Free mentoring programmes launched for local producers in Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok County

Local products not only represent economic value but also showcase a region's identity, traditions, and culinary diversity. A well-built brand, a thoughtfully developed product, or a strategic sales approach can help local producers strengthen their market presence and make their products more widely recognised.

The Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok County Municipality, as part of the project titled TOP_Plusz-3.1.1-21-JN1-2022-00001, “Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok County Employment Pact”, is launching two free mentoring programmes for local product producers.

The aim of the programmes is to support the development of county producers with expert assistance, strengthen the market position of local products, and expand the region's economic and employment opportunities.

The professional implementation is carried out by Innotime Hungary Ltd. under a business contract with the Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok County Municipality.

Within the framework of the call, two mentoring programmes are available. One programme is primarily aimed at those who already have a market-ready product and wish to consciously develop their brand further. The other programme offers support to those who want to improve their product, enhance its marketability, or increase their sales volume.

The “Brand-building mentoring for local producers” programme is designed for local product producers in Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok County who already have a market-ready product and are ready to take their brand to a more professional level.

A total of 10 producers will be involved in the programme, with 5 producers receiving a comprehensive brand-building package.

Participants will receive tailored professional support, including needs and gap analysis, development plan creation, and expert coordination of the mentoring process.

The programme will also feature a branding bootcamp delivered in two workshops. Topics covered will include:

• branding in gastronomy,
• developing a brand strategy,
• choosing marketing communication tools and channels,
• social media basics,
• storytelling, photography, video, and copywriting,
• using artificial intelligence as a communication assistant.

For the 5 selected producers, the comprehensive brand-building package may include additional elements such as professional photography, short image films or mini videos, branding and graphic design consultancy, logo and packaging suggestions, brand guidelines, social media content creation and publishing, as well as branding, communication, culinary, and business development consultancy.

The Twinning programme offers free expert support to local product producers in Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok County who feel their product needs further development or believe that involving professionals could significantly increase their sales volume.

A total of 8 producers will be selected for the programme.

One of the key values of the programme is its personalised development approach. Participants will undergo a needs assessment, based on which a unique development plan will be created for each producer. During the mentoring process, an expert team will support the producers' growth, tailored to the nature of their product, its development stage, and the producer's current level of expertise.

The programme also includes a series of three workshops:

Day 1: introductions, goal setting, networking, and exploring collaboration opportunities.

Day 2: professional presentations on international gastronomy trends, sustainability, branding, marketing planning, market research, product development, unique value propositions, and pricing.

Day 3: showcasing the results achieved.

The Twinning programme not only offers training and presentations but also direct, personalised expert support. Mentoring may involve refining recipes, improving packaging, expanding sales channels, or establishing a solid financial foundation for business operations.

Additionally, the programme provides opportunities for local producers to build connections, share experiences, and discover collaboration possibilities with one another.

Participation for the selected producers is free of charge.

The services are provided as part of a project co-financed by the European Union, in the form of non-repayable state aid. The aid value is determined based on market prices and accounted for in compliance with state aid regulations.

Applications are open to local product producers in Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok County.

Participation in the mentoring programmes is subject to obtaining written consent from the Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok County Municipality. During the selection process, compliance with state aid regulations will be assessed, which is a prerequisite for inclusion in the programme.

The programmes aim to provide local producers with practical knowledge and expert support that can directly assist in developing their products, strengthening their brand, and increasing their market presence.

The mentoring programmes can help make the county's local products more widely recognised, enhance the region's culinary offerings, and make local values more visible to consumers, visitors, and professional partners.

If you are interested in the programme, please fill out our questionnaire below!

CLICK HERE!