Foundation aims to promote peace through business collaboration

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder of the easyGroup and the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, on Thursday announced the launch of the 15th annual Stelios Bicommunal Business Cooperation Awards.

This year, the initiative will distribute €410,000 in prizes to twenty Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot entrepreneurs who demonstrate successful collaboration between the island’s communities.

“Economic cooperation between the two communities in Cyprus is fundamental for building mutual understanding and trust, ultimately contributing to lasting peace on the island,” Sir Stelios stated.

“As we celebrate 15 years of the Bicommunal Business Cooperation Awards,” he continued, “I am pleased to see how warmly both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots have embraced them.”

“We remain committed to supporting joint initiatives and creating opportunities for new collaborations that promote social and economic development in Cyprus,” Sir Stelios added.

The awards programme, established in 2009, has become a recognised institution in Cyprus.

With the latest increase in prize money, the total amount distributed since its inception has reached €4.8 million.

The announcement clarified that the competition “focuses exclusively on business collaborations between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots”.

This year’s awards will support ten bicommunal business teams. The team who wins the gold award will receive €100,000 (€50,000 per member).

Two teams will win a silver award each, along with a prize of €50,000 for each team (€25,000 per member).

Moreover, seven teams will be handed bronze awards, along with a prize of €30,000 for each team (€15,000 per member).

Applications open on January 2, 2025, and will close on February 28, 2025.

Interested business teams can download the application form from the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation’s website and submit it through email to [email protected].

To qualify, applicants must be Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot business owners with an annual turnover of at least €10,000 and employ at least one staff member besides the owner.

Evidence of a joint venture operating across both communities is also required. Previous winners and participants are eligible to reapply if they meet the criteria.

Winners will be announced in April 2025, with an award ceremony held at the Foundation’s headquarters in Nicosia.

As a non-profit organisation, the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation supports initiatives in countries where Sir Stelios and his family have lived.

This includes Cyprus, Greece, the UK, Ireland, Monaco, and France.

In Cyprus, its key programmes include the Bicommunal Business Cooperation Awards, the Youth Entrepreneurship Awards, and the “Food from the Heart” initiative, which provides meals to those in need.

Finally, the foundation also offers scholarships and financial aid to vulnerable groups and disaster-affected individuals.