The initiative focuses on small and medium-sized enterprises that bring life to our streets, squares, and urban communities every day.
The program is implemented under the coordination of the Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in cooperation with the Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Sopron Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with the professional leadership of the Shopping Street Management.
Why was the Living City Program launched?
Today, city centers represent economic, communal, and cultural spaces. However, the economic and social changes of recent years have posed numerous challenges to local businesses:
- decreasing foot traffic,
- changing consumer habits,
- online competition,
- empty commercial spaces,
- fragmented business collaborations.
The goal of the Living City Program is to provide community and data-driven responses to these challenges while strengthening the visibility, collaboration, and long-term competitiveness of local businesses.
What does “living city” mean?
For us, a living city is:
- human-scaled,
- community-oriented,
- walkable,
- built on local businesses,
- and creates real meeting points.
The program is not just a local economic development initiative, but a collaborative model in which entrepreneurs play an active role in shaping the city's future.
What happens during the program?
In the first phase of the program, focus groups and research will be initiated for entrepreneurs in Sopron and Miskolc, aimed at mapping local problems and opportunities.
Following this:
- entrepreneurial forums,
- workshops,
- community events,
- as well as urban map and communication projects
will support strengthening local connections and collaborations.
Participating businesses can also engage in initiatives and events that provide national visibility, including the Workshop Festival and the SlowXmas program.
Who participates in the program?
The program includes:
- local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises,
- commercial and service providers,
- hospitality venues,
- creative businesses,
- professional organizations,
- as well as urban and chamber partners
participating.
The professional implementation is based on the shopping and thematic street model successfully operated by the Shopping Street Management in Budapest.
Long-term goal
The long-term goal of the Living City Program is to establish local entrepreneurial networks and collaborations that contribute to the economic, communal, and cultural renewal of city centers.
Because a city becomes truly alive through connections, local stories, and collaborative communities.