Record participation at Stelios business bicommunal awards

A record 58 groups of Greek and Turkish Cypriots have filed joint bids for the ‘Stelios Bicommunal Awards for Business Cooperation 2022’, vying for the top ten proposals and €20,000 each.

The awards are offered each year by Sir Stelios Hadjioannou, founder and owner of the Easy family brand and president of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation.

A ceremony announcing the ten bicommunal teams sharing a total of €200,000 will be held by teleconference on April 28 at 1300 Cyprus time, with Sir Hadjioannou congratulating the winners through a zoom link.

All 58 teams taking part will be able to attend the ceremony.

This year’s awards mainly focus on encouraging joint business activities between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, aimed at contributing towards establishing peace on the island.

“That’s why the awards were set up in the first place,” a press release said.

Eligible to take part were Greek and Turkish Cypriots whose joint business work cycle is at least €5,000 employs at least one individual in addition to the owner, as well as proof of joint business activity in both communities.

The Cypriot businessman has handed out almost €4 million to the two communities over the past 13 years since the award scheme was launched.