
The four-session, free-of-charge programme will be held every two weeks, with three 50-minute professional presentations per session. During the programme, experienced practitioners will share their knowledge and experience of running businesses, as well as their insights into the local market. Completion of the programme will be recognised by the city leadership of Debrecen with a certificate. Open registration will begin shortly, and interested participants will be able to find further information on the EDC Debrecen Facebook page at EDC Debrecen Facebook page.
Registration is available at https://forms.gle/L8gvvzFjcGr6gvyr6.
Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu
