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Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou Elevates Bi-Communal Business Awards to €500,000

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 9, 2026

Empowering Cross-Community Entrepreneurship

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou is set to once again champion bi-communal economic collaboration in Cyprus, announcing the 16th edition of the Stelios Bi-Communal Awards for Business Co-operation with an increased total prize fund of €500,000. This prestigious accolade reaffirms Sir Stelios’ enduring commitment to fostering harmonious business relations between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot entrepreneurs.

Enhanced Financial Incentives for Sustainable Growth

In a strategic move to further strengthen cross-community partnerships, the award structure has been augmented for the second consecutive year. Eighteen entrepreneurs, organized into nine bi-communal teams, will compete for substantial financial backing designed to stimulate reinvestment, growth, and stability in their business ventures.

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Structured Award Categories and Prize Distribution

The awards program delineates three categories of recognition. The Gold category allocates a total of €150,000, awarding €75,000 to each entrepreneur in a winning team. Two teams will share the Silver prize, receiving a cumulative €200,000, each member earning €100,000. Meanwhile, six teams competing for the Bronze award will see a combined allocation of €150,000, translating to €25,000 per team or €12,500 per entrepreneur.

A Clear Path to Application

Applications open on January 8, 2026, and will remain accessible until April 30, 2026. Interested candidates are invited to download the application form and submit the completed document via email to Marios Missirlis at the provided contact address. Eligibility extends to Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot business owners with an annual turnover of at least €10,000 and a functioning business staff beyond the owner. Moreover, applicants must provide documentation substantiating joint business endeavors in both communities. Notably, past winners and previous applicants are encouraged to reapply.

A Celebration of Shared Vision and Prosperity

The winners will be announced by Sir Stelios on June 4, 2026, at the Head Offices of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation in Nicosia. Sir Stelios emphasizes that these awards transcend mere financial incentives, embodying the transformative power of entrepreneurship to bridge historical divides and cultivate a forward-looking economic landscape in Cyprus.

A Legacy of Peace and Progress

Now marking 16 years of bi-communal cooperation, the Stelios Awards have grown to an impressive cumulative value of €5.3 million. They are a cornerstone in a suite of initiatives by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation—an organization dedicated to supporting charitable causes and innovative ventures across Cyprus, Greece, the UK, Ireland, Monaco, and France. Alongside the Business Co-operation Awards, the Foundation also extends its support to young entrepreneurs and addresses critical social needs through programs such as the “Food from the Heart” initiative.

Conclusion

In backing these cross-community efforts, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou not only invests in business excellence but also promotes dialogue, shared responsibility, and peace. The enhanced prize fund serves not merely as a financial boost but as a powerful endorsement of the role that united, innovative efforts play in shaping a prosperous and cohesive Cyprus.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Drakos DMC Launches Exclusive Scholarship To Cultivate Future Tourism Leadership

Overview Of The Scholarship Initiative

Drakos DMC, a prominent destination management company operating across Cyprus and Greece, has announced a strategic scholarship opportunity aimed at nurturing emerging talent in the tourism industry. This initiative offers a full scholarship for a Master of Science in Tourism Management at the Cyprus University of Technology (Tepak), valued at €5,125.

Scholarship Details And Eligibility

The award targets final-year students and recent graduates up to 24 years of age who hold degrees in tourism, business administration, marketing, or related areas. Candidates are expected to demonstrate excellent academic performance and must be permanent residents of Limassol. For undergraduate tourism students, the scholarship may also apply to postgraduate studies in complementary fields.

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Commitment And Career Advancement

A unique feature of this scholarship is its linkage to immediate professional integration. The successful candidate is required to commence full-time employment with Drakos DMC while pursuing the postgraduate degree and to continue with the company for an additional 30 months upon completion. Applications can be submitted by contacting Drakos DMC through their careers email, accompanied by a current curriculum vitae.

Application Process And Timelines

Prospective candidates must apply for the master’s program between February and April 2026. The full terms and conditions of the scholarship will be outlined in close coordination with the Cyprus University of Technology.

About Drakos DMC

Renowned for its premium travel experiences, Drakos DMC specializes in incentive travel, conference management, corporate events, and the design of integrated programs for international organizations. Their comprehensive approach, which spans strategic planning through to on-the-ground execution, underlines their status as a leader in the tourism management sector.