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.
