The initiative, announced by Deputy Mayor and municipal spokesperson, Inma Sanz, seeks to consolidate Madrid as a global epicenter of design and creativity. These subsidies, managed by the General Directorate of Commerce and Hospitality, set a limit of 20,000 euros per beneficiary and are intended to cover expenses associated with presenting collections, both in physical and digital formats.
Designers who have participated in key events on Madrid's fashion calendar, such as Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Madrid, Omoda Madrid es Moda, Atelier Couture, or Bridal House Madrid, will be eligible for these grants. The eligible period covers events held between September 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.
“"The objective of this measure is to strengthen the 'Madrid Capital de Moda' brand and consolidate the city as an international benchmark for avant-garde design and creation."
The 2026 call for applications incorporates significant operational improvements, including a review of the wording for non-subsidizable expenses to avoid ambiguities and greater flexibility in payment accreditation methods. In return, beneficiaries must include the City Council's logo in their official communications for the year following the grant, ensuring visibility of institutional support.
In the legal sphere, the call is updated to mention the Madrid Court of First Instance, a recently created body that will be the reference for filing possible contentious-administrative appeals, guaranteeing the legal certainty of the process. In 2025, the City Council already granted over 1.1 million euros to 101 beneficiaries, underscoring its sustained commitment to the creative sector.
This support extends to fundamental platforms within Madrid's fashion ecosystem, such as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid (organized by IFEMA Madrid) and Madrid es Moda/Omoda Madrid es Moda (promoted by ACME). Support is also provided to Atelier Couture, which values textile craftsmanship and bespoke tailoring, sectors where Madrid excels due to its excellence.
These aids are part of a broader economic revitalization strategy, which includes 6.1 million euros for the modernization of municipal markets and 1.5 million for the digitalization of the commercial and hospitality sectors. All these actions are part of the EIFACH 2025-2027 Strategy and the Strategic Plan for Subsidies, seeking a comprehensive transformation of the urban economy.
Furthermore, between April and May, new calls are expected to promote entrepreneurship and support sectoral associations, providing a predictable and favorable environment for the growth of fashion SMEs and freelancers. With these measures, the City Council reaffirms its commitment to making Madrid an attractive city for investment and work, projecting an image of a modern, creative, and dynamic capital globally.
